Foster Meyer’s 51st-minute goal proved to be the difference Monday as Polk County Middle defeated Waynesville Middle 1-0 in the opening round of the Blue Ridge Conference Tournament in Waynesville.
The victory sends the Wolverines (8-3-2) into Wednesday’s semifinals, where they will face a stiff test against East Division champion Hendersonville Middle. The East Division champion Bearcats, who swept the regular-season series against Polk County, advanced with a 6-1 victory over Canton Middle on Monday.
Waynesville’s season ends at 5-3-2.
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Polk County Middle controlled the opening stages of Monday’s match, dominating possession for the first 15-20 minutes before the teams settled into an evenly-matched contest through halftime. The Wolverines’ early pressure failed to produce results as Waynesville’s goalkeeper commanded his penalty area and handled all crosses cleanly.
The complexion of the match shifted after the break, with Waynesville, the second seed in the West Division, asserting control in the midfield. The visitors won first balls and pounced on loose balls with increased urgency, putting pressure on Polk County Middle’s defense.
That back line held firm. Jasper Mathews, Ian Lewis, Angel Roman, Axel Ramirez and Rhys Jackson maintained their composure throughout the second half, preserving the clean sheet as the match remained scoreless.
The breakthrough finally came in the 51st minute when a long ball down the left flank sent Meyer into a footrace with a Waynesville defender. Meyer won the battle for possession just inside the penalty area and immediately lofted a shot over the advancing goalkeeper into the upper right corner of the net.
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