Polk County Middle put forth a solid defensive effort Tuesday, but Apple Valley finally broke through late in the first half and went on to post a 3-0 victory in Blue Ridge Conference boys soccer action at Utz Field.

The match ended with 19:24 remaining after a late-afternoon storm forced play to be halted. Repeated lightning strikes in the area prevented the match from being resumed.

Facing the defending BRC champions, Polk Middle (2-1) held its own throughout most of the first half. Wolverine goalkeeper Cade Bright had a handful of saves to blunt Apple Valley chances, and the Polk defense of Brandon Troyer, Freedom Moser, Brian Bautista and Auston Ledford helped keep the match scoreless.

Troyer headed away an Apple Valley shot with nine minutes left in the half, but the Knights (2-0) finally broke through four minutes later, tallying twice in a 48-second span to grab a 2-0 lead at the half.

The Knights added another goal shortly before stoppage on a long kick that dropped just inside the crossbar.

Polk Middle had its best scoring opportunity midway through the first half, with Evan Jones’ shot from the right win just sliding past the left post.

Polk Middle continued its schedule on Wednesday, traveling to Hendersonville Middle.

– Submitted by PolkSports.com