Greenville concedes stoppage time goal after stellar defensive performance
Charlotte, NC (July 19, 2023) – A six-match unbeaten run for the Greenville Triumph came to an abrupt end on Wednesday, as the club conceded a goal in the final seconds of stoppage time in a 0-1 loss at the Charlotte Independence. The result soured an exceptional defensive performance that included nine saves from Triumph keeper, Jared Mazzola.
Mazzola was the hero of the first half, making several incredible saves to keep his team in the match. His diving save in the 15th minute set the tone for the night, as he continuously denied Charlotte’s attempts to find the back of the net. Mazzola’s acrobatic skills were on full display, blocking a shot on the back post in the 21st minute and denying Avionne Flanagan’s powerful strike in the 36th minute.
Despite Greenville’s resolute defense, Charlotte remained relentless in their pursuit of a goal. Dane Kelly’s point-blank shot in the 37th minute was brilliantly saved by Mazzola, ensuring the teams remained deadlocked at the halftime mark.
In the second half, Greenville introduced Venton Evans to bolster their offense. Evans wasted no time making an impact, immediately challenging Charlotte’s goalkeeper, Austin Pack. The game became a fierce battle for possession, with both sides vying for control. Greenville’s defense remained steadfast, repelling Charlotte’s dangerous offensive sequences.
The 75th minute saw an outstanding display of determination from Greenville’s Noah Pilato, who made a heroic full-field run and executed a perfectly timed slide tackle to thwart a dangerous Charlotte breakaway.
Greenville’s duo, Lucas Coutinho and Evan Lee, almost secured the lead in the 76th minute, combining well, but Pack’s reflexes denied them the crucial breakthrough.
The match seemed destined to end in a hard-fought draw, but in the final five minutes of stoppage time, Charlotte’s Clay Dimick managed to find a gap and slot the ball past Mazzola, sending the home crowd into delirium. The late goal shattered Greenville’s hopes and handed Charlotte a dramatic 1-0 victory.
The loss brought Greenville’s four-match win and six-match unbeaten streaks to an end. The club will look to quickly put the loss behind them, turning around for a road match in three days against regional rival-Tormenta FC in the final leg of the Peach Derby. The match kicks off in Statesboro, GA on Saturday at 7:30 PM.
