Box Score LAKELAND — For the fourth straight year, Polk State Soccer will enjoy a winning season. The Eagles assured themselves that with a 3-0 victory over United International College (B) on Monday.
Polk State (8-4-1) dominated statistically with 32 shots to just six for the Eagle Rays. The Eagles, however, weren't able to pull away until late.
Dylan Fernandez got the scoring started with a goal in the 39th minute.
Kiana Kropp was credited with her first of two assists on the day.
The Eagles also held a decisive edge in corners with 14 to just one for United International. The Eagle Rays did, however, have scoring opportunities.
In for the injured
Ella Sebree, goalkeeper
Ryann Stephens recorded her second straight shutout. She's allowed just two goals in four starts this season.
"It's nice to have two good keepers," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "We hope to have Ella back soon, but Ryann has played like a seasoned veteran."
Stephens finished with four saves including a diving stop in the 73rd minute following her own errant pass. The save preserved the 1-0 lead for Polk State.
"It's been a great learning experience for me," Stephens said. "Ella's been a great supporter. Once I settled in and got to trust my teammates, it's felt like high school again."
From there, the offense responded. In the 79th minute, Kropp again assisted as
Yerika Pereira knocked in her second goal of the season to double the advantage.
"I've been working hard to score a goal for a while now," Pereira said. "This is one of our last games. It was important to get this win and play well together."
Aleyshka Orellano, who registered a team-high seven shots, capped the scoring in the 89th minute.
Edjenie Joseph was credited with the assist.
Polk State will celebrate Sophomore Night and wrap up the regular season on Tuesday against Ave Maria University JV at 4 p.m. It will be the final tuneup before the Eagles open the Region 8 Tournament on Thursday.
"We wanted to get another one in (before the Region 8 Tournament) and we now feel like everyone has enough miles on their cleats," Shivraman added. "Tomorrow, we got another tough one against Ave Maria."
