News Collection

Triumph Adds Noah Franke to Back Line

Greenville, SC (January 21, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has announced the addition of right back, Noah Franke to the 2022 roster pending league and federation approval. Franke was named to the 2021 USL League One All-League second team while spending the season with FC Tucson.

The Florida Native played 28 matches for Tucson in 2021, totaling 2,457 minutes on the pitch. Franke poses a threat both offensively and defensively, a key trait to Greenville’s attacking backs across the last few years. In 2021, Franke had four assists, 31 successful tackles and 148 recoveries while also ranking 11th in the league with 43 interceptions.

Franke’s professional career began in 2018 in the USL Championship at the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Between 2018-2019, he in started 13 out of the 25 matches in which he appeared, playing a total of 1,204 minutes. Franke was the 80th overall pick by FC Dallas in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.

“We are excited to have Noah join our Greenville Triumph Family. He’s a high quality right back that possesses the ability to defend, intelligence to read the game and get forward, with the understanding that he can hurt opposition with his quality passes in the final third,” said Head Coach, John Harkes.

Franke is the newest addition to the 2022 squad, after the announcement of 13 returning players including co-captains Tyler Polak & Aaron Walker. Franke will join newcomers Venton Evans, Jake Keegan, and midfielder Lucas Coutinho this season. The Triumph is set to begin its 2022 regular season on April 2nd, against Fuego FC at Legacy Early College in West Greenville.

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Triumph W League Team Adds Player/Coach Jacobs

Greenville, SC (January 20, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s USL W League team has added Anderson University Women’s Soccer Head Coach Sarah Jacobs, pending league and federation approval. Jacobs will serve as both an assistant coach and player for the new W League team in its’ inaugural season this summer.

Jacobs, a Greer Native, played locally at Riverside High School before attending Clemson University. While at Clemson, Jacobs was a four-year letter winner and was named team MVP in 2010. The midfielder was also team captain the Tigers 2010 and 2011 seasons. Following her graduation, Jacobs played professionally in the Netherlands and Australia. Upon returning to the U.S., she had stints in both the WPSL and NWSL. Jacobs played for the Boston Breakers Reserves, Orlando Pride and NC Courage practice squads, and also competed in the WPSL with FC Dallas and Asheville City SC.

“I am beyond excited to be a part of Greenville’s W League team as both a player and assistant coach. It’s an honor to be a part of starting something where I grew up, and I look forward to giving back to the community and game through this opportunity,” said Jacobs. “I am thankful to the Triumph organization for their investment in women’s sports and providing the chance to continue playing the game I love. I can’t wait to get on the field again and begin working towards a successful inaugural season with this group!”

Jacobs graduated from Clemson with a degree in mathematics teaching in 2021 and earned a Masters of Education from Anderson University in 2013. After her full-time playing career ended, she began her coaching career at Anderson University in 2017 as an assistant coach under Julie Carlson. Jacobs took over the program as head coach in 2018.

“Sarah is a huge asset to this program both on the field with her playing experience and off the field with league opponent/coaching experience,” said Julie Carlson. “Sarah will be an important piece to our foundation of the program with her leadership. She has a significant work rate and just loves the game.”

Jacobs becomes the second coach and third player named to the roster, joining local standouts Caroline Conti and Carly Thatcher. The club completed its’ inaugural open tryout the weekend of January 8-9 and anticipates filling more roster slots across the coming weeks. The team is set to kick off its’ first season this May with a slate of 12 to 14 matches. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Ibarra to Return for 2022 Campaign

Greenville, SC (January 19, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club resigned talented winger Jesus Ibarra for the 2022 season, the club announced today pending league and federation approval. Ibarra appeared in 23 matches for Triumph SC during the 2021 season, totaling 1,145 minutes. The San Diego native tallied two goals and one assist on the season, including the go-ahead goal in the club’s semifinal playoff win over the Chattanooga Red Wolves.

Before joining on with Greenville ahead of the 2021 season, the midfielder signed with the USL Championship club, Charleston Battery, in 2020 after showing out during preseason. Ibarra first began his professional career playing with third-tier Swedish club Bodens BK for the 2019 season. Ibarra spent time in Greenville prior to turning pro, playing for former NPSL side Greenville FC in 2018.

“Jesus’ ability to create and take players on served us well last season, and we know he is capable of scoring more cracking goals like the one against Chattanooga in the semifinal,” said head coach John Harkes. “We’re excited to bring him back for another season with our Triumph family and we’re looking forward to a big year for Jesus and our club in 2022!“

Ibarra is the 12th returning Triumph player for the 2022 season, joining co-captains Tyler Polak & Aaron Walker among others. The returnees will join newcomers Venton Evans, Jake Keegan, and midfielder Lucas Coutinho on the 2022 roster. The 2022 regular season will kick off April 2nd against Fuego FC at Legacy Early College in West Greenville.

Upstate Standouts Announced as Triumph's First W League Signings

Greenville, SC (January 13, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph has signed its’ first two players to the club’s USL W League inaugural roster, inking local standouts Caroline Conti and Carly Thatcher, pending league and federation approval. The pair, who both played club and high school soccer in the Upstate, will play for the new W League team in its’ inaugural season this summer.

Conti, a Greenville native, began her soccer career at CESA. While competing in club soccer, she participated in ID2 Olympic Development and ECNL Player Development Programs for the academy. While at JL Mann High School, Conti served as team captain and led the Patriots to back-to-back State Championships in 2017 and 2018. Conti was voted to three-time all-region, all-upstate, and all-state teams during her time at Mann. She was also voted the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year for the 2016-17 and 2018-19 seasons, and twice recognized as the SC 5A Miss Soccer Player of the Year.

“I’m so excited to get the chance to be a part of the new USL W-League team here in Greenville,” said Conti. “I can’t wait to get the chance to play with all of the amazing other girls and make memories of a lifetime.”

Conti, a forward, is currently finishing her junior season at Clemson University. While at Clemson, Conti has made 66 starts and appeared in 69 matches, totaling 4,472 minutes of action. Conti tallied six goals and six assists this past season, with a shot on goal percentage of .500. She earned Offensive ACC Player of the Week twice in 2021 and once in 2020, also being voted as the United Soccer Coaches National Player of the Week two times last season.

“The addition of Caroline has such a positive impact on the start of our team. She brings many characteristics with her. Not only is she a talented player both in skill level and field dynamics, but she’s also very hard working, has great leadership presence and a huge passion for the game,” said Head Coach Julie Carlson. “She will bring a high level of Soccer IQ quality to our team and will possess an enjoyable energy that fans will love to watch.”

Conti is joined on the inaugural roster by Greer native Carly Thatcher, a midfielder with local playing experience from CESA and Riverside High School. During her club career, she was twice voted to the Mid-Atlantic All Conference Team, participated in the 2018 ECNL National Training Camp and named a Generation Adidas Olympique Lyonnais selection. While at Riverside, Thatcher was a four-time all-state and 5A Region 2 Player of the Year honoree. She also was named 2020-21 All-Upstate Girls Soccer Player of the Year by the Greenville News and was nominated for SC Gatorade Player of the Year.

“I’m so excited to be representing my hometown team for its inaugural season,” said Thatcher.

Thatcher is currently finishing her freshman year at Auburn University. She has had a notable start to her collegiate career, logging 446 minutes this past season with 20 appearances and 17 starts. She was named SEC Freshman of the Week in September. Thatcher has a shot on goal percentage of .538 and tallied three goals and two assists in 2021. She also became the second freshman in Auburn history to record a hat-trick.

“Carly is a crafty, off the dribble threat. She is also a very hardworking player with lots of energy. She has great tenacity to connect with players around her,” said Head Coach Julie Carlson. “She will be another huge asset to the inaugural teams’ success this summer.”

Conti and Thatcher mark the first two players signed for the Triumph USL W League Team. The club completed its’ inaugural open tryout the weekend of January 8-9 and anticipates filling more roster slots across the coming weeks. The team is set to kick off its’ first season this May with a slate of 12 to 14 matches. Season tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.

Triumph Re-signs standout defender Fricke for 2022

Greenville, SC (January 12, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club will welcome back another key cog in one of the league’s top defenses, as the club announced the return of center back Brandon Fricke on a two-year deal. Fricke joined Greenville ahead of the 2020 season and helped guide the club to its’ first championship, being named League One Defender of the Year and earning All-League honors.

Fricke appeared in 28 matches for the 2021 League One Finalists, starting 27 of them. Fricke’s 2,316 minutes played were the second-most on the team (Tyler Polak). Fricke’s strong play on the back line helped lead the club to the playoffs for a third straight season, including a five-match shutout streak to end the regular season.

“I’m grateful to be back with the club,” said Fricke. “I’m excited to compete for this city with my teammates, and I can’t wait to see all the fans at Legacy again this spring!”

Fricke holds the distinction of being the only three-time All-League selection in League One history, earning first-team honors in 2020 and second-team honors in 2019 and 2021. Prior to arriving in Greenville, the Grimes, Iowa native spent the inaugural 2019 League One season with the Lansing Ignite, captaining the team to the playoffs before losing to Greenville in the semifinals. Fricke played his collegiate soccer at Butler, appearing in 71 matches before being drafted by the Rapids in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.

Fricke joins Venton Evans, former teammate Jake Keegan, midfielder Lucas Coutinho and 10 returning players on the Triumph’s roster for the 2022 season. The club will begin its’ 2022 regular season on April 2nd against Fuego FC at Legacy Early College in West Greenville.

Midfielder Noah Pilato Returns to Triumph for 2022

Greenville, SC (January 11, 2022) – Midfielder Noah Pilato will be returning to the Greenville Triumph SC in 2022, the club announced today. Pilato will enter his third year in Greenville after a back injury limited the 2020 All-League midfielder to seven appearances in 2021.

Pilato, a Virginia Native and alumni of Penn State University, played in 48 games and logged over 2,000 minutes during his college career. In 2019, he appeared professionally in USL Championship for Loudon United, playing in 13 matches and recording one goal. The Virginia-based club finished 12th in Eastern Conference play. Prior to attending Penn State, Pilato appeared in 14 matches for D.C. United Academy squad, scoring two goals with six assists.

“I’m so excited to be back and a part of the Greenville family again next season,” said Pilato. This is a special group within a special community, and I can’t wait to continue to build on our past success this season.”

In his first year at GTSC, Pilato tallied 1,311 minutes, starting all 16 matches and scoring three goals. he earned All-League selection as well as being voted USL League One Goal of the Month in September of 2020.

“We are excited to have Noah with our club again for 2022,” said John Harkes. “After an injury related frustrating year in 2021, he is back to full strength and ready to drive our club forward to another year of success on and off the field. Noah is a savvy, technically clean, gritty player that will certainly be a key player in the midfield for our team as we push to compete for a title again this year.“

Pilato joins Venton Evans, Jake Keegan, midfielder Lucas Coutinho and eight initial returnees on the Triumph’s roster for the 2022 season. The club will begin its’ 2022 regular season on April 2nd against Fuego FC at Legacy Early College in West Greenville.

Co-Captain Walker Returns for Fourth Season in Greenville

Greenville, SC (January 11, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has resigned midfielder Aaron Walker for 2022, the club announced today. Walker, headed in to his fourth season with the Triumph, will continue to help run the midfield after a successful 2021 campaign that led to five goals, three assists and 19 key passes and an appearance on the All-League second team. Walker is one of the club’s original signings and has spent the last 3 seasons with GTSC as co-captain with Tyler Polak.

“I’m just really excited to be back in a place that feels like home, where I can continue to give everything I have for this great club,” said Walker. “Our group has big expectations and we’re all on the same page for what we want to accomplish in 2022.”

Prior to Walker’s tenure at the GTSC, he played in his home state of Georgia at Oglethorpe University. His professional career began in the NPSL at Georgia Revolution where Walker helped lead the club to the Southeast Conference finals. Walker then competed with BI/Bolungarvik of Icelandic Division 1. In 2017 Walker moved to FC Cincinnati, playing for current Triumph head coach John Harkes. Following his season in Cincinnati, he returned to Georgia to play for the Atlanta Silverbacks. As team captain in 2018, he garnered 6 goals and 4 assists.

Last season, Walker tallied 2,143 minutes, making 24 starts and scoring five goals in 25 total appearances. He also earned his first All-League selection following the 2021 season. Walker has scored 8 goals and 6 assists during his Triumph career, playing 5,911 minutes total across 69 appearances.

“We are thrilled to announce that Aaron will be returning for his 4th season in 2022,” said head coach John Harkes. “His quality in the midfield to control the game, leadership on and off the field, and ability to score goals & defend will be key again for our success. We’re looking forward to seeing Aaron in our Triumph kit once again this year!”

Walker joins Venton Evans, former teammate Jake Keegan, midfielder Lucas Coutinho and eight initial returnees on the Triumph’s roster for the 2022 season. The club will begin its’ 2022 regular season on April 2nd against Fuego FC at Legacy Early College in West Greenville.

Triumph SC Signs Midfielder Venton Evans

Greenville, SC (December 23, 2021) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has signed midfielder Venton Evans, pending league and federation approval. Evans, a Jamaican national, spent the 2021 season with USL League One’s Fort Lauderdale CF.

Evans heads to the Upstate after making 21 appearances for Ft. Lauderdale CF in 2021, starting 16 matches and logging 1,453 minutes for the David Beckham-owned club Evans compiled four goals and two assists during the campaign, including scoring a goal in his debut against North Texas SC.

“We are excited to welcome Venton Evans to our Greenville Triumph roster,” said head coach John Harkes. “He possesses a unique balance of power, speed and technical ability, and will be a dynamic force in our team. We look forward to giving Venton a platform to develop in our competitive system and to enjoy the family culture that we have created in Greenville.”

Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Evans began his career with Portmore United of the Jamaica National Premier League. Evans made 50 appearances over three seasons with Portmore, winning two league titles. He moved to UWI FC in 2020, appearing in eight matches during the shortened season. Evans also made multiple appearances for the U-22 Jamaican National Team in 2019.

Evans becomes Greenville’s eleventh signee for 2022, joining Jake Keegan, Lucas Coutinho, and eight returning starters from the club’s 2021 roster. Triumph SC’s full schedule was recently released, and the club will begin its’ 2022 regular season on April 2nd against Fuego FC at Legacy Early College in West Greenville.

Greenville Triumph 2022 League One Schedule Released

Tampa, FL (December 22, 2021) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club will begin their quest for a fourth consecutive trip to the USL League One Final on April 2, 2022, as the club’s 2022 schedule was released today by the league. The club will play 10 opponents three times each across a 30-match schedule that runs from early April to mid-October.

Greenville will kick off the season on Saturday, April 2nd, welcoming Central Valley Fuego FC to Legacy Early College in West Greenville for the expansion side’s first-ever match. Triumph SC will travel to Fuego a month later.

The schedule is also highlighted by three anticipated matches against GTSC’s new closest opponent, the Charlotte Independence, who moved from the USL Championship to League One in the offseason. Greenville will welcome Charlotte to Legacy on on June 4th and October 8th. Triumph SC makes the short trip to Charlotte on Friday, September 9th.

The Greenville-Omaha rivalry will have three meetings this season, with the only home matchup for Triumph SC taking place on Saturday, July 23. The marquee matchup will take place after Greenville finishes a stretch of three matches in eight days on July 16.

Home schedule:

Saturday, April 2 v. Central Valley Fuego FC

Saturday, April 23 v. South Georgia Tormenta FC

Friday, April 29 v. Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

Friday, May 13 v. Forward Madison FC

Saturday, June 4 v. Charlotte Independence

Saturday, June 25 v. Northern Colorado Hailstorm

Wednesday, June 29 v. North Carolina FC

Saturday, July 9 v. Central Valley Fuego FC

Saturday, July 23 v. Union Omaha

Saturday, July 30 v. South Georgia Tormenta FC

Saturday, August 13 v. Richmond Kickers

Saturday, August 27 v. Northern Colorado Hailstorm

Sunday, September 3 v. Forward Madison FC

Sunday, October 1 v. FC Tucson

Saturday, October 8 v. Charlotte Independence

All home games are tentatively set for 7:00 PM kickoffs. Greenville Triumph 2022 Season Tickets can be purchased here. Single Match Tickets will go on sale in the coming months.

Triumph SC Brings Back Jake Keegan For 2022

Greenville, SC (December 21, 2021) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has signed forward Jake Keegan, bringing back one of the club’s original signings and a key contributor to the club’s 2020 USL League One championship. Keegan was the club’s leading scorer during its’ inaugural season and scored 14 goals for the club across 2019 and 2020. Keegan spent the 2021 season with USL League One’s Forward Madison.

“After a brief sabbatical, I can’t wait to get back to playing in the Upstate,” said Keegan. “I’ve missed the players, coaches, community and playing in front of hands-down the best fans in League One. Life doesn’t always give you second chances, so I could not be more thankful for the opportunity!”

Keegan, a New York Native, played collegiately at Binghamton University, scoring 28 goals in 71 appearances. His professional career has featured two stints in Ireland, including helping Galway United earn promotion to the Irish Premier division in 2014. Keegan also spent two seasons in the NASL before ultimately signing with Greenville in 2019 to begin his League One career.

Keegan tallied 1,862 minutes for Forward Madison in 2021, making 21 starts and scoring six goals in 22 total appearances. He is currently fifth on League One’s all-time scoring list with 20 regular-season goals.

“We’re excited to welcome one of our fan favorites, Jake, back to our club with open arms,” said head coach John Harkes. “His quality up front, mobility on and off the ball, ability to press the opposition, and finishing compliment our team’s style of play in the final third. He’s also a consummate professional and understands our culture.”

Keegan joins midfielder Lucas Coutinho and eight initial returnees on the Triumph’s roster for the 2022 season. Additional signings are expected in the coming days and weeks ahead of the season’s April start.