Greenville, SC – Despite not breaking back into the scoring column, the Triumph we able to avoid a second straight match with late goal heartbreak as they battled back with a strong second half to draw South Georgia Tormenta FC at Legacy Early College Field in the third of five meetings between the two southern clubs.
The first half was a familiar refrain for the home side, as the Triumph failed to convert early opportunities. Despite missed chances, the defense was able to withstand a barrage of first half shots from Tormenta behind a brilliant performance from Dallas Jaye.
The second half saw Greenville control possession, executing a number of corners and nearly scoring in the 65th minute with a rocket off the foot of Max Hemmings, only to be flicked away by a leaping Pablo Jara in a match that became a keeper showcase.
“I don’t know what I can say about Dallas Jaye tonight,” said Head Coach John Harkes. He was absolutely fantastic. If he doesn’t make team of the week, I don’t know what he has to do to do that because he was brilliant. They peppered us for about probably four or five minutes in a row and he came up big, really big. So he was huge at the back line for us.”
A second yellow to Tormenta’s Ricardo Gomez in the 86th minute gave the Triumph a man advantage for the final five minutes of the match, but they failed to convert the close free kick and had to settle for one point as they head in to a bye week.
“The effort was great tonight despite not getting all three points,” said defender Evan Lee. “Dallas played a really good game today and our back line throughout the season has been very strong. We have the least conceded record, it’s the best in the League and I don’t think that is by accident given how hard we work.”
The Triumph have an open date before returning to the pitch at Legacy Early College on Saturday, June 15th to host the Lansing Ignite in the third and final regular season match between the two clubs. The Pregame Fan Fest begins at 5:00 pm, gates open at 6:00 pm and kickoff is at 7:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.
STATS
Shots:
Greenville – 12, Tormenta – 15
Possession:
Greenville: 46.6%
Tormenta: 53.4%
Corners:
Greenville – 7, Tormenta – 9
Scoring Summary:
N/A
Misconduct Summary:
TRM: Gomez (caution) – 73’, (second caution) 86′
GVL: Politz (caution) – 39’, Boland (caution) – 53′, Walker (caution) – 60′
Ejection Summary:
TRM: Gomez – 86′ (second caution)
