corporate-logo
#UnitedForSoccer

Greenville Triumph SC

Greenville Triumphs SC

Home » Player Updates » Page 2

Player Updates

Triumph adds Monmouth Striker to 2024 Roster

Ben Zakowski pens rookie contract with Greenville
77

COLLEGE APPEARANCES

32

GOALS

15

ASSISTS

6,108

MINUTES

Ben Zakowski will join the Greenville Triumph Soccer Club for his rookie season, pending league and federation approval. The New Jersey native carried out his college career at Monmouth University with a history of making an instant impact. As a forward, he appeared and started in every single match since 2020, earning recognitions in each of his years of play:

  • 2023 United Soccer Coaches First Team All-Region
  • 2023 First Team All-CAA
  • 2023 Second Team All-ECAC
  • 2023 CAA All-Tournament Team
  • 2022 United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-Region
  • 2022 Second Team All-CAA
  • 2020-21 All-MAAC Team
  • 2020-21 United Soccer Coaches Second Team All-Region
  • 2019 MAAC All-Rookie Team

Zakowski led the Hawks in points in his junior and senior year campaigns, including six game-winning goals in 2023–tying for third in the nation. In his final season, he steered Monmouth to the regular season championship and CAA Championship match. Zakowski also became the seventh player in program history to earn all-region accolades three times in his career, the sixth player to score 12 goals in a single season, and the fourth in career goals with 32.

“Ben will be a great addition to our team. He had a very good college career. He is very versatile, athletic and passionate about his play. He’s extremely eager to learn.”

Greenville Triumph Head Coach, Rick Wright

Prior to his collegiate career Zakowski competed in his hometown for Glen Rock High School. He was selected to the All-State, All-County and Northeast Regional All-American Team among other awards.

Greenville Triumph Signs Clemson Forward, Mohamed Seye

Spanish forward set to begin professional career with the Triumph in 2024
83

COLLEGE APPEARANCES

16

ASSISTS

23

GOALS

3,990

MINUTES

Greenville, SC (January 29, 2024) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has announced the signing of forward, Mohamed Seye to a contract, pending league and federation approval. This signing marks the beginning of this Clemson star’s first professional career after spending an incredible four years with the Tigers.

Seye has had a love for the game ever since he picked up a ball at the of age 7 in his home city of Valencia, Spain. In 2019, he moved to South Carolina, where he was committed to play for the Clemson Tigers. In a Clemson video, Seye explained, “Soccer has given me the opportunity to complete my studies. It has given me the chance to be here, meet new people. Also, to know new cultures and learn another language. Become a man I would say. I’m glad I am still playing and can continue to enjoy it.”

Since the start of his collegiate soccer career, Seye has tallied an impressive amount of points, with 23 goals, 16 assists, and just under 4,000 career minutes. Throughout his four years, the forward was recognized as ACC Co-Offensive Player of the Week (2020), named to Top Drawer Soccer’s Team of the Week (2020) and College Soccer News’ Team of the Week (2020), and made All-ACC third team in 2022.

Seye ranked second on the team in goals (4), assists (6), and points (14) during his senior season, scoring his first career hat trick during the 6-0 shutout victory over Presbyterian College in 2023. He was also a member of two ACC Championships and two NCAA national titles.

During the Tigers’ 2021 national championship campaign, Seye suffered a torn ACL against Louisville. Despite the injury occurring in October, two months prior, he continued to play in the following games leading up to the national championship in December. In an interview with Clemson’s student newspaper, The Tiger, Seye delved into his experience with his injury. “When I got injured, I had two options, which were to stop playing and have surgery or keep playing but playing in another way, having a different role, and I decided to have another role on the team,” Seye said. Throughout the next summer, Seye worked tirelessly to find his way back onto the field. In his first official game back, the star forward scored his first goal since the injury, making it one of the most memorable games for him.

Seye leaves Clemson to sign his first professional contract as a member of the Triumph. He is the first Clemson alum to join GTSC since former Clemson captain, Paul Clowes, who played for the club in 2019 and 2020.

Riverhounds Goal Keeper Signs with the Triumph

Christian Garner joins Greenville Triumph SC for the 2024 season
41

APPEARANCES

160

SAVES

7

SHUT OUTS

3,698

MINUTES

Christian Garner has had an impressive goal keeping career throughout his time playing. The Orleans, Mass. native, has played for several teams including:

  • 2018-2021 Boston College
  • 2022 Northwestern
  • 2023 USL Championship Team Pittsburgh Riverhounds

Staying local to his home state, Garner played for Boston College for four seasons before completing his college career as a graduate transfer with Northwestern. During his time with the Eagles, the goalkeeper posted six shutouts and a .727 save percentage, throughout 28 games. As a junior, he played every minute in goal, logging 560 minutes in just one season. In his last two seasons, he was honored the title of team captain, as well as named to the All-ACC Academic Team as a senior.

Deciding to finish his last season of eligibility at Northwestern, Garner appeared, and started in 13 games, ending with a total of 64 saves and one shutout. His remarkable college career led him to sign a one-year deal with USL Championship Team the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, as Garner’s first professional contract. The goalkeeper recorded 270 minutes between the sticks for Pittsburgh, helping them to the Eastern Conference Quarterfinal.

“Christian has a good background with the Riverhounds and is going to provide good competition for the guys to push each other in training.”

Greenville Triumph Head Coach, Rick Wright

The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s addition of the 23-year-old marks the second goalkeeper on the 2024 squad, pending league and federation approval.

Upstate Soccer Standout Velásquez Signs with Greenville Triumph

Decorated former Greenville High School, Spartanburg Methodist midfielder returns to Upstate for 2024 season

Greenville, SC (January 25, 2024) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club is pleased to announce the signing of midfielder, Sebastián Velásquez to a contract, pending league and federation approval. The signing returns one of Grenville’s most accomplished players back to the Upstate to continue a professional career he began in 2012 after being selected in the MLS SuperDraft following two collegiate seasons at Spartanburg Methodist.

A native of Medellín, Colombia, Velásquez moved to Greenville as a child and played youth soccer with the Greenville Cowboys, Berea Fusion, and two clubs that eventually merged to form Carolina Elite Soccer Academy (CESA). He spent his freshman and sophomore years of high school soccer at Greenville High, leading the team to a 50-2 record. He was named to the all-state team both seasons and won a Class AAA state title with a perfect 27-0 record as a sophomore. The team was additionally recognized by the NSCAA as the top team in the nationfollowing their undefeated season.

Velásquez sat out his junior year after transferring to Eastside High School and left the program prior to his senior season to pursue professional opportunities after earning a trial with FC Barcelona. After multiple trials in Europe, he enrolled at Spartanburg Methodist College, spending two seasons with the Pioneers. In 55 games, he scored 55 goals and 33 assists, also being named a NJCAA Second Team All-American.

The attacking midfielder turned professional after his sophomore year, being selected 36th overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. He earned over 50 appearances for the club before moving to New York City FC. Since his last MLS appearance in 2015, he has made over 100 appearances with five USL Championship teams and spent time with clubs in South Korea and Israel. He began his 2023 season in Memphis before being dealt to Indy Eleven, where he made 17 appearances, notching two goals and one assist in 942 minutes.

“Since the day the club was announced, I knew I wanted to come home and play soccer here,” said Velásquez. “I moved here when I was three and feel like I have played on every single soccer field that’s existed here, and have been part of tournaments, leagues and programs in every facet of soccer around Greenville. My dream was for Greenville to have a professional soccer club so I could come home and enjoy the game I love in front of my family and my friends. My dream has come true, and I’m excited to be home and try to help this team win a championship!”

Velásquez joins returning fellow Colombian attacker, Leo Castro in the Triumph attack for 2024 after Castro’s team-leading 13 goals last season. The club also welcomes back Lyam MacKinnon in the attack and a veteran defensive core as it continues roster additions ahead of the season opener on March 9th.

“Sebastian’s signing is probably one of the biggest in the club’s history,” said Triumph Head Coach Rick Wright. “He’s from here, but he climbed the ladder to the top of Major League Soccer and created a legacy for himself playing overseas. I think it’s noteworthy that he recognizes that part of his legacy is his desire to be back in Greenville leading us to a championship. He stated that he wanted to come back while he’s still in his prime, and, after watching him last year, I think it’s going to be a very exciting time for our players and fans.”

Triumph SC is currently selling season tickets for 2024 on the club’s website. The 15-match home schedule runs from March to late October and features four matches in League One’s new cup competition, which will run concurrent with the league schedule.

Three Players Earn ‘Team of the Week’ Honors After Road Trip 

Gavilanes, Fricke & Labovitz honored after road trips

Tampa, FL (October 10, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph collected four points after a two-match week that clinched the club’s fifth postseason appearance. After falling behind early in both matches, Greenville’s comebacks were highlighted by efforts from three players. Allen Gavilanes, Brandon Fricke and Jacob Labovitz were all selected for League One Team of the Week honors following their game-changing performances against Fuego FC and Chattanooga SC. 

Allen Gavilanes’ sliding steal and assist to give Greenville the lead against Fuego may go down as one of the best plays of the season for the Triumph. Gavilanes created nine chances and delivered six successful crosses in two matches. 

Brandon Fricke reached a personal milestone on Saturday night as he logged his 100th match in a Triumph kit. The steadfast defender demonstrated his value with nine clearances, 11 duels won and 10 aerial duels won.

Jacob Labovitz notched a goal and an assist against Fuego FC to ignite Greenville’s comeback win. On Saturday the striker netted his sixth goal of the season and halved the Triumph’s deficit. He recorded six successful aerial duals, eight duals and three clearances in week 30. 

Jamie Smith, Evan Lee and Leo Castro also made the TOTW bench after a list of highlight moments that included two goals, blocked shots and more in Greenville’s strong performances.

Allen Gavilanes earns Team of the Week Honors for week 30.
Brandon Fricke earns Team of the Week Honors for week 30.
Jacob Labovitz earns Team of the Week Honors for week 30.

Greenville signs Fernando Garcia ahead of Richmond Match

Forward, Garcia will join Greenville in final playoff push

Greenville, SC (September 22, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph SC announced today a new player signing ahead of Saturday’s match in Richmond. Former FC Tucson forward, Fernando Garcia, penned his second USL professional contract as the Triumph makes its final playoff push.

After coming in mid-season, Garcia appeared in 18 matches for Tucson prior to their move back to USL League 2. He tallied four goals in 688 minutes last season, including a last-minute equalizer against Greenville. The striker also had a stint with the Des Moines Menace in 2022 and 2023, with appearances in both U.S. Open Cup matches.

Garcia logged minutes at both UNC Charlotte and UNC Greensboro, prior to his professional debut. He appeared in 17 matches for the 49ers to tally two goals and one assist over in his first season. Garcia played a key role in Charlotte’s Conference USA Tournament run, with an assist in their semifinal win over 8th-ranked FIU. The North Carolina native once again held an impactful role at another state university in Greensboro. He recorded 1,537 minutes in 31 matches, notched eight goals and four assists as a Spartan. Garcia helped UNCG win the 2020 Southern Conference Tournament championship and make its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in over a decade. In the spring of 2020, he was named to the SoCon Preseason All-Conference team and aided UNCG onto win the Southern Conference regular season championship.

Former FC Tucson forward, Fernando Garcia dribbles against Charlotte.
Game action between FC Tucson and Charlotte Independence during a USL League One match at Kino North Stadium in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday September 3, 2022. (Chris Hook/FC Tucson)

Castro Named Player of the Week

Castro, Fricke both earn weekly honors

Greenville, SC (July 25, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph is represented by offensive and defensive standouts in this week’s USL League One Team of the Week. Forward, Leo Castro and center back, Brandon Fricke are among the top 11 players across the division after Greenville completed a challenging two-match week.

Player of the Week, Leo Castro recorded a brace within the first 25 minutes of play for Greenville. He notched two goals to overtake Lyam MacKinnon as the leading goal-scorer on the team with a total of eight. Castro netted both shot attempts to record a 100% shot on goal rate for the match. The Colombian demonstrated his dominance in the air by winning a pair of aerial duels and securing his second goal from a header off a cross from Allen Gavilanes.

Brandon Fricke registered 12 clearances against Charlotte and seven against Tormenta. Wednesday night, Fricke won five aerial duels and seven duels on the pitch, while getting a shot on goal. Over the past eight matches, Fricke and the Greenville defense have kept their opponents to a one-goal or less margin and tallied five wins. In addition to the veteran defender, goalkeeper Jared Mazzola also made it on the TOTW bench after setting the club record for saves in a match (9) on Wednesday.

The Greenville Triumph will travel to Madison, WI this weekend to face Forward Madison FC for the third and final time this season. Kickoff starts at 8:00 PM ET and can be streamed on ESPN+.

MacKinnon named Player of the Week for second time

The rookie forward earned the honor after a historic, four-goal performance versus Chattanooga

Greenville, SC (June 27, 2023) – Following a record-breaking performance against the Chattanooga Red Wolves on Wednesday, Lyam MacKinnon has been named USL League One Player of the Week for Week 15. The Swiss forward tallied four goals on his way to earning POTW honors for the second time this season.

MacKinnon got the action started in 9th minute, when he fired Tyler Polak’s incoming corner kick into the back of the net off the volley. He would score again in the 17th minute before completing his hat trick five minutes later, scoring another volley from a chipped-in cross by Evan Lee. With that strike, the rookie set the record for the fastest hat trick in league history.

He would etch his name into the USL League One history books once more in the second half with his fourth goal of the match. A forward pass from Jacob Labovitz found MacKinnon on the run, and his chipped shot over the goalkeeper and into the goal made him the first player in league history to score four goals in a single match.

Leo Castro, who added a fifth goal to the Triumph’s tally in Wednesday’s match, was also named to the Team of the Week. Along with his goal, Castro won eight duels, made six clearances and earned two fouls.

The Greenville Triumph will look to extend their five-match unbeaten run this weekend when they host Forward Madison in Paladin Stadium. The match will kick off at 7 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets for the match are on sale now.

Triumph Goalkeeper Ben Hale Announces Retirement

Goalkeeper spent parts of three seasons with Triumph

Greenville Triumph Soccer Club goalkeeper Ben Hale is retiring from professional soccer, Hale and the club announced Wednesday. Hale, who has battled injuries across the last two seasons, signed with the club in 2021 after graduating from Furman University. The goalkeeper plans to transition from his playing career to a job with Lockheed Martin Space.

“I’m excited for Ben and his future,” said head coach and sporting director John Harkes. “He’s been a pleasure to work with and will be missed. Ben has suffered through injuries and has always continued to be a good pro. We wish him all the best.”

Hale was signed early in the 2021 season to serve as the number three keeper behind Triumph standouts Dallas Jaye and Paul Christensen, before being elevated to backup keeper for 2022. He appeared in multiple preseason matches in 2022 and 2023, but never made a regular-season appearance for the Triumph. Hale missed much of the 2022 season due to injury and was competing for the starting goalkeeper job before reinjuring himself in the lead-up to Greenville’s home opener this season.

A native of Frisco, Texas, Hale started 54 matches in his collegiate career, leading Furman to a Southern Conference Tournament Title and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2019. He earned SoCon Goalkeeper of the Year and First Team All-SoCon accolades during the season. He compiled 4,795 minutes at Furman with a 1.03 goals-against average. Hale was also named SoCon Player of the Year in 2021. Prior to college, Hale was a member of the United States U-19 National Team and the FC Dallas Academy.

Hale’s retirement leaves two keepers in the mix for the Triumph. Jared Mazzola, who signed with the club after Hale’s injury in 2022, has started all eight of Greenville’s matches in 2023. Backup keeper Gunther Rankenburg, a rookie, signed with the team just after the club’s March 25th opening match.

Greenville registers four on Team of the Week

Lyam MacKinnon, Leonardo Castro, Tyler Polak & Lucas Coutinho all tally League One week honors after midweek victory

Greenville, SC (April 25, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club had four players on this week’s USL League One Team of the Week roster following a defiant win over the second ranked Charlotte Independence to shoot Greenville to fourth in standings. Leonardo Castro, Tyler Polak and Lucas Coutinho made the eleven alongside Lyam MacKinnon, who was named Player of the Week. Greenville also had Aaron Walker on the TOTW Bench.

Lyam McKinnon tallied his first professional goal last Wednesday against the Independence along with an assist. The Swiss rookie returned to the starting lineup in Charlotte after appearances in the first two matches of the season, including Greenville’s U.S. Open Cup match. MacKinnon excelled at finding the open space and dribbling defenders to shift the Greenville offense forward. 

The League One assist leader, Leo Castro, makes his second TOTW roster after a stellar match. Former Kaizer striker, was instrumental in Greenville’s first and third goals, with an assist for each on Wednesday. Standing at 6’1, Castro won six out of seven aerial duels serving as an attacking stronghold to distribute and control possession of the ball in the final third. 

Tyler Polak returned to his familiar left back role against Charlotte after injuries shuffled the defender to center back for much of the season. The former All-League player picked up where he left off, earning a TOTW appearance after playing a full 90 minutes and completing 87% of his passes on Wednesday. Defensively, Polak had one block, four clearances and had three interceptions in the club’s 3-1 win.

Lucas Coutinho also appears on TOTW, continuing his run of great play after being named Player of the Week in April after a brace and assist in the April 19th win over Central Valley. Coutinho scored the club’s third goal of the night against Charlotte, played 68 minutes and completing 72% of his passes and winning 71% of his duels.

Aaron Walker secured a spot on the TOTW Bench after notching his first goal of the season from distance and receiving a nomination for Goal of the Week.

The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club will host the Kickers this weekend in Paladin Stadium. The team will kick off Autograph Night at 7:00 on Saturday. Tickets are on sale now, click here to purchase. 

Triumph Punctuates Historic Day With Rivalry Win

Continue Reading

Greenville Triumph & Liberty Soccer Clubs Break Ground on Triumph Stadium at BridgeWay Station

Continue Reading

Stalemate in Season Opener as Triumph and Westchester Battle to 1-1 Draw

Continue Reading

Golden Ticket: We Win, You Save!

Continue Reading

Greenville Triumph Announces 2025 Theme Nights

Continue Reading

June Triumph Home Match to be Held in Clemson

Continue Reading

No events

Follow Us

LOCATIONS

Office & Team Store: 22 S. Main Street
Greenville, SC  29601

Stadium: 3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville, SC 29613

CONTACT US

864-203-0565

customerservice@greenvilletriumph.com

NEVER MISS AN UPDATE!

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

By submitting this form you are agreeing to the USL Privacy Policy.