LAKELAND – Less than a minute separated Polk State Soccer from defeating the two-time reigning national champions. Thanks to a goal in the final minute, however, the Eagles settled for a 1-1 draw with No. 2 Daytona State College on Wednesday.

The lone goal of the contest for Polk State came in the first half and from long distance. Riley Whale connected from more than 30 yards away to give the Eagles (4-3-2, 0-2-1 FCSAA) the early 1-0 lead.

Polk State would hold on to that advantage for nearly 60 minutes of game time. In the 90th minute, Brooke Voorhees headed in the tying goal.

"This was a phenomenal team effort from our group," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "I'm just crushed that we didn't get the win, but at the same time, I'm very, very proud of what they accomplished today. That's no ordinary opponent. That's a back-to-back national champion with great players and coaching. I just can't say enough about our effort and how our kids represented Polk State today."

Daytona State was on the attack for much of the second half. Goalkeeper Sofia Zapata and the Polk State defense, however, was able to turn away the Falcons time and time again. Zapata finished with 10 saves in the draw.

"Sofia made some incredible saves; she was our MVP today," Shivraman added. "Kaylin Allen was a warrior in the midfield. Riley Whale and Isabella O'Sullivan were nuisances for them today. Credit to Jaiden Robert, Jordan Robert, Sophia Henriques. It was a roll-up-your-sleeve, blue-collar effort today."

The Falcons held a 28-5 shot advantage, but Polk State did a better job taking advantage of the opportunities. Jaycie Noble led Polk State with three shots. Isabella O'Sullivan added a shot of her own. 

Polk State will get a bit of an extended rest. The next scheduled contest for the Eagles is on Oct. 8 at Eastern Florida State College.