Greenville, SC (December 17, 2021) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club has signed its’ first newcomer for the 2022 season, agreeing to terms with former FC Tulsa and South Georgia Tormenta FC midfielder Lucas Coutinho, pending league and federation approval. Coutinho’s contract is a 2-year deal through the conclusion of the 2023 season.
A native of Recife, Brazil, the 28-year-old Coutinho joins Greenville after spending the 2021 season in the USL Championship with FC Tulsa. Coutinho made 18 appearances for Tulsa, collecting two goals and two assists. Before signing with FC Tulsa, Coutinho spent the 2019 and 2020 seasons with League One’s Tormenta FC, appearing in 26 matches.
“We are excited to add Lucas to our Greenville Triumph family,” said head coach John Harkes. “He is a person of high character, and he possesses key qualities of a creative number 10 in our attack. His vision & technical ability will make us more dangerous in the final third. Please welcome him to the club and our community!”
Coutinho’s nine appearances in 2021 capped a remarkable return to the pitch after suffering a potentially career-threatening injury in August of 2019. He spent five days in a coma after a collision with an opposing goalkeeper resulted in multiple cerebral edemas. He returned to competitive play less than a year after suffering the injury.
Coutinho played his collegiate soccer at Palm Beach Atlantic University in Florida, where he was a four-year letter-winner. He started 62 matches, tallied 25 goals and earned NSCAA/NCCAA All-American honors each of his four years. Coutinho’s signing with Greenville marks a return to the Palmetto State for the Brazilian, playing high school soccer for Clover.
Coutinho joins an initial group of eight returnees announced for the 2022 season, as the Triumph look to make a fourth consecutive playoff appearance. The 2022 schedule will be released in the coming weeks.
About Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union: Triumph offseason roster moves are brought to you by Greenville Heritage Federal Credit Union. GHFCU puts more money back in its members wallets with higher deposit rates, lower loan rates and fees, and cash back rewards. Triumph fans receive a FREE Box of checks or custom debit card when you open a new checking account and $100 Cash Back on consumer loans of $10,000 or more!
