AUBURNDALE, Fla. – The Florida Polytechnic University women's soccer team battled through 90 minutes Thursday evening but was unable to overcome a strong offensive performance from TCJ, falling 7-0 in Auburndale. The loss moved the Phoenix to 0-2 on the season.
Florida Poly goalkeeper Ariela Grady was tested early and often, keeping the Phoenix within striking distance throughout much of the opening half. Grady made eight saves in the first 45 minutes as TCJ generated 17 shots. The visitors finally broke through in the 16th minute when Sy'ayerra Augusta scored the opening goal. Florida Poly earned a corner kick from Mia Castillo in the 20th minute, but TCJ doubled its advantage at 36:22 when Augusta scored her second goal of the night off an assist from Kalli Robinson. The Phoenix entered halftime trailing 2-0 despite Grady's strong work in net.
TCJ increased its pressure early in the second half, scoring three times in a span of less than seven minutes. Camila Lopez made it 3-0 in the 54th minute before Robinson scored at 56:34 and again at 59:36 to push the margin to five. Natalia Versage added another goal in the 70th minute before Alondra Galindo-Diaz completed the scoring at 71:02.
The Phoenix continued to compete and began generating more opportunities later in the contest. Castillo recorded Florida Poly's first shot in the 74th minute and followed with another attempt four minutes later that was blocked. Amanda Custin nearly put the Phoenix on the board in the final seconds, putting a shot on goal at 89:58 that was stopped by TCJ goalkeeper Kallie Hyde. Castillo finished with two shots, while Custin recorded Florida Poly's lone shot on goal.
Grady finished the night with 10 saves across the full 90 minutes, facing 17 shots on goal. Florida Poly recorded three total shots, one shot on goal and one corner kick while committing four fouls. TCJ finished with 26 shots, including 17 on target, while Augusta and Robinson each scored twice to lead the visitors.
