Toronto, Ontario, Canada – The Greenville Triumph played to a scoreless draw against Toronto FC II in the first USL League One North of the border since the 2019 season.
Greenville played with 10 men for the majority of the match after Brandon Fricke received a red card in the 39th minute after a second foul. Greenville was already facing challenges due to the travel restrictions in place and had a limited number of players available heading into the match.
The wind at BMO Training Ground was brutal all match, going against the Triumph attack in the first half. Despite the conditions and adversity, John Harkes’s side had the better of first half chances. Andrew Booth saw a glimpse of goal in the 29′ that Marios Lomis attempted to flick into goal but Lomis’ header caught a deflection away from the Toronto FC II goalkeeper.
Toronto held the majority of possession through the second half. Greenville, down a man, was battling both the sun and the wind for the remaining 45 minutes. The Triumph made a few tactical changes including subbing on defender Cole McLagan for striker Marios Lomis early in the half. McLagan and the Triumph defense played extremely well defensively to hold the speedy and creative Toronto FC II at bay. Greenville has gone down a man in three matches so far this season and has yet to lose one, a testament to the unity and resilience the Upstate side can show.
Rookie Will Mejia made his first appearance in a Triumph kit with a few minutes left to play in the match, and Patrick Cayelli, a recent academy signing, made their debuts as Greenville took a well-earned point back across the border.
Greenville returns to Triumph Stadium at Legacy Early College for its fourth look at South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, August 7. Kickoff is at 7:00pm, and gates will open at 6:00pm.
