Both clubs end match down a man as Triumph falls to Independence, 1-0
Greenville, SC (August 30, 2024) – The Greenville Triumph fell short of making the Jägermeister Cup playoffs with a home loss on Friday in the final match of group play, losing 1-0 to Charlotte in a match that saw red cards for both clubs. The match was characterized by near misses and crucial disciplinary moments resulting in Greenville’s elimination from the USL Jägermeister Cup, failing to capitalize on two chances to advance out of group play by defeating Charlotte in August. The South Carolina side ends its run in the League’s first cup 3-3-2.
The Triumph started strong, earning a free kick just outside the box in the fourth minute. However, the chance was cut short as the Charlotte defense successfully deflected the ball. Charlotte quickly responded in the 15th minute, pressing Greenville’s defense and nearly taking the lead, only for their shot to deflect off the post.
In the 22nd minute, Greenville had another chance from a free kick, with Rodrigo Robles sending in a well-placed ball that Zion Scarlett managed to get a touch on, but it wasn’t enough to convert. The Triumph kept the pressure on, earning another free kick in the 30th minute, but the Independence keeper, Austin Pack was equal to the task, denying the attempt.
The match took a turn in the 35th minute when Robles was shown his second yellow card, reducing Greenville to 10 men. Despite this setback, the Triumph continued to fight, with Lyam MacKinnon setting up Scarlett for a chance in the 40th minute, but the opportunity went begging.
As the second half began the Triumph continued to push, earning another free kick in the 48th minute, but Charlotte held firm. The momentum shifted back to even in the 51st minute when Charlotte’s Anton Sorenson was also sent off after receiving his second yellow, leaving both teams with 10 men.
Charlotte broke the deadlock in the 77th minute, scoring the game’s only goal. Greenville made a late push, bringing on Leo Castro in the 84th minute, who immediately made an impact with a shot on target in his first match action since July. Castro’s shot and a flurry of attempts by the Triumph attack fell just short as they were unable to find the equalizer, ending the match with a 1-0 scoreline.
The Greenville Triumph will return to league play for the remainder of 2024, traveling to Union Omaha on September 7th and Chattanooga on September 14 before returning to Furman’s Paladin Stadium on September 21st against Central Valley Fuego.
