Gavilanes and Castro tally goals as Triumph SC strengthens playoff positioning
Richmond, VA (September 24th, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph boosted its playoff hopes with an important 2-1 road win over the Richmond Kickers on Sunday. The match, originally scheduled for Saturday evening, was postponed on Friday with looming weather from a tropical depression threatening the region. Triumph leading scorer Leo Castro grabbed the go-ahead goal after a first half strike from Allen Gavilanes to secure the win. With three points on the road, Greenville now sits 12-9-7 on the year and fifth in the League One standings with a match in hand.
The match started slowly, with both teams looking to establish control as the Kickers hoped to spoil Greenville’s playoff push. After 45 minutes of possession soccer and a 0-0 gridlock, Richmond and Greenville finally saw a momentum shift just before halftime when Greenville’s Allen Gavilanes opened up scoring. A strategic cross from Noah Franke allowed Gavilanes to unleash a powerful strike and put Greenville ahead just before the whistle. Unfortunately for the Triumph, Richmond responded swiftly, leveling the score at 1-1 just two minutes later first half added time.
Lyam MacKinnon entered the pitch at halftime to give Greenville’s offense a new spark. In the 53rd minute he delivered a pinpoint chip that left the Richmond defense scrambling, setting up Leo Castro, who expertly outfoxed his marker and cleverly pump-faked the goalkeeper to give Greenville a 2-1 advantage. Castro’s goal, his 12th on the year, moved him up to second in the club’s single-season scoring ranks alongside teammate Jacob Labovitz’s 2022 campaign.
The excitement continued as Greenville nearly added a third goal to their tally in the 63rd minute. A beautifully executed combination play just outside the Richmond 18-yard box culminated in a thunderous shot by MacKinnon again, only to be met by a brilliant save from Richmond’s goalkeeper, Will Palmquist. Despite Richmond’s valiant efforts to threaten the Greenville goal and secure a late equalizer, goalkeeper Jared Mazzola and the Triumph defense held firm with multiple saves, preserving their narrow lead despite a barrage of late attempts from the Kickers. Greenville emerged victorious, claiming a hard-fought 2-1 win that elevated the club to fifth in the standings, five points clear of the playoff cut line.
Greenville will now be faced with a short turnaround to the club’s penultimate home match of the 2023 season. The club hosts Northern Colorado FC this Friday, September 29th, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now on the club’s website.
