Box Score MELBOURNE – The trek from Lakeland to Orlando Health Stadium is an annual trip for Polk State Soccer – and in some seasons is made more than once. Prior to Wednesday night, however, the Eagles had not come home from Melbourne with a true road victory since 2010.

Behind a pair of second-half goals from Jaycie Noble, Polk State found a way to accomplish the feat. The Eagles held on to upset No. 13 Eastern Florida State College, 2-1.

Scoreless through one half, Noble found the net in the 50th minute to give the Eagles (5-3-2, 1-2-1 FCSAA) a 1-0 lead. Off a beautiful feed from Wendy Benedo, Noble never had to break stride before letting one rip from about 15 yards away. The shot slipped past Eastern Florida State goalkeeper Gabriela Genova.

Eastern Florida nearly drew even in the 74th minute as Danika Kilbourne's shot ricocheted off the hand of Polk State goalkeeper Sofia Zapata and off the bar. After Isabella O'Sullivan cleared the ball to Abi Shannon, Noble was able to push forward with a head of steam. Noble launched one from about 30 yards away that went off the hands of Genova and into the net.

Down 2-0, the Titans refused to go quietly. After scoring two goals against Polk State in Lakeland earlier this month, Esme Johnson got Eastern Florida on the board with less than nine minutes remaining. The Titans couldn't get a good look at the equalizer after that, however.

Noble led Polk State with six shots. O'Sullivan added two. Zapata finished with four saves and has allowed just two goals in her last three FCSAA matches.

With the two goals on Wednesday night, Noble became the first Polk State player to score multiple goals in an FCSAA match since Marcella Koasne netted a pair against Daytona State College on Oct. 8, 2022. Noble now leads Polk State and ranks third in the FCSAA with seven goals this season.

After two outstanding performances, Polk State will get a bit of an extended rest. The Eagles will return to Melbourne on Oct. 10 for a neutral-site contest with Monroe Community College.