In their final non-conference soccer match of the season, the Clinton Dark Horses hosted and defeated rival Smithfield-Selma in an endowment match, after taking an early lead.

The Dark Horses won the match 4-2 after hanging on for the win.

The Dark Horses got on the board in the ninth minute when Andrew Warren scored off of a throw-in by Zach Darden. Clinton added a second goal when Ivan Ponce scored his team leading 13th goal of the season in the 26th minute on a break away to give the Horses the 2-0 edge that they would take in to the half.

Smithfield-Selma scored first in the second half at the 45 minute mark, but Clinton quickly rebounded when Peter Darden scored unassisted. Darden stole an errant goal kick and quickly sent the ball into the upper right corner of the goal in the 46th minute.

The Spartans refused to go away, scoring again in the 58th minute to draw within one goal at 3-2. Andrew Warren put put the game on ice when he scored his second goal of the game with six minutes remaining in the contest. Warren took a pretty pass from Ivan Ponce and sent it into the goal to put the game out of reach.

The game was very evenly played from a statistical standpoint with the Dark Horses getting their four goals off nine shots. The Spartans took eight shots on goal and attempted three corner kicks. Gray Sutter was stellar in goal for the Horses making six saves and several instrumental decisions coming off the line.

After the game, Clinton assistant coach Jamie Williams said, “I thought we played a very good opponent tonight and stepped up to a tough challenge; it was just what we needed. Our defense did a good job of frustrating them, and forced them to become impatient on offense. We’re happy with where we are right now, and are looking forward to our conference matches next week.”

Clinton’s record now stands at 11-0-1 overall and 2-0 in conference play. The Dark Horses travel to Midway on Monday (JV 4:30 p.m. and varsity 6:30 p.m.) and then visit Union on Wednesday for a huge conference match.

By Mike Carter

Sports Writer

Clinton’s Andrew Warren, #13, drives the ball toward the goal. Warren had two goals for the Horses in their 4-2 win over the Spartans from Smithfield-Selma. To view more photos from this match, visit the sports section on atthe18foto.smugmug.com.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/web1_DSC_18351.jpgClinton’s Andrew Warren, #13, drives the ball toward the goal. Warren had two goals for the Horses in their 4-2 win over the Spartans from Smithfield-Selma. To view more photos from this match, visit the sports section on atthe18foto.smugmug.com.