Greenville, SC (October 30, 2020) – Though the Greenville Triumph’s run to a championship didn’t end with the sound of a victorious final whistle Friday evening, the club that stood atop the USL League One standings for the entirety of the 16-match 2020 season found plenty to celebrate about with their fans at Legacy Early College in West Greenville on Friday night.
The feelings of anticipation and excitement for a sold out League One Final were dashed Thursday, when multiple positive COVID tests within the Union Omaha organization necessitated a cancellation of the championship match. For fans of the Triumph, though, the cancellation also brought news of a championship, as the Upstate club was awarded the League One title by virtual of the highest average points per matches played.
For the club that made the Final in their inaugural 2019 season, narrowly missing out on a championship with a 1-0 road loss to North Texas, The 2020 campaign was an emphatic second act for the Triumph. There was not much doubt that Greenville deserved the title, racing out to a hot start in July and riding the momentum through an unbeaten September and emphatic 4-1 victory in their final regular season match. The club finished their regular season 11-2-3, including a stellar 7-0-1 home record that helped them reign over the league despite not being able to punctuate things with the League One Final.
“You think about the work we put in all year long, and it culminates in us getting the chance to lift a cup and be recognized for the efforts. It’s a fantastic feeling, and I’m so proud of these players. They’ve worked so hard this year. Their discipline, attention to detail on and off the field. They deserve every part of this.” said Harkes.
Fans who flocked to Legacy on Friday night were instead treated to a coronation, which began with the Triumph players and coaches splitting in to two teams for an abbreviated green vs. blue scrimmage. Following the scrimmage, the club took to the stage to receive their medals before crowding around the hardware that eluded them a year ago. After the cup was raised, with confetti cannons raining green and blue down on the players, they put the long and arduous road to the 2020 title in perspective.
“I’m so proud of this team. It’s been an insane year with everything that’s been going on. This moment — this moment is sweet. This group deserves it. Everyone that has made this season happen; we never thought this season would happen. The fact we were able to play this entire season and then lift a trophy at the end of it means so much. It doesn’t get sweeter than this,” said co-captain Aaron Walker on the season.
For a side that stood at the top of the table with and 11-3-2 record, the 2020 season ended with the lifting of the League One trophy at the club’s home field.
