Match Review

Greenville earns one point at home after two-match week

Greenville, SC (March 23, 2023)- In a clash marked by the elements, the Greenville Triumph drew Forward Madison, 0-0, at Paladin Stadium on Saturday. The draw capped a two-match week for both clubs following their engagements in the US Open Cup. Despite the sunset backdrop and mild temperature, the relentless 10-20 mph winds blowing from end-to-end played a significant role throughout the match.

Greenville commenced proceedings with the wind at their backs, eager to seize an early advantage. The home side controlled the game in the first half, though they were unable to seize the lead. The best chance to score came in the 43rd minute when Sebastian Velasquez was brought down in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty kick to Greenville. Leo Castro stepped up to the spot, his approach deliberate and calculated, but his effort failed to trouble Madison’s goalkeeper, leaving the scoreline untouched as the halftime whistle blew with both sides deadlocked at 0-0.

“Once again, a very professional, very very dug deep into their hearts to play this game,” said Head Coach Rick Wright. “The first half we were all over them, obviously miss a penalty, some opportunities, but at the end of the day the guys fought hard. They played some really good football at times, really really exciting. Then in the second half we still had some opportunities, but the conditions, the wind made it tough at times.”

Hindered again by the unpredictable winds in the second half, neither side could establish dominance or dictate the flow of the game, resulting in a final 45 minutes that saw few connected attacks from either side and concluded with a scoreless draw. The draw brought Greenville to 2-0-1 this month and 1-0-1 in league play. The team will travel to Lexington, KY on Friday for its first league road match of the 2024 season.

Tyler Polak, defender: “I thought we put a dominating performance in the first half, but the second half they changed things up a bit and I think we needed to adjust as well. I think we lacked a little bit of movement going forward in the final 45’ and we didn’t create as much, but I thought overall we did pretty well. We didn’t give up a goal, so we get the draw and move forward.”

Defender, Brandon Fricke on the defense not allowing a goal in the run of play through the first three matches: “I think it’s a front to back effort this year. Up top we’re starting with good pressing and that’s helping us on the back line, and everyone’s working for each other. The defense is covering well, showing good balance, and making the right tackles at the right time. The unit’s working well together and I hope we can keep it up.”

Triumph SC goes up early, but allows three in second half

Charlotte, NC (October 20, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s 2023 season came to an end in the opening round of the USL League One Playoffs, as the club fell on the road to the Charlotte Independence, 3-2. Greenville led 1-0 at the half after a goal from Allen Gavilanes but conceded three straight to a resurgent Independence side in the second half before halving the deficit with only minutes remaining. The opening round exit was Greenville’s earliest in its five playoff campaigns.

As the match kicked off, a strong traveling contingent of Triumph fans were treated to a closely-fought contest early, with both sides creating scoring opportunities, setting the tone for a competitive evening. In the 8th minute, Greenville’s Jacob Labovitz had a chance to break the deadlock but missed a shot wide left from the top of the box. The first goal of the evening came in the 13th minute when Allen Gavilanes unleashed a shot from the top of the box, beating Charlotte’s goalkeeper, Austin Pack, to give Greenville a 1-0 lead.

Greenville’s defense, led by Brandon Fricke, proved to be a sturdy obstacle for the Charlotte attackers in the first half. Fricke’s crucial block denied Gabriel Obertan’s shot in the 25th minute, preventing a potential equalizer. The first half continued with Charlotte struggling to find the back of the net, and Greenville almost doubled its lead when Gavilanes whipped in a cross late in the half, but Leo Castro’s header sailed high over the bar.

The tone of the match flipped in the second half, with Charlotte coming out aggressively in search of a tying goal. In the 48th minute, Jared Mazzola made a diving save to deny Obertan and preserve Greenville’s lead. However, Charlotte wasn’t to be denied for long, as Joel Johnson scored a powerful half-volley from near the top of the box in the 51st minute to level the score at 1-1.

Greenville goalkeeper Mazzola continued to impress, making a crucial save in the 56th minute by pushing a dangerous shot over the bar, keeping the match level. The 63rd minute brought a moment of suspense when Charlotte’s shot hit the post, providing Greenville with a much-needed stroke of luck. However, Charlotte wouldn’t be denied, and they surged ahead 2-1 in the 74th minute after one of Obertan’s repeated attempts finally broke through. The Independence extended their lead in the 79th minute when Miguel Ibarra placed a shot past an outstretched Mazzola, making it 3-1 in favor of Charlotte.

Despite the odds stacked against them, Greenville showed their fighting spirit. In the 92nd minute, Nate Shultz found the back of the net off a corner kick with an assist from Gavilanes, reducing the deficit to 3-2. The Triumph mounted a determined effort to claw their way back into the match, but Charlotte managed to hold on to down Greenville and advance to the playoff semifinals.

“They came out strong in the second half,” said Triumph Head Coach John Harkes. “I think they just brought a little bit more energy than we did, We weren’t winning the second ball well and we lacked a little bit of patience. The quality of the final ball from us needs to be a bit better – if we get the second goal then I think we run away with the game, but they’re good team.”

Charlotte will now travel to Omaha or North Carolina FC pending the outcome of Saturday night’s Northern Colorado-Madison match. Greenville will head into the offseason before picking things back up for the club’s sixth season and second at Paladin Stadium in early March. Season Tickets for the 2024 season can be purchased on the team’s website.

Triumph now set to travel to Charlotte for first round of playoffs

Greenville, SC (October 14, 2023) – A last-second goal from Triumph defender Jamie Smith earned Greenville a point in its regular season finale, drawing Lexington Sporting Club 1-1 at Paladin Stadium on Saturday. The draw rescued a point for the home side in front of its largest crowd of the season, as the club celebrated Fan Appreciation Night ahead of the start of the 2023 League One Playoffs next weekend.

Greenville dominated possession and chances in the first half, looking to surge ahead in a scenario where the club needed a victory to have a chance to host a first-round playoff match. Jamie Smith nearly found the back of the net when he unleashed a powerful header that rocketed towards the goal midway through the half. Unfortunately, his effort met the crossbar, leaving the crowd in awe of what might have been. Jacob Labovitz also had multiple chances on goal during the first half, culminating with a narrow miss shortly before the break after he created a turnover in the open field.

In the 73rd minute, the Greenville goalkeeper Jared Mazzola dove off his line to intercept a threatening cross. The ball fell at the feet of Lexington midfielder Drew Patterson, who unleashed a shot towards the goal. Thankfully for Greenville, forward, Lyam MacKinnon stepped in front of the net to head the ball away and deny Lexington a late lead. Lexington grabbed the advantage minutes later, though, after a deflection off of Jamie Smith in the 81^st minute caused an own goal on the Triumph to put the visitors up, 1-0.

Just when it seemed that the game was slipping away, the tables turned seconds before the final whistle. Jamie Smith, eager to redeem himself, pounced on a bobbled ball in Lexington’s 18-yard box and slotted it into the back of the net, securing a 1-1 draw for Greenville.

The draw, coupled with Charlotte’s draw against Tormenta FC on Saturday, means that Greenville remains the fifth seed and will travel to face fourth-seeded Charlotte next weekend in the first round of the playoffs. The match will take place on Friday, October 20^th, at 7:00 PM at Charlotte’s American Legion Memorial Stadium.

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GTSC rallies for 2-2 draw at Chattanooga to secure top-six finish

Chattanooga, TN (October 7,2023) – Triumph forwards, Jacob Labovitz and Leo Castro netted second-half goals to help Greenville clinch a playoff berth with a 2-2 draw at the Chattanooga Red Wolves in the club’s second-to-last match of the 2023 regular season on Saturday night. Greenville’s draw, combined with a loss for South Georgia Tormenta on Saturday, secured the postseason for the 2020 league champions. With the clinch, GTSC became the only club to earn a postseason berth in all five seasons of League One soccer.

The match got off to a challenging start when Chattanooga took an early lead in the 10th minute. A perfectly deflected ball found its way to Jonathan Filipe, who curved the ball it into the upper right corner of the net just out of Jared Mazzola’s reach. Greenville struggled with turnovers, allowing Chattanooga to exploit their mistakes and threaten on the counter. Throughout the first half, Chattanooga maintained control while Greenville lacked an offensive presence, failing to apply any substantial pressure on the goal. Chattanooga struck another blow in the 28th minute when Ropapa Mensah capitalized on a defensive lapse, finding himself unmarked in the 18-yard box. Mensah quickly added a second goal for Chattanooga, putting them ahead by two.

As the teams headed into the second half, Greenville implemented a complete 180-degree turnaround aided by the rotation of two substitutions. The 53rd minute saw Jacob Labovitz break away on a counterattack, scoring from the slightest of margins and bringing hope to the Greenville faithful. The momentum continued in the 61st minute when Leo Castro equalized, converting a well-placed cross that managed to slip through the defensive lines.

Greenville, fueled by their newfound determination, pushed for a potential victory, but they eventually settled in the final minutes by making defensive substitutions to secure the crucial draw.

With only one match remaining, Greenville will look to improve its seeding and secure a home playoff match in the first round of the playoffs. A Greenville win coupled with a Charlotte draw or loss on decision would secure the home match. GTSC hosts Lexington SC on Saturday, October 14^th at 7:00 PM to close out the regular season on Fan Appreciation Night.

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Goals from Smith and Labovitz overtake early deficit

Greenville, SC (October 4, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph recorded a 2-1 comeback win over Fuego on Wednesday, moving the team just shy of a playoff berth with two matches left. Triumph defender Jamie Smith scored one goal and Jacob Labovitz tallied both a goal and an assist in the win. Greenville holds a 13-10-7 record as it heads to Chattanooga on Saturday.

Wednesday night’s soccer showdown between Greenville FC and Fuego started slow, but the second half erupted with action. After a scoreless first half, both teams came alive, with Fuego scoring first from a scramble in the box. But Greenville quickly responded with a well-executed passing sequence, and defender Jamie Smith found the net to level the score in the 69^th minute.

In a dramatic turn of events, Greenville’s Allen Gavilanes executed a brilliant sliding tackle and takeaway in the Fuego box just eight minutes later, setting up Jacob Labovitz for the go-ahead goal. The final minutes ticked away, and Greenville secured an impressive road win, finishing 2-1.

This victory puts Greenville in a prime position to contend for the fourth seed and secure a home playoff match, especially with Charlotte’s recent loss. Greenville will compete again on Saturday in Chattanooga against the Red Wolves before returning home on October 14^th for its final regular season match.

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Greenville still looking for playoff-clinching points with three matches to play

Greenville, SC (September 29, 2023)- Greenville’s playoff progress was halted by Northern Colorado FC on Saturday night in a 2-0 home loss, as the Triumph failed to capitalize on chances despite a strong effort against the league’s third-ranked club. Greenville maintained its fifth seed ahead of this weekend’s other league matches with a 12-10-7 record.

Both teams displayed quick, aggressive play during the initial 20 minutes, with Greenville controlling possession but struggling to find the finishing touch. The turning point of the game came in the 26th minute when the Golden Boot leader, Trevor Amann, showcased his skills with a breakaway in the midfield. Mazzola managed to get a paw on the ball, but the sheer force of Amann’s shot proved too much to handle as it found the back of the net, opening the scoring for Hailstorm. In the 30th minute, they extended their lead to 2-0 with a well-executed header off a corner kick from Amann.

The intensity of the match reached a boiling point in the second half when Hailstorm’s Mark Hernández received a second yellow card, resulting in his expulsion from the game. Despite being down by two goals, Greenville didn’t give up. In the 85th minute, one of their best chances materialized when Allen Gavilanes attempted to curl the ball into the net following a rebound. However, the shot sailed wide. As Greenville attempted to regain control and mount a comeback, their efforts were repeatedly stifled by a series of fouls. The match became a tumultuous affair, with a total of 22 fouls, five yellow cards, and one red card dished out. With nearly 10 minutes of extra time, Greenville pushed relentlessly to cut the deficit. Despite their efforts, that elusive goal remained just out of reach and the match concluded with Hailstorm emerging as the victors, winning 2-0 against Greenville.

“It’s a playoff game on Wednesday and it’s a playoff game on Saturday”, stated Head Coach John Harkes. “That’s the way we approach it and we tried to approach it like that tonight, but just got caught a little bit so it’s a disappointing one. We’ve got to keep pushing forward and I think we have the mentality to do it, so we’re ready to go.”

Triumph SC maintained its spot in the table above the playoff cutline with a crucial two-match road trip coming up next week. The club travels to Fresno to face Fuego FC on Wednesday before continuing to Chattanooga for a Saturday match. The team will return home for the regular season finale on Saturday, October 14^th, against Lexington SC at 7:00 PM.

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Gavilanes and Castro tally goals as Triumph SC strengthens playoff positioning

Richmond, VA (September 24^th, 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 53^rd 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 12^th 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 29^th, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now on the club’s website.

Castro’s first half goal leads Greenville to victory

Knoxville, TN (September 16, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph edged out Knoxville SC in 1-0 win on the road Saturday night. Greenville remains in sixth position across the league table with an 11-9-7 record.

Saturday’s match result held post-season implications across League One, with the potential to elevate the winner into playoff position. Greenville Triumph SC and Knoxville SC squared off in their final matchup of the series.

The game kicked off with a bang in the fifth minute when Knoxville’s forward, Ilija Ilic, was fouled inside the box, earning his team a penalty kick. The crowd held their breath as Ilic stepped up to take the crucial pk, but their hopes were dashed when his shot struck the post and rebounded away from the goal in a missed opportunity that would later come back to haunt Knoxville.

Sixteen minutes into the match, Greenville midfielder Noah Pilato displayed some exceptional reflexes, blocking a powerful shot that seemed destined for the back of the net, ensuring the score remained level at 0-0.

The turning point of the match came in the 39th minute when Greenville’s Leonardo Castro produced a moment of sheer brilliance. With a diving volley, he managed to find the back of the net, giving Greenville the lead at 1-0. This goal was the result of an excellent connection between Castro and Allen Gavilanes, their fifth successful collaboration this season.

As the teams headed into the second half, Greenville maintained their 1-0 lead, making no changes to their personnel. Knoxville was desperate to find an equalizer but found it challenging to break down Greenville’s resilient defense.

In the 54th minute, Greenville had a golden opportunity to extend their lead when they were awarded a free-kick just outside the 18-yard box on the left flank. The ball was expertly headed into the net, but the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was disallowed due to a foul called on Greenville. The score remained 1-0 in favor of the visitors.

Despite several attempts to threaten Greenville’s lead, Knoxville SC couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed. Greenville held firm throughout the match, and after seven minutes of heated stoppage time play, they secured a vital victory that solidified their position above the playoff cut line on the league table.

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Greenville concedes two in first half, falls to sixth in table

Greenville, SC (September 9, 2023) – Triumph SC recorded its third loss to league-leading North Carolina FC after a 2-0 defeat in Paladin Stadium on Saturday. The club conceded two goals in the first twenty-five minutes and was unable to find a score to claw back against a tough NCFC side. Greenville slipped to sixth in league standings following the loss, holding a 10-9-7 record.

North Carolina was quick to seize the advantage in Saturday’s match. In the first moments, Greenville’s Leo Castro conceded a foul inside the 18-yard box, gifting North Carolina FC a penalty kick. North Carolina’s front man, Rafael Mentzingen, stepped up to take the penalty kick. With precision, he slotted the ball into the left corner of the net, giving his team the early lead, 1-0, in the 11^th minute.

For much of the first half, the two teams battled fiercely for possession, but it was North Carolina that seemed to have the upper hand. In the 22nd minute, NCFC made a decisive move down Greenville’s left flank. A swift cross into the six-yard box left midfielder Jaden Servania with an easy tap-in goal, doubling their lead. North Carolina comfortably headed into the halftime break with a 2-0 advantage.

The second half marked a fresh start for the Greenville Triumph. The home side showed signs of life, creating two of their best chances within the first 15 minutes of the half, but both narrowly missing the net. Unfortunately for Greenville, the club was unable to string attacking sequences together, hindering their ability to mount a comeback as they failed to maintain pressure.

“I do trust this group, I really do. I think we have a good group,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “They’ve just got to you start putting their foot on the pedal, especially in the beginning of games. You know, you go down and then you’re trying to fight to get back in the game. I mean that’s a hard game to lose, but we’re good side and we’ll regroup and we’ll get it back together again.”

Despite four substitutions and a renewed offensive effort, Greenville couldn’t find the breakthrough they desperately needed to redeem the two early goals conceded to North Carolina. The final whistle blew, and the match concluded with a 2-0 victory for North Carolina FC, leaving the Triumph with their second consecutive home loss.

The Greenville Triumph will look to redeem themselves on September 29^th for Furman Night in Paladin Stadium at 7:00 PM. The team plays Northern Colorado at 7:00 PM for its second to last home match. Tickets are on sale now!

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Triumph’s Jamie Smith scores header in final seconds to earn 1-1 draw

Georgetown, KY (September 1, 2023) – A last second goal from Triumph defender Jamie Smith lifted the Greenville Triumph to a 1-1 road draw with Lexington Sporting Club on Saturday night. The draw elevated the Triumph to fifth in the League One standings as the regular season entered its penultimate month.

Lexington SC came out the gate fiery and looking to make a statement following its previous 2-0 loss to Greenville. A pair of early chances for the home team tested Greenville’s reflexes within the first ten minutes. As the first half continued, Greenville gained more possession, found its footing and quickly rattled of a few shots without success. An even matchup between both teams ended the half with no points on the board.

The 0-0 deadlock was quickly broken in the 50^th minute by Lexington’s Tate Robertson, who capitalized off a short corner to put Lexington up 1-0. Greenville responded with a pair of offensive substitutions and welcomed on Lyam MacKinnon and Jacob Labovitz for the remainder of the match. As the regular time dwindled, Greenville’s efforts became more frenzied down a goal. Just before the final whistle blew on a Greenville loss, though, the Upstate side clawed back on a precise set piece. With all players forward for a final attempt, midfielder Noah Pilato curled in an accurate corner kick to defender Jamie Smith, who powered through the Lexington backline to net a diving header and tie the match 1-1 and earn a heartstopping draw for the visitors.

GTSC will return to in Paladin Stadium on September 9^th versus the league’s current first-place team, North Carolina FC, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now.

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