Hendersonville JVs hold off late Polk surge

Polk County’s second-half rally fell just short Monday as Hendersonville’s junior varsity held on for a 3-1 victory in Mountain Foothills 7 Conference boys soccer action at Dietz Field.

The Bearcats (6-2-2) handed the Wolverines (3-7) their second straight loss, but not by much.

Hendersonville took an early 2-0 lead and held that throughout the second half until 5:58 remained in the match. At that point, the Wolverines struck as Erik Pena chipped a pass forward to Tallis Metcalf, who evaded a defender and struck a left-footed shot from some 20 yards out on the right wing that found the left side of the net, slicing the Bearcat lead in half.

Polk kept pressing for a tying goal, including bringing goalkeeper Charlie Wagoner forward for a corner kick with 25 seconds remaining. Hendersonville turned that charge aside and broke a man free for a goal into the empty net with a second remaining.

Polk County is next slated to be in action on Oct. 19, traveling to West Henderson for a non-conference match at 5 p.m.