The Clinton Dark Horses soccer team got some much desired payback on Wednesday night, taking revenge against James Kenan after they crushed Clinton earlier in the year 5-0. This time around, Clinton claimed the win 2-1.

The Horses jumped out early on the Tigers, establishing a lead quickly and controlling the pace of the game from the start. The Horses scored their two goals of the night within the first 20 minutes of the game, going ahead 2-0 and never looked back the rest of the night.

“This was a good win for us — we played well again and our defense was really on point tonight,” said Clinton coach Brad Spell. “However, we played bad in the midfield again like we did against East Duplin which we’ve got to clean up. Overall we were able to hang on, keep our shape and we’re glad to get the win.”

The defense indeed played well holding the Tigers to only a single goal, late in the first half, compared to the five earlier this season.

The first half ended with the Dark Horses leading it 2-1. Though the Horses never scored again in the second half, James Kenan wasn’t allowed another goal either. With neither team able to put one in the entire second half, Clinton held on to win.

Goals scored for Clinton came from Sammy Sutter and Ivan Ponce. Sutter scored the first goal on an assist by Sam Holloman and Ponce scored the second.

The Dark Horses now sit at 12-4 overall on the season and 5-2 in the conference. They have a home non-conference match on Monday against 4A E.A. Laney.

Ivan Ponce breaks away from James Kenan defenders on Wednesday night. Ponce scored one of the Horses’ two goals on the night.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_DSC_0139.jpgIvan Ponce breaks away from James Kenan defenders on Wednesday night. Ponce scored one of the Horses’ two goals on the night.

Peter Darden pushes the ball downfield in open space, as he helped lead Clinton to a 2-1 win over James Kenan.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/web1_DSC_0142.jpgPeter Darden pushes the ball downfield in open space, as he helped lead Clinton to a 2-1 win over James Kenan.
Horses take 2-1 win over James Kenan in rematch

By Michael Hardison

Sports Editor

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