A showdown of Blue Ridge Conference East Division undefeated teams tipped Brevard Middle’s way Wednesday.
It did so by the closest of margins, which is the message that Polk Middle’s coaches stressed at match’s end.
The Blue Devils scored with a minute remaining in double overtime, securing a 3-2 win over the Wolverines in a well-played, tightly-contested matchup at Utz Field.
You'll talk to someone who knows your name. Ashworth Financial Group, Trade Street, Tryon.
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
Polk Middle (5-1) scored the first goals that Brevard Middle (4-0) had allowed all season, both of those coming in the first half from Reeve Carroll. Those strikes gave Polk an early 1-0 lead, then a 2-1 advantage at half.
The Blue Devils largely controlled the second half, aggressively keeping the ball in the Wolverines’ end of the field. Yet goalkeeper Sofie Abrahamsen and Polk’s defense turned aside each chance until the final 15 minutes, when the Blue Devils finally got the equalizer.
Abrahamsen had two key saves in the final five minutes, preserving the tie and forcing overtime. The two five-minute extra periods looked as if they wouldn’t settle the outcome until Brevard’s goal off a long kick from the right wing settled it.
“We’re proud, very proud of them,” said Polk Middle head coach Jessica Marrow. “I told them this is what we work on at practice every day, for this reason.
“The biggest thing is that we came together at the end as a team. There are still things that we need to work on, winning the ball out of the air, not letting the ball bounce. But we’ve been working on our fitness and it definitely showed. I’m just super proud of them.”
The Wolverines are slated to host Canton Middle on Tuesday in a 4:30 p.m. match.
Storm damage doesn't wait. Epperson Tree offers 24/7 emergency service across Polk County.
