USL1 Greenville Triumph SC

Triumph, Tormenta Draw Second Leg of Peach States Derby

Published on June 3, 2023 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
Greenville Triumph SC News Release


Greenville, SC - 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 74th 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 86th 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 10th 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 10th match. Tickets for June 10th are available now!

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