Marino’s late goal lifts Polk Middle to 2-1 victory

Ava Marino scored the winning goal in the final minutes Monday as Polk County Middle handed Apple Valley a 2-1 loss in middle school girls soccer action at Polk Middle.

After Apple Valley scored with some three minutes left to even the game at 1-1, Polk Middle pushed forward and earned a corner kick. The Wolverines controlled the ball in front of the Apple Valley net following the corner until Marino scored with about a minute remaining.

Marino broke a scoreless tie in the second half with a goal from the top of the penalty box.

Monday’s win came after a 1-0 loss to Rugby on Thursday. Sara Muse had 13 saves in the loss, with Rugby scoring its lone goal off a free kick.

Head coach Stephanie Luedi praised Muse as well as the defensive play of Rollins Carter, Sydney Waldman, Julia Griffin, Scout Harmon, Maira Roman and Lauren Wilson.

Polk County (3-3) is off until April 4, when the Wolverines host Brevard Middle.