Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club turns the calendar to the final month of the 2021 regular season as they welcome Ft. Lauderdale CF to the Upstate this Friday night, October 1st, at 7:00 PM presented by Plumbing in Pink. Greenville looks to run their unbeaten streak to five against a Ft. Lauderdale team that brings some soccer royalty to Greenville.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Kick off: 7:00 PM, Triumph Stadium at Legacy Early College, Greenville, SC
Streaming TV: ESPN+
International Stream: YouTube
Social Media: Greenville Triumph SC on Twitter
App: Download for free on Apple or Android
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Marching forward: Greenville welcomed forward Lachlan McLean back last week after missing nearly three months with a knee injury, and his presence was felt almost immediately. McLean subbed on late in the club’s match at Forward Madison, and scored less than ten minutes after entering the match. The goal, which ultimately earned Greenville a draw, tested McLean’s calmness and awareness after being out so long, proved that he’s ready to hit the ground running in the final month of the season. With a full compliment of attacking players outside of JJ Donnelly’s injury, Greenville looks ready to rack up some goals in their playoff push.
Defensive urgency: Ft. Lauderdale is a squad that boasts some famous last names (Beckham, Neville) and a wealth of attacking talent. Of the teams currently below the playoff cut line, FTL has the most goals scored with 33. Greenville’s defense is still looking to find the elite form they showed in 2019 and 2020, and head coach John Harkes sees the defense’s performance as the key to Friday night.
“They’re a tough challenge for us with their attack,” said Harkes. “We need to show the urgency on defense I know we’re capable of – winning balls, blocking shots, making tackles. We feel confident in our chances on the attack tomorrow night, but a clean sheet is what we’re aiming for.”
NEWS AND NOTES
Team Updates: Midfielder Noah Pilato has returned to training in a limited fashion as he continues to recover from a back injury that has cost him the majority of the 2021 season.
Injury Report: JJ Donnelly (F): Out for season, Noah Pilato (M): OUT, Alex Morrell (F): Doubtful
League One Standings: Greenville’s sits in fourth place with 32 points, six spots ahead of Ft Lauderdale.
Triumph SC heads to Nebraska to take on Union Omaha on Saturday, October 9th at 7:00 PM on ESPN+. GTSC returns to the Upstate on Saturday, October 16th to face New England Revolution II at 7:00 PM. Fans can get a 4 tickets, 4 slices of pizza, 4 drinks and 4 D&B’s Power Cards for only $80 by purchasing the Dave & Buster’s Family 4 Pack, or purchase general tickets at TriumphTix.com.
