Sharks beat Polk 2-1 in conference opener

In a hard-fought match, Miami Dade College edged Polk State College 2-1, with standout performances from Camila Martins Viera and Tessa Abreu leading the Sharks to victory.

Miami Dade got on the board first in the 25th minute of the first half when Camila Martins Viera netted her second goal of the season. She capitalized on a defensive lapse by Polk State, putting the ball past goalkeeper Leona Kraus to give Miami Dade a 1-0 lead.

Polk State responded in the second half with Sofia Roldan scoring in the 54th minute, finding the back of the net with a well-timed shot, tying the match 1-1. The game intensified, with fouls piling up, including a string of yellow cards that saw both teams receive discipline from the officials.

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute, when Miami Dade's Tessa Abreu scored the game-winner off an assist from Betzael Contreras. Abreu's fourth goal of the season came at a crucial moment, securing the 2-1 victory for Miami Dade.

The Sharks will take a couple days off before traveling up to Daytona to take on the Falcons.