SARASOTA – After an undefeated August, Polk State Soccer started September with a heartbreaking loss. New College of Florida JV converted a second-half penalty kick to slip past the Eagles on Friday, 2-1.
The Mighty Banyans scored off a corner kick for the lone goal of the first half. In the second half, however, Polk State (3-1-1) drew even.
Jaycie Noble was able to take the feed from
Andrea Romero and find the back of the net for the equalizer. The goal was the fourth of the season for Noble, tying her with
Isabella O'Sullivan for the team and FCSAA lead.
New College was able to go in front to stay midway through the second half as Polk State's
Agustina Carnero was called for a foul inside the box. The penalty kick slipped past Polk State goalkeeper
Violeta Henao for the decisive score.
The Eagles fell despite holding the shot advantage.
Sofia Zapata and Henao combined for nine saves. Noble led Polk State with nine shots.
"These things that happen in our game -- falling behind, fighting back and managing the pressure -- are all windows of opportunity to get better," Head Coach Dee Shivraman said. "It's disappointing but there is a lot to learn from this as we move forward."
Fresh off its first loss of the season, Polk State will have a quick turnaround as it returns home to take on Pasco-Hernando State College on Saturday at 11 a.m. The Eagles defeated the Bobcats 2-1 last week in New Port Richey. It will be Polk State's final tune-up before the start of FCSAA play.
