An undefeated Sampson Middle School soccer team continued their winning streak Thursday after pounding Midway 7-0 in the first game of the Sampson County Middle School Conference playoffs.

The win over the Raiders granted the Dark Horses an advancement to the championship game next week where they will face number two ranked Union.

“We’ve not played well the last couple of games, but they seem to have gotten their feet back under them,” said Sampson’s coach Jeff Smith post game. “I am very proud of the team; they played well.”

Although the Dark Horses did play well by shutting out Midway, there is still much to be done before the championship game next Thursday. And to prepare, Smith said the team will work extra hard at practice come next week.

As for the shutout against a fourth ranked Midway, Sampson would take an early 2-0 lead after Luis Aguilar and Jose Aguilar knocked two in early in the first half.

Despite further attempts by an aggressive Sampson, Midway’s defense was able to pull it together with 15 minutes to play in the half and hold the score at 2-0.

Much like the first half, Sampson would come out strong in the second, spending the first 3 minutes in Raider territory.

Midway would have their chance with 26:26 on the clock, but the direct kick would travel wide. A second opportunity to get on the board presented itself only minutes later after Midway’s Javier Castro carried the ball down the field and into the back of the net, but an offside call would take the score off the board.

With the Midway players, fans and coaching staff anything but pleased about the questionable call, Sampson took the opportunity to carry the ball down field and score again.

The goal would come with 21:05 left to play after Luis Aguilar knocked one in off an assist from Eric Bradshaw.

At 16:05 and 11:42 Luis Aguilar would put another two in the net, bringing the score to 5-0.

With 6:40 left to play, Edwin Acosta would bring the score to 6-0 and with 1:47 on the clock Bradshaw would end the game at 7-0 with the final goal.

The Dark Horses are slated to take on Union Thursday, Nov. 12, 4 p.m., at Clinton High School.

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