Wolverines finally score game-winner in overtime to down Cavaliers

Polk County overcame several injuries to its defense Wednesday to outlast East Rutherford 2-1 in overtime in a Mountain Foothills 7 Conference boys soccer match in Bostic.

The Wolverines (6-4-2, 3-2) got a goal in overtime from Sebastian Azar to clinch the conference win and drop the Cavaliers to 2-8-1, 2-4.

Polk County could well have easily won the game in regulation; the Wolverines had 28 shots on goal, with four of those banging off a post. But East Rutherford survived the onslaught, with Polk’s only score coming on a first-half strike by Manny Albarran.

The Wolverines played much of the second half and overtime without injured defenders Jasper Azar, Will Garrison and Noah Greve. Charlie Jackson and McClain Koistinen helped anchor Polk’s defensive effort, with James Purtill moving into the back to lend a hand.

Head coach George Alley also cited the play of Harrison Ashworth, Nate Martinez and Tanner Osborn in midfield as key to the win.

Polk County remains on the road on Monday, traveling to Brevard to face the Blue Devils in a matchup of teams tied for third place in the MF7.