SMITHFIELD - Smithfield-Selma came up with its best effort of the season on an unforgettable Senior Night last week, topping Greater Neuse River 4-A Conference boys soccer champion and rival Clayton, 3-2, in overtime.

The match was the Spartans' final outing of the season. SSS finished 3-10-1 in the conference, tying for seventh place with Garner.

Clayton (11-3-0 conference) saw its eight-game unbeaten streak come to an end with the loss. The win was also Smithfield-Selma's first over the Comets (14-5 overall) since 2005.

"We've had the potential to play at Clayton's level all year," said Smithfield-Selma coach Kristian Stewart, "but we just have not been able to put it all together for 80 minutes of play. We made some adjustments in our defense and midfield and crossed our fingers that the last home game factor against Clayton would give us an additional push to play consistent soccer."

The match rounded out the prep careers of SSS seniors Jordan Canupp, William Ashley, Wallace Ashley, Alex Arey, Cullen Sharp, Matt Oldham, Eric Pimental, Bryant Rico, H.J. Mitchell, Milo Wiesbeck and Adrian Avina.

"All of the seniors played exceptionally well," Stewart said. "Bryant Rico did an outstanding job on defense at sweeper and junior Lucas Mazzeo stepped up with two big goals."

Mazzeo gave the Spartans an early lead off of a Ben Youngblood assist. The lead held throughout the rest of the first half and for the majority of the second half.

That's when Clayton's Dylan Killane pulled things even with 16 minutes to play. Ten minutes later Killane scored again, giving the Comets an escape route from the determined Spartans. But SSS wouldn't let its chance slip away. Junior Luis Zeron scored after a Smithfield-Selma goal kick, forcing overtime.

Mazzeo provided the game-winner just four minutes into the first 10-minute overtime period.

The SSS defense took over from there, holding strong against a persistent Clayton attack.