Offense again held scoreless as Tormenta defeats Greenville 2-0
Statesboro, GA (April 8, 2023) –The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club fell to Tormenta, 2-0, in first of three matches for the Peach States Derby. The defeat was Greenville’s third straight to open the season, and marks the third consecutive scoreless effort from the Upstate side.
The first of three matches for the Peach States Derby began on a cold, rainy night in Statesboro. From the whistle, Tormenta took charge and pressured Greenville’s defense with a high press. Just ten minutes into the match, Greenville was forced to use one of its substitutes after Noah Franke went down with an injury, changing the landscape of the match. Unable to break the press, Greenville struggled to maintain the midfield, which allowed Tormenta to streak down the flanks and combine. After a poor turnover in Greenville’s defensive third from goalkeeper, Jared Mazzola, Tormenta capitalized for the first goal of the match. Just before the end of the half, Tormenta crossed the ball in front of Greenville’s net to three blue jerseys in the box and tucked it away for another South Georgia goal to double the home side’s advantage.
After the start of the second half, Greenville launched into a full attack with Venton Evans and Jacob Labovitz. Both forwards attempted early shots before Tormenta regained possession of the ball. Greenville desperately drove at the opposing goal but failed to connect throughout most of the second half. In the 78th minute, Greenville won a penalty kick off a hand ball, but a questionable reversal changed the penalty to a free kick outside the box. Unable to capitalize on a late push, Greenville fell 2-0 to its regional rivals.
Next weekend, Greenville will face Forward Madison at Breese Stevens Field in Wisconsin at 7:00 PM. The Triumph will return to Paladin Stadium on April 19th against Fuego FC at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now.
