MIAMI – A neutral-site matchup against a top-15 team proved to be too tall of a task for Polk State Soccer in its season opener. A trio of second-half goals were the difference as the Eagles fell to No. 14 Monroe College on Thursday, 3-0.
For a half, Polk State (0-1) kept the Mustangs off the board. Monroe finished with 11 shots in the first half, but Leona Kraus proved dependable in goal to keep the contest scoreless.
Perhaps Kraus’ most impressive save came early in the second half. Caught in a one-on-one situation, the Germany native made an incredible diving safe to keep the match scoreless.
Monroe finally broke through with two goals in less than a two-minute stretch. After Katherine Bean-Rosar found the net in the 63rd minute, Maiko Kiuchi doubled the advantage 66 seconds later. An own goal by Polk State in the 84th minute put the exclamation point on the Monroe victory.
Kraus shined for Polk State with 11 saves. Angie Wallin played the final 16 minutes in goal and added a save.
Anisa Lahbiki and Noemi Casique each finished with two shots for the Eagles, including one each on goal. Natasha Muchakati and Charlize Hopper had the only other shots on goal for Polk State.
As was the case on the scoreboard, Monroe held the upper hand statistically. The Mustangs finished with 24 shots, including 14 on goal, to just eight total shots for Polk State. Carmen Santamaria and Katherine Nieves added assists in the win.
The loss for Polk State ends a streak of 40 straight non-conference regular season matches without a defeat. Prior to Thursday, the last such loss came in September 2019 to Gordon State College.
The Eagles will try to bounce back on Monday when they travel to face Pasco-Hernando State College. Polk State won both meetings between the schools last season. Match time is scheduled for 4 p.m.
