MELBOURNE -- As Polk State Soccer prepares for the start of the FCSAA Tournament on Thursday night in Melbourne, two players will take the pitch as All-FCSAA honorees.

Midfielder Kaylin Allen and goalkeeper Sofia Zapata were each recognized with the All-FCSAA Team distinction on Wednesday. Last week, the two helped the Eagles achieve a national ranking for the first time in four years.

"Kaylin and Sofia have brought tremendous energy and leadership to our program all season long," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "These are well-deserved honors for two truly elite players."

Allen enters the state tournament ranked fourth in the FCSAA with five assists on the year. A sophomore midfielder from Palmetto and a team captain, Allen set the tone for a strong season with three assists in the opener – an 8-0 victory over Central Georgia Technical College on August 22. Allen has two goals on the season and ranks third on the team with nine points.

A freshman from Orlando, Zapata will enter the FCSAA Tournament as the state's leader in saves with 55. She ranks second in the FCSAA with a .764 save percentage. Zapata was previously recognized as FCSAA Player of the Week following a 1-1 draw with two-time reigning national champion Daytona State College on September 23. She finished with five saves in a 2-1 upset over then No. 13 Eastern Florida State College a week later – Polk State's first road win over the Titans in 16 years.

"We're fortunate to have exceptionally talented student-athletes here at Polk State," added Randy Lee, Director of Athletics. "I congratulate Kaylin and Sofia and wish them both luck as they aim to bring a ninth state title back to Polk."

Allen and Zapata will try to help Polk State win an FCSAA title this week at Orlando Health Stadium. The Eagles will be the No. 4 seed and open the postseason against FCSAA regular-season champion Miami Dade College, the tournament's top seed, in the semifinals on Thursday at 8 p.m.

"Congratulations to Kaylin and Sofia on earning All-FCSAA recognition," said President Anastasios Kamoutsas. "Their accomplishments reflect the talent, discipline, and competitive spirit of our student-athletes and the strength of our soccer program. We are proud of what they have achieved this season and look forward to seeing our Eagles compete for a championship."

All-FCSAA Team Selections

Kaylin Allen, M, sophomore, Palmetto, Fla.
Sofia Zapata, GK, freshman, Orlando, Fla.