AUBURNDALE, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University women's soccer team returned to action Saturday afternoon, hosting New College of Florida in a nonconference matchup. Despite a strong performance in goal from Ariela Grady and a late offensive breakthrough from Mia Castillo, the Phoenix fell to the Mighty Banyans, 7-1. Castillo's goal for the Phoenix represented the first score in program history, marking resilience and a never give up attitude.
New College of Florida established an early offensive presence, applying consistent pressure on the Phoenix defense throughout the opening half. The Mighty Banyans struck first in the ninth minute when Summer Steele found the back of the net to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. Florida Poly goalkeeper Ariela Grady was tested early and often, recording several crucial stops to keep the Phoenix within striking distance. Steele doubled the lead in the 26th minute off an assist from Reese John before John added another goal in the 28th minute. Ashlyn Florio followed with a goal just 25 seconds later, extending New College's advantage to 4-0.
Florida Poly continued to battle defensively as the first half progressed, with Grady delivering an impressive performance between the posts. The Phoenix goalkeeper recorded eight first-half saves against a New College attack that generated 20 shots in the opening 45 minutes. Despite those efforts, Florio added her second goal of the afternoon with just 11 seconds remaining in the half, sending the Mighty Banyans into the break with a 5-0 lead.
The Phoenix returned to the field in the second half looking to generate more offensive opportunities while limiting New College's attacking chances. Grady continued her strong showing in goal, turning away an attempt from Reese John in the 51st minute. However, the Mighty Banyans extended their lead in the 57th minute when Rylee O'Shea scored off an assist from Adriana Diemer. Florida Poly responded shortly afterward, creating its first scoring opportunity of the afternoon when Leyla Kacurova placed a shot on goal in the 59th minute, forcing a save from New College goalkeeper Ashlyn Florio.
New College added its final goal in the 77th minute when Lena Gouverneur scored off an assist from Steele, pushing the advantage to 7-0. However, the Phoenix quickly answered with an offensive breakthrough of their own. Just over a minute later, Castillo found the back of the net at the 77:45 mark, putting Florida Poly on the scoreboard and cutting the deficit to 7-1. The goal marked the Phoenix's second shot on target of the afternoon and highlighted the team's determination to continue competing despite the score.
Florida Poly remained active defensively during the closing minutes, with Grady making another save in the 90th minute to prevent an additional New College goal. The Mighty Banyans finished the contest with a 29-2 advantage in total shots, including a 19-2 edge in shots on goal. Grady finished with 12 saves, recording eight in the first half and four in the second. Castillo and Kacurova accounted for both Florida Poly shots on goal, while the Phoenix defense limited New College to just nine second-half shots after facing 20 in the opening period.
