SOCCER: Polk defense stays spotless in win over East Rutherford

Four matches. Four clean sheets.

Whatever else Polk County’s soccer team has done over the past eight days, one thing has become increasingly clear: scoring on the Wolverines isn’t easy.

East Rutherford became the latest team to discover that Thursday, as Polk scored twice in the first half and made the margin stand in a 2-0 nonconference victory at G.M. Tennant Stadium.

The win extended Polk’s shutout streak to four matches and improved the Wolverines to 8-1-1 on the season.

Polk took the lead in the 14th minute after an East Rutherford handball resulted in a penalty kick. Erik Ramirez stepped to the spot and drove his attempt into the left side of the net for a 1-0 advantage.

The Wolverines doubled the lead eight minutes later. Ross Dow took a free kick from roughly 45 yards away and sent the ball into the penalty area. Brennan Oates redirected the service to Brady Carroll, who drove a left-footed shot into the right side of the net from about 15 yards.

That proved plenty for a Polk defense that has not allowed a goal since a Sept. 2 loss at Asheville. The Wolverines followed that match with a scoreless draw against Owen and shutout victories over Mitchell, Mountain Heritage and East Rutherford.

East Rutherford fell to 4-4-2.

Polk County returns to Western Highlands Conference play Monday with a road match at Madison.