Polk County’s girls soccer team wasted little time Thursday establishing control at East Rutherford, scoring three goals in the first 13 minutes en route to a 4-1 Mountain Foothills 7 Conference victory.
The win improved the Wolverines’ record to 12-2-1 overall, 8-2-1 in conference play. East Rutherford dropped to 6-13-1, 4-8.
Polk County’s offensive efficiency was on display from the opening whistle. The Wolverines converted their first opportunity in the seventh minute when Gabby Savaia drew a foul just outside the penalty area. Reeve Carroll executed the free kick perfectly, lifting the ball over the defensive wall and into the top left corner of the net.
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Just two minutes later, the Wolverines struck again. After a defensive stop, Carroll delivered a precise long pass over East Rutherford’s back line. Savaia showcased her speed, racing past defenders before calmly rounding the goalkeeper and finishing for a 2-0 advantage.
The Wolverines’ third goal highlighted their technical passing ability. Defender Natalie Serrano started the sequence, finding Hayden Blackwell, who quickly connected with Hurley Bell. Bell delivered a one-touch cross to Savaia, who completed her brace in the 13th minute.
Polk County added a fourth goal in the 26th minute when Kylie Lewis won possession, shielded her defender and delivered a cross to Jasmine Baird, who fired a low shot from the top of the box into the bottom right corner.
East Rutherford managed just two shots on goal throughout the match but converted one in the 66th minute to prevent the shutout.
The Wolverines face a significant test Friday when they host A.C. Reynolds in a non-conference clash between two of western North Carolina’s premier programs.
