Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph are preparing for their last regular season match as the League One Final contenders make their way to Orlando for a Saturday afternoon match at Osceola Heritage Park.
This match will serve both teams very differently. For Greenville, it’s about a proper balance of rest and preparation as the Upstate side will host the Final exactly one week from today. For Orlando, it’s a farewell match. Last Friday, October 16th, Orlando City B announced its plans to withdraw from League One competition beginning next year.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Kick off: 1:00 PM EST
Local Broadcast: The CW62
International Stream: YouTube
Social Media: Greenville Triumph SC on Twitter
App: Download for free on Apple or Android
scouting ocb
In their most recent outing, OCB lost 3-1 to a Richmond Kickers side on the hunt for a shot at the League One title. Orlando went up 1-0 in the 8th minute after a goal from 18-year old Tanaka, but Richmond took the rest of the 90 minutes to score three unanswered goals in the 36th, 51st and 64th minutes. The loss brings Richmond down to a 1-10-3 record on its’ last season with USL League One.
what to watch for
Cautionary?: This game has no weight for either side. Orlando has been out for some time and Greenville has already clinched hosting rights for the Final. Nothing that happens with Greenville will affect the second place race between North Texas, Omaha and Richmond. So with a one-match Final to look ahead to, the question becomes whether John Harkes will view this as a resting opportunity for many of the players with close to, if not over, 1,000 minutes logged. In an ideal world, Greenville would be playing at home this weekend with no additional travel or reason for heavy legs. Obviously, that is not case which makes recovery, and perhaps player selection for Saturday’s match, an even more important part of the equation.
The Importance: While this match statistically means nothing, the last thing a Final-bound Greenville Triumph side wants to do is come off the heels of a poor performance straight into a one-off for the League trophy. This should be a feel-good match. One that establishes confidence, player connections and a strong mentality heading into next week.
In the Moment: It’s been an interesting scenario for Greenville through the last month. The team clinched their spot in the Final on October 3rd knowing hosting rights were still on the line. Then they clinched home field advantage the night before they took the field against Union Omaha for the first time. This team has been a “one game at time” side for the entire season. But it would be hard to imagine their thoughts haven’t been drifting more and more to the Final through the last few matches. Greenville is a mentally disciplined, well-coached club, and they’re eager to get their second shot at the title. But for now, there’s one last preparation match to dial into — one last thing to face before the focus can be entirely on the championship.
NEws and notes
League One Final Comes To The Upstate: Greenville clinched hosting rights after South Georgia defeated Richmond on Saturday, October 17th. With the club officially clinching, ticket sales have been announced for the October 30th match. Prospective Season Ticket Members have the opportunity to get free tickets to the championship match by placing a non-refundable new season deposit for 2021. Purchasers will receive one League One Final ticket for each new 2021 seat purchased up to four while supplies last. Deposits can be placed by clicking here, and full information on pricing and benefits can be found here.
Leaders: Lachlan McLean is the Triumph point and goal leader after netting both of Greenville’s goals against FC Tucson. McLean, who has 14 points off six goals and two assists, is followed by Alex Morrell with 12 points from three goals and six assists. The Aussie is fourth in the Golden Boot race behind Chattanooga’s Greg Hurst (7) and Fort Lauderdale’s Ricky Lopez-Espin (7). Richmond’s injured Emiliano Terzaghi is in clear control of the race with 10 goals. Dallas Jaye leads the Golden Glove race and is up for 2020 USL League GK of the Year for the second year in a row.
Injury Report: Carlos Gomez is currently the only Triumph player on the injury list as he recovers from shoulder surgery. JJ Donnelly is questionable for Saturday’s match after suffering a bone bruise (knee) over the last two weeks.
Standings: For fifteen straight weeks, the Triumph have held the top spot in the league with 32 points through 15 games played after most recently dropping three points against Union Omaha. There are three teams vying to face Greenville in the final. In order currently: Richmond, Omaha, North Texas. Richmond is the only team in control of their destiny and, after a win against OCB on Wednesday, a win against Chattanooga on Saturday will send the Kickers to Greenville for League One Championship matchup. Richmond can still make the final should they lose against Chattanooga by way of an Omaha loss combined with a North Texas draw or loss. If Richmond ties Chattanooga, they will still make the Final should Omaha drop any points. For The Owls of Omaha, it’s a must-win game against Fort Lauderdale and hope for a Richmond loss. And for the surging North Texas side, they are dependent on a Richmond loss for a chance at the Final. Richmond will start off the three-team action at 6:30pm Saturday night while North Texas and Omaha will follow at 8:00pm.
ICYMI: In the most recent addition of “11 Questions” presented by Piedmont Natural Gas, Marion Cole sits down with center back, Brandon Fricke. To learn more about one of the best defenders in the League, click here.
Club News: In a partnership extension with the CW62, Greenville Triumph is excited to announce that the USL League One Final Match will be aired locally on The CW along with this Sunday’s match and October 24th’s match in Orlando. Head Coach John Harkes has been chosen to be apart of the American Cancer Society’s “Real Men Wear Pink” Campaign. You can help Coach Harkes reach his $2,500 goal by clicking here.
upcoming
Greenville will host the USL League One Final on October 30th at 8:00pm. Gates will open early at 6:30 pm with pre-game music from DJ Sha and an extended Happy Hour with dollar drink specials until 8:00 pm. Tickets start at only $10. The game will be televised internationally on YouTube, nationally on ESPN+ and ESPN Deportes and locally on The CW62.
MATCH WEEKEND DEALS
Coastal Crust: Come to Coastal Crust Pizza on Triumph match days and use code word “Triumph” to receive one glass of Impero Montepulciano, Impero Pinot Grigio Trebbiano or Peroni with the purchase of a pizza or pasta. **One drink per one pizza/pasta. Kids pasta does not qualify. This is applicable to dine-in only. Customers cannot substitute for a different wine/beer.
Southern Culture Hospitality Group: Head to Habitap to watch Triumph matches on their big screen get half off your first beer by wearing your Triumph gear! Getting take-out? LTO Burger Bar is offering a match day curbside pick-up discount…get 10% off with online code “Triumph”.
Item of the Week: Purchase your USL League One Final t-shirt here
Clean Sheet. Clean Car: If the Triumph earn a clean sheet (meaning no goals allowed), you can get $3 off a Top Wash the day after at Fins Car Wash, no promo code required.
Tailgate Package: Download the Chick-fil-A app to earn special rewards the Monday after each match. Simply order food from the Pelham Road location, and put Together We Triumph in the special instructions box.
