The Clinton Dark Horse JV and varsity soccer teams sent Topsail home with two losses Wednesday, with the JV winning 1-0 and the varsity taking a victory 5-2.

Junior Varsity Horses

Topsail went strong against Clinton right out of the gate Wednesday, pursuing their goal in the first 30 seconds on play, however a break away from Dark Horse Trent Emanuel put the JV Clinton team into Topsail territory.

Clinton’s offense was able to get it together at this point, moving closer to shooting range during the next three minutes of play, with Kenan Lanier, Ryan Taylor and Casey Yang contributing.

With 29 minutes left in the half, a corner kick by Yang left the Dark Horses in shooting range, but it was carried away by a Topsail defender. However, it was not taken too far before Clinton redeemed possession and attacked the goal again.

Topsail, too, was eventually awarded a corner kick at 26:23, which put them in goal range, but to much was behind the kick sending it over and out.

As the half progressed, Taylor, Stephen Ameen, Emanuel, Yang and Cole Warren attacked the goal several times; however, nothing was successful for the Dark Horses.

On the other end, Topsail was able to get a handful of shots on Clinton’s goal, however, theirs, too, failed.

With the second half starting at 0-0, the Dark Horses continued to pursue the Topsail goal, eventually scoring and taking the lead 1-0.

According to varsity assistant coach Jamie Williams, the goal came off Ryan Taylor with roughly 23 minutes left to play.

The win over Topsail moves the JV record to 6-1-1.

Varsity Horses

Clinton took an early lead on Topsail, scoring four goals within the first half.

According to Williams, the goals came off Hector Regalado with an assist from Jose Gallegos; Regalado again; Field Palmer and Miguel Juarez with 1:52 left in the half.

Juarez’s last-minute goal was assisted when a throw-in was headed by Palmer, deflected by the Topsail keeper and finished by Juarez.

With the second half starting at 4-0, Clinton immediately dominated Topsail’s territory, continuously pursuing the goal.

Although Topsail was able to get a handful of shots off as well, Clinton’s keeper, Blake Ellis, stepped it up Wednesday.

As for their offense, the Dark Horses did a phenomenal job communicating, controlling the ball and executing plays, which attributed to their fast lead over Topsail.

The Dark Horse defense was also efficient in stopping balls; however, according to the center referee, at times played too aggressive.

In fact, Topsail was rewarded a penalty kick at 30:56 which put them on the board 4-1.

During the remainder of the second half, Palmer was able to put another point on the board at the 64-minute mark, and Topsail, too, scored again.

With the game finishing at 5-2, Williams revealed that Clinton had 14 shots on goal while Topsail only had six, with Blake Ellis saving four.

“Everyone played so well. Jose Gallegos and Field Palmer ran the midfield. They are both seniors and leaders on the field. Jose and Hector also led the team in goals with 12 a piece,” Williams said, adding that players Will Newton, Will Carter and Jeb Dillman were an asset to the win.

This win brings Clinton’s varsity record to 10-1.

They are slated to play Northside at home Monday, Sept. 21, starting at 6 p.m.

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com