2019 League One Finalists return to play, opening the delayed 2020 season on the road against Ft. Lauderdale CF.
What to Watch For:
Control The Pace: The first competitive match in four months is bound to see a fast-paced start as players settle into their own excitement. A key to this match will be not only utilizing a quick pace to get on the board early, but then figuring out how to control the game’s tempo. As exciting as it is, in almost 90 degree heat at 8pm and legs not quite in game-shape, excitement won’t last the entire 90+ minutes. Look for the Triumph central midfielders, and center backs Evan Lee and Brandon Fricke, to establish a steady tempo that shifts Ft. Lauderdale CF and allows the ball, instead of fatigued legs, to work.
Then, Let It Work: Pace also refers to speed. Alex Morrell, Omar Mohamed-type speed. Fort Lauderdale CF’s wingers and outside backs will have their hands full with Triumph SC’s speedy and crafty outside players. With opportunistic forwards Jake Keegan, Carlos Gomez and Lachlan McLean lurking in the box, dare we see an early goal off the service?
Veterans vs The New Guys: Although the newest members of the league have one of the most experienced coaches leading the way (Jason Kreis, U-23 MNT coach), Fort Lauderdale CF’s roster will be a mix of academy players and younger players with some professional experience. Now, compare that to the fact that all but one player on the Triumph SC roster spent 2019 in League One, USL Championship or with an MLS squad. There will be a difference in how Greenville handles the emotions to come with finally stepping onto the field again, but there will also be a difference in game management. No team is going to be in peak game-shape due to not playing a competitive match since February or March, so game management and style of play will be a crucial component to controlling the tempo and lasting into the late minutes.
The More, The Merrier – Five Subs: Another change to this year’s season structure is the implementation of five subs instead of the traditional three. Any coach playing in 90 degree heat is thankful for that as team’s continue to gain game-shape fitness. For Greenville, it will be an insightful first look at who will be the game changers off the bench. However, with a roster as talented as this, that’s bound to change game after game. Tomorrow, it’s the midfield substitutions who continue to control the game by shifting defenses and picking opportune moments to attack will make a big difference.
Match Info:
Kickoff: July 18th| 7:00 PM EST
Where: Inter Miami CF Stadium | Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Kickoff Weather: 87 degrees, 60% chance of rain
Watch: ESPN+ / YouTube (internationally)
Stats: USL League One Match Center
Match weekend deals:
Together We Tailgate Package: When you download the Chick-fil-A app and order food from the Pelham Road location, put “Together We Triumph” in the special instructions box, you will earn special rewards the Monday after each match!
For the first four matches of our season, the person who purchases the most food from the app (using the instructions above) will be named a High Scorer and will win a FREE Chick-fil-A Tailgate for 8 meal!
This deal is only available at the Pelham Road location on the Chick-fil-A app.
