Despite what their coach called the best played match of the season thus far, the Clinton Dark Horses men’s soccer team lost a neutral-field non-conference game against the Newton-Conover Red Devils Friday, 2-1.

The game looked as if it was going to end in Clinton’s favor as they struck first at the 40th minute in the first half and went up 1-0 over the Red Devils. This would be the only goal of the first half, in which the Horses just had play solid defense and take the victory — but that wouldn’t be the case.

The Horses would give up the lead in the second half as they allowed Newton-Conover to score two goals. The Horses wouldn’t find the net again the rest of the game. Clinton had 13 fouls and a couple big mistakes cost them.

“We played our best match of the season Friday against Newton-Conover. They are a quality team. We made two mistakes in the back that cost us the match, but we are coming together and improving each week,” said Dark Horse coach Brad Spell.

Ivan Ponce, senior and leader for the Horses, is having an amazing season this year, scoring a goal in every game thus far. He continued that Friday, scoring Clinton’s only goal and bringing him to a total of six goals overall as he continues to lead the Dark Horses in scoring.

The Dark Horses fall to 3-2 as they’ll try to recover and get back into the win column in their non-conference game at home against the Bunn Wildcats Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.

Ivan Ponce scored Clinton’s only goal in their loss to the Red Devils, bringing him to six on the year.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_DSC_0757.jpgIvan Ponce scored Clinton’s only goal in their loss to the Red Devils, bringing him to six on the year.
Despite defeat, coach touts play as best of season

By Michael Hardison

[email protected]

Reach Sports Editor Michael Hardison at [email protected]. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @SampsonInd.