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Greenville’s 1-0 victory runs unbeaten streak to seven

Greenville, SC (July 15, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club persevered two weather delays and a scrappy One Knoxville side to earn a 1-0 victory and run GTSC’s win streak to four matches on Saturday night at Paladin Stadium. Leo Castro scored the lone goal in the match as Greenville earned a second consecutive shutout.

After a 75-minute delay due to thunderstorms, match kicked off against One Knox with an intense first 15 minutes, as both teams fought back and forth to gain control of the game. In the 20th minute, Triumph forward Leo Castro, narrowly missed a header off a well-executed corner kick. The Triumph began to dominate the field, pushing the game towards the side of One Knox, but their near misses prevented them from breaking the deadlock. Greenville’s goalkeeper, Jared Mazzola, showcased his skills with an impressive save after One Knox managed to combine passes within the box. 

The Triumph’s determination paid off in the 38th minute when Alan Gavilanes dribbled down to the end line, delivering a precise cross into the 6-yard box. Leo Castro rose above the defenders, scoring the first goal of the game with a header. Just as the match seemed to be unfolding in Greenville’s favor as the clubs hit the halftime break, lightning halted the proceedings, leading to a one-hour delay that followed a 45-minute delay prior to kickoff. 

When play resumed in the 49th minute, Jared Mazzola once again demonstrated his shot-stopping abilities, making a crucial save as Knoxville attempted to launch a dangerous cross into the box. The intensity remained high, with Devin Boyce of Greenville coming close to extending their lead in the 53rd minute, but his free-kick outside the 18-yard box took an unfortunate bounce over the goal.

The second half continued with a series of back-and-forth fouls, as both teams fought to gain an advantage. Though the offenses fought hard, both defenses stayed strong. Neither team could break through and add one to the scoreboard, as a quintet of Triumph substitutions kept the club’s defense strong in the final minutes to preserve the 1-0 victory.

“Great to get another clean sheet tonight,” said head coach John Harkes. “We’ve talked about this as a club – how do we start building that resilience to not concede any goals – and we did it last week and the week before. These clean sheets are helping us to build off of a strong defensive foundation. Unbelievable tonight, the effort from the boys. Knoxville is a tough team that’s going to fight for everything they always do, their coach pushes them and they’re well-organized. It was a great goal by Leo, and excellent ball by Gavilanes to get a brilliant assist.” 

Greenville will look to continue its unbeaten streak as it heads into a challenging two-match week, hitting the road to face the Charlotte Independence on Wednesday before traveling to Statesboro for the final leg of the 2023 Peach Derby on Saturday. GTSC returns to the Upstate on Saturday, August 5^th, to host Charlotte on Star Wars Night.

The Triumph travels to the Charlotte to face off with the Independence on Wednesday, July 19^th. The last time these teams met, Greenville topped the then-league-leaders 3-1. 

Greenville’s 1-0 victory moves club above playoff line as season nears midway point

Greenville, SC (July 1, 2023) – In a tense and tightly contested match, the Greenville Triumph emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over a Forward Madison side that lead the table at the start of the match week. The victory vaulted the Triumph from seventh to fifth place in the League One table, extending its win streak to three and its unbeaten streak to six.

Opportunities were scarce in the first half, but Greenville came closest to breaking the deadlock on multiple occasions. In the 17th minute, Lucas Coutinho’s pinpoint cross found Aaron Walker, whose shot was deflected over the crossbar. Coutinho himself had a chance to score around the half-hour mark, but Madison’s goalkeeper made a diving save to deny him.

However, Greenville’s breakthrough came in the 31st minute. A Madison defender was called for a handball in the box, resulting in a penalty for the Triumph. Aaron Walker stepped up to take the spot-kick, and although the goalkeeper got a hand on it, the ball found its way into the back of the net, giving Greenville a crucial 1-0 advantage.

With the lead in hand, the Triumph shifted to a more defensive approach in the second half, determined to maintain their lead. Greenville’s veteran back line stood strong against Madison’s attacks, repelling their advances with discipline and composure. As the match grew increasingly physical and heated, Greenville remained unfazed and held their ground.

In the dying moments of the game, Madison launched one final desperate attack in stoppage time. However, Jared Mazzola, Greenville’s goalkeeper, came up with a vital save to preserve the triumph and seal the victory for his team. This win carried extra significance as it came against a Madison side that had previously held the top spot in the league standings and were riding a four-game winning streak.

“Huge effort,” said head coach John Harkes. “There are going to be games where you really get tested and you get pushed and you get asked questions of yourselves, and the guys rose to the occasion. It wasn’t the prettiest game for us in terms of possession and movement off the ball, but we knew that they were coming in with four wins and a lot of confidence. Regardless of tired legs and things like that from midweek, they are a team that know how to compete. They have a great coaching staff and they came in and they fought but our guys rose up. Our back three tonight were absolutely fantastic.”

Greenville heads into a bye week before returning home on Saturday, July 15^th against One Knoxville at 7:00 PM. Knoxville defeated the Triumph in Paladin Stadium 2-1 on May 20^th. Tickets for the match are on sale now.

Quotes:

Tyler Polak, defender, on ending Madison’s win streak: “It’s a huge win. The win itself is big time, and getting the shut out – we haven’t had too many of this season – so getting one and keeping our unbeaten streak alive is huge. Now we just keep going with this and try to just focus on the next game.”

Jared Mazzola, goalkeeper, on the shutout and the defensive performance: “Everyone on the field, including those who subbed in, did their jobs so well tonight. We all worked together and it’s the cultivation of that effort that allows us to play our best. Defensively we were excellent, we did the work offensively scoring the goal, and that’s all you need sometimes so I couldn’t be happier.”

Rookie attacker nets league’s first-ever four-goal performance in in victory over Chattanooga

Greenville, SC (June 21, 2023) – The fastest hat trick in league history wasn’t enough for Triumph rookie Lyam MacKinnon, who added a fourth goal in the second half to lead Greenville to a 5-1 blowout win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves on a rainy Wednesday night at Furman’s Paladin Stadium. MacKinnon’s four-goal performance was the first in USL League One History.

Right from the kick-off, both teams displayed an incredible attacking mindset, eager to make their mark on the match. The action was fast and furious, and Greenville didn’t wait long to test the Chattanooga net. Just five minutes into the game, Lyam MacKinnon, the talented rookie forward for Greenville, unleashed a powerful shot that sailed wide left of the goal, narrowly missing an early breakthrough.

But it didn’t take long for MacKinnon to redeem himself. In the 9th minute, Tyler Polak delivered a perfectly placed corner kick that found MacKinnon outside the penalty area. With precise timing, MacKinnon struck the ball with his first touch, sending it soaring into the back of the net. The faithful Triumph supporters braving the rain erupted in celebration as MacKinnon put his team in the lead. Just two minutes later, though, Chattanooga found an answer. Moe Espinoza connected with a teammate’s cross, and his shot deflected off Greenville’s Nate Shultz, catching the goalkeeper off guard and finding the back of the net.

Greenville was quick to recapture the lead. In the 16th minute, they capitalized on a turnover in Chattanooga’s attacking half. Devin Boyce delivered a precise cross, and MacKinnon displayed his predatory instincts once again, redirecting the ball into the goal for the Villanova alum’s second of the match. Five minutes later, a beautiful passing sequence culminated in a chipped cross from Evan Lee, perfectly finding MacKinnon in the box. With impeccable technique, he volleyed the ball into the bottom right corner, completing his hat trick in just 21 minutes, the fastest in league history.

As the second half began, Chattanooga emerged with renewed energy, determined to claw their way back into the game. They pressed forward, creating opportunities to narrow the deficit. In the 60th minute, they had a dangerous free kick from close range, but Greenville’s goalkeeper, Jarred Mazzola, made a spectacular save, colliding with the crossbar in the process.

Despite Chattanooga’s efforts, Greenville continued to dominate. In the 69th minute, MacKinnon, with his sights set on breaking more records, added another goal to his astonishing tally. Seizing on yet another turnover, Greenville swiftly transitioned to the attack, releasing MacKinnon behind Chattanooga’s defense. With a delicate touch, he chipped the onrushing goalkeeper, sealing his place in the League One record books with the most goals scored in a single game.

The Triumph continued their relentless pursuit of goals. In the 77th minute, Leo Castro leaped above the crowd, heading in a corner kick from Noah Pilato, extending Greenville’s tally to five goals. As the match reached its final minutes, and Greenville took the opportunity to introduce their rookie goalkeeper, Gunther Rankenburg, for his professional debut. Rackenburg kept Chattanooga from scoring in the closing moments, and the whistle blew on the Triumph’s largest margin of victory in club history.

“I think first of all is great team performance,” said MacKinnon. “We really showed up as a team here and we got the first goal early. After we scored we respond really well. It was a great team goal – I was just there at the finish on the second one, but it was a great combination. Overall it was a great team performance defensively too, so this was really a great team win tonight.”

The victory was the second straight for the Triumph after a last-minute goal lifted the team to a 1-0 victory in Fresno on Saturday. The club now enters a mini-bye, returning to the pitch on Saturday, July 1^st, to face Forward Madison at home. Tickets are on sale now on the club’s website.

Greenville returns to win column with 1-0 victory at Central Valley

Fresno, CA (June 17, 2023) – Greenville Triumph forward Jacob Labovitz’s late goal in stoppage time carried the Greenville Triumph Soccer Club to a 1-0 win against Central Valley Fuego FC on Saturday night in Fresno, California. Labovitz’s goal, which came in the fifth minute of stoppage time, was the latest regular-season goal in club history. Greenville’s win, its first since May 3^rd, lifted the team to seventh in the League One table.

Adjusting well to the late west coast kick time, GTSC ignited its attack with a high press that quickly resulted in two free kicks outside the 18-yard box. Unable to capitalize on its earlier chances, the South Carolina side drilled away at the Fuego backline for the first 20 minutes. Gradually, Fuego matched Greenville’s pace, and in the 39^th minute Jesus Partida and Ronald Cerritos combined for a near-goal from the home side. Triumph goalkeeper, Jared Mazzola was forced to make a kick save and kept the match scoreless. The counterattack sent the Triumph up the pitch towards the Fuego goal, with Greenville nearly flipping the script as Lucas Coutinho ripped a shot that just flew wide of the netting. Once Greenville had regained its momentum, they took control of the attacking third late in the first. Noah Pilato attempted to net his fourth goal of the year, but a major block from Fuego’s Razak Cromwell denied Greenville the opening goal before the match hit the halfway mark.

The second half started with a shift in Greenville’s eleven, when Allen Gavilanes come on for Lucas Coutinho. Fuego settled in with a comfortable defensive stance that forced Greenville to be patient and strategic as the minutes wore on. After numerous chances around the box Greenville still couldn’t find the final touch needed to give them a go-ahead goal as the minutes ticked away. Not content with a draw, the patient Greenville attack seized an opportunity with less than a minute left when their press created a combination that saw Allen Gavilanes and Alex Cox-Ashwood get the ball to second-year player Jacob Labovitz, who tucked away a headed cross to snap the evening’s scoring drought and secure a heart stopping 1-0 win for the Triumph.

The Greenville Triumph will compete against Chattanooga Red Wolves in Paladin Stadium this Wednesday, June 21st at 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale now!

Lyam MacKinnon’s strike before halftime helps Triumph to third straight draw

Greenville, SC (June 10, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club rallied from another early goal conceded, scoring just before the half to earn a 1-1 draw against rival Union Omaha on Saturday at Paladin Stadium. The draw was Greenville’s third straight and second against Omaha in the last three matches. Lyam MacKinnon tallied the lone score for the Triumph with the second goal of his rookie season.

The two sides engaged in a back-and-forth battle from the opening whistle, with most of the action happening in the midfield. While the teams combined for just five total shots in the first half, each team capitalized on the opportunities they were given. Omaha opened the scoring in the 8th minute when a shot by Joseph Britos ricocheted off Jared Mazzola in the direction of Noe Meza, who scored from close range. The Owls’ lead would not survive the half, though, as Greenville found their equalizer through Lyam MacKinnon’s second goal of the season. An inswinging free kick from Tyler Polak eventually found the foot of Leo Castro, whose strike was blocked before an opportunistic MacKinnon tucked in the rebound.

The match increased in tempo and physicality in the second half as Greenville and Omaha searched for a go-ahead goal. The visitors came close to retaking the lead in the 72^nd minute when Steevan Dos Santos unleashed a shot from inside the penalty area, but a diving Jared Mazzola kept the match tied. Just four minutes later, the Triumph had an opportunity of their own on the other end of the pitch, only for Rashid Nuhu to parry Evan Lee’s effort over the crossbar.

Greenville created one last chance in the dying stages of the match when Noah Pilato took aim from long range, and Nuhu again came to Omaha’s rescue to seal the draw. Aaron Walker’s return after a four-match absence was a positive sign for the team as they collected the draw. With his substitution in the 85^th minute, the veteran defender made his first appearance since Greenville’s May 3^rd match versus the Charlotte Independence.

“We’ve got to be a little bit more thoughtful in our approach there,” said head coach John Harkes. “I’m really happy the way that we competed afterwards and came back. You draw a lot of positives from that, but again, we should not be opening the door like this for teams coming into our ground. We’ve got to be better at home. We’re finding solutions and we’re looking at it and asking where is it coming from? It’s just down to execution. Look, we keep going. Are we losing games? No. Are we frustrated? Absolutely we are, without a doubt.”

Following this match, Greenville will head west for a matchup against Central Valley Fuego FC in Fresno, California, next Saturday. The Triumph will return to Paladin Stadium after a short turnaround to face the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Wednesday, June 21^st. Tickets for that match are available now!

Evan Lee, defender, on his standout performance playing out of position in the midfield: “I tried to keep the mindset to just have fun. It’s been a tough year for us so far and I just tried to approach the match with a new opportunity to rise to the occasion, and I honestly I think today was probably the best match I’ve had all year so I’m really proud of myself for that. The boys fought hard, but we have to come out stronger and start the game better. Once we grow into the game we’re a very good team and once we stop shooting ourselves in the foot at the beginning of matches, we’re going be a problem.”

Lyam MacKinnon, forward, on his rebound goal: “We’ve got to make sure we work well in practice the day before a match when we’re working on set pieces and balls in the box. It’s about making sure you know where you need go before the game. A lot of stuff happens in the box and you’ve just got to make sure you follow the ball and try to stand your ground. Then if you get a chance, you have to stay calm and get a touch on the ball, make contact and put one away. We were able to stay alert tonight and it paid off for us.”

Castro scores for Greenville, Tormenta levels match with late penalty kick

Greenville, SC (June 3, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club earned its second consecutive draw on Saturday night, earning a 1-1 draw with regional rivals Tormenta FC at Paladin Stadium. Leo Castro’s goal put the Triumph ahead for the majority of the second half of the Peach States Derby before Tormenta equalized late on a questionable foul inside the box.  

An energetic crowd filled the stands of Paladin Stadium in celebration of the club’s Fiesta de Futbol night. Both sides battled for possession early, with Tormenta FC earning many of the early attacking runs. Triumph forwards, Leonardo Castro and Lyam MacKinnon made efforts in the attacking third but couldn’t capitalize on their chances in the opening half of the match. A near mishap almost cost the Triumph a goal late in the first half when goalkeeper Jared Mazzola slipped as Brandon Fricke played the ball back toward the net. Mazzola caught up with the ball and stopped it inches before it crossed the goal line to save Greenville from a costly own goal. The teams entered into halftime still in a 0-0 deadlock.

A momentum shift in the second half favored the home side, and in the 74^th minute, winger Allen Gavilanes sent a laser cross at Leo Castro, who headed the ball in to give Greenville the lead. They would hold the lead until the 86^th minute, when a foul was called on Jared Mazzola in the box that resulted in a penalty kick for Tormenta. Tormenta’s Kaziah Sterling buried the attempt to level the score. The match had just crossed into extra time when Tormenta head coach Ian Cameron was issued a straight red card after a deliberate time-wasting penalty. Greenville’s Devin Boyce was issued a second yellow moments later and Greenville was forced down to 10 men for the final minutes. GTSC was able to hold the match down a man as the teams settled for a 1-1 draw.

“Very good effort tonight,” said Triumph Head Coach John Harkes. “I told them I was very proud of them the work ethic. Our goal was fantastic, the way that Gavi comes inverted and puts it in the box and Leo’s brilliant header. The effort off the ball tonight, running and chasing things down all match – including the guys coming off the bench knowing we don’t have everybody available as subs, was brilliant.”

The Greenville Triumph will be back on June 10^th versus Union Omaha at 7:00 PM in Paladin Stadium. The Triumph will also be hosting Yoga on the Pitch with Soul Yoga from 10:00-11:00 AM prior to the June 10^th match. Tickets for June 10^th are available now!

John Harkes, Head Coach, on the match: “I told them I was very proud of them! The work ethic is unbelievable. You know the goal is fantastic, right? The way that Gavi comes inverted and puts it in the box and Leo’s header was brilliant. We talked about inverting our guys because in preseason we did the same exact thing and you know the effort off the ball, like even still running and chasing things down, and guys are coming off the bench- we don’t have everybody available as subs- so that effort to me is brilliant.”

Leo Castro, F, on his goal: “We created a great chance, playing through the right side. Gavi and I know each other well and I know what kind of ball he’s going to deliver, so I was able to set myself up to be in the box there and strike. It was a great chance and when it comes together like that, it’s nice.”

Goal, Assist from Boyce against former club helps bring Greenville level after trailing 3-1

Papillion, NE (May 24, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club snag a point on the road in a high-scoring, 3-3 draw with Union Omaha. After trailing twice, the Triumph respond with two goals in the final 17 minutes to tie the Midwest rivals.

The narrow field in Omaha brought opportunities immediately for both clubs. Greenville earned a free kick from a dangerous spot just outside the box after a foul on Lyam MacKinnon in the fourth minute, but the Triumph were unable to convert. Triumph goalkeeper Jared Mazzola easily grabbed a series of weak shots from Omaha in the first 15 minutes, but the Greenville keeper was frozen in the 17^th minute when Omaha’s Pedro Dolabella rocketed a half volley from just outside the box to put The Owls in front, 1-0.

In the 21^st minute, Greenville forward Leonardo Castro was fouled in a midair collision and briefly left the pitch to be checked for a head injury. Castro quickly reentered the match and proved he was okay just minutes later and headed a Devin Boyce corner kick in to bring the Triumph level. Boyce’s assist was his scoring contribution of the season as he contested his first match against the club he won a League One Title with in 2021. Greenville looked to combine passes in the box as the half wore on, but they were unable to slot a second past Omaha’s Rashid Nuhu. They preserved the draw in the 45^th with an incredible block in the box from Triumph veteran, Tyler Polak.

Omaha got back on top early in the second half after a short Greenville clearance attempt was rebounded by the Owls and passed to Noe Meza in the box. Meza curled the shot on the ground past Jared Mazzola to give the home side a 2-1 lead. Meza struck again 17 minutes later, when he collected a long pass inside the box, settled the ball and calmly sent another shot into the back of the net to double the Omaha lead. Greenville rebounded three minutes later, though, as a foul on Allen Gavilanes in the box led to a penalty kick for the Triumph. Head Coach John Harkes called on Boyce, who rebelled against his former club for his first goal in a Greenville kit and narrowed the score within one. Minutes later, Greenville’s Jacob Labovitz brought the Triumph level with an incredible volley past Nuhu to run the score to 3-3. The goal was the first on the season from Labovitz, who was a double-digit scorer for the club in 2022. Greenville was able to manage the match for the remaining 17 minutes and stoppage time, collecting a well-earned road point in the 3-3 draw.

“Credit to Omaha – they played extremely well,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “They’re a well-organized side and we gave up a few balls in some bad spots, but what a great effort from our guys tonight to respond and keep fighting. We showed grit, determination, and resilience tonight, and what a great trio of goals from Leo, Devin and Labovitz.”

Triumph SC will enjoy another extended rest before returning to the field. They’ll welcome regional rivals Tormenta FC on Saturday, June 3^rd at 7:00 PM in Paladin Stadium as the club celebrates Fiesta de Futbol. Tickets can be purchased here.

John Harkes, head coach: “I told [Boyce] he was going to get on the score sheet this morning at our meal. We thought he could attack the game tonight putting him centrally and he did. Credit to Omaha – they played extremely well. They’re a well-organized side and we gave up a few balls in some bad spots, but what a great effort from our guys tonight to respond and keep fighting. We showed grit, determination, and resilience tonight, and what a great trio of goals from Leo, Devin and Labovitz. Now we head back home for two matches on the 3^rd and the 10^th and hopefully this is a turning point for us.”

Devin Boyce, midfielder, on his first goal and assist of the season while playing his first match against his former club: “It feels fantastic. Sometimes in this sport, the hard times tend to last longer than the good, so to be able to get my first goal for Greenville and do it against my old side is a special feeling. I’m just happy we could get a get a point out of it and show a lot of resilience coming back. I’m really proud of the guys.”

Triumph SC grabs early, but allows two set piece goals in loss

Greenville, SC (May 20, 2023) – An early goal from Leonardo Castro was not enough to push the Greenville Triumph to victory, as the club lost 2-1 to One Knoxville on Saturday night after the visitors netted two set-piece goals. Greenville dropped to eighth in league standings after its fifth loss.

Greenville had a strong start Saturday night for a second straight match, with forward Leo Castro putting the home team on top in the 8th minute. The Colombian beat a One Knox defender and saw the opportunity to connect with Lucas Coutinho in the box, but then took the shot himself to put the Triumph on top. Greenville continued to best the expansion side in possession, but a free kick in the 20th minute evened the score when Knoxville’s Gabriel Claudio scored a header. The first half was played between the 18-yard boxes with the home team maintaining possession but unable to add a second before the halftime break.

Only four minutes into the half, the match turned when Knoxville notched another goal outside the run of play. A corner kick flew across the face of the Greenville goal and a lucky heel flick by Knoxville’s Sebastian Andressan hit the crossbar and deflected across the goal line to pull Knoxville in front. After taking a lead, One Knox focused their efforts on defending for the remainder of the match. Greenville struggled to create and collaborate in the midfield, but threw balls up the flanks of the field as they put heavy pressure on the Knoxville defense late in the match. Despite their efforts, GTSC was unable to equalize as they conceded the match 2-1.

The Greenville Triumph face a short turnaround, as they head to Nebraska to face rivals Union Omaha on Wednesday at 8:00 PM EST. GTSC will return home for Fiesta De Fútbol on June 3rd in Paladin Stadium. Tickets are on sale now.

Head Coach, John Harkes on the match: “We score a great goal early, Leo gets on the end of it, Lucas combining with him and then it’s just the discipline has to rise up,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “We can’t be leaving our feet fouling late in the shape that we are in. We talked about what they want to do they don’t score a lot in the run of play they score on set pieces. They compete for everything and we conceded two fouls in dangerous areas and the corner and we shouldn’t concede like that and the guys know that and we’ve got to get better.”