Early goal from NCFC defines the away match for Greenville
The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club fell to North Carolina FC 1-0 Saturday night on the road after an early NCFC goal proved to be the lone goal in Cary on Saturday night. The loss snapped Greenville’s three-match unbeaten streak.
Saturday night’s match kicked off 45 minutes after its initial start time due to severe weather in Cary, NC. Much like the weather delay, Greenville was slow to start in the first half. Seven minutes into the match, North Carolina took advantage of Greenville’s lack of sharpness and combined on a trio of passes in the Triumph’s six-yard box to find their first goal. NCFC maintained control throughout the half, holding the momentum and repeatedly pushing the ball up the field after intercepting a high rate of Greenville’s passes. Greenville midfielder, Don Smart, tried to jump-start the Triumph attack with precise services for Allen Gavilanes and Jesus Ibarra, but both were unable to capitalize on the opportunities. Despite even-matched statistics during the first half, Greenville left the field down by one.
Triumph SC was revived by the break, but still in search of an equalizer as the second half began. The South Carolina club was able to put pressure on the North Carolina side, with
adjustments in Greenville’s backline sparking their energy midway through the second half. As the minutes waned, Greenville’s best chance to equalize came when center back, Brandon Fricke made an attempt at the net with a header in stoppage time that sailed just wide of an open net. A last-minute foul outside North Carolina’s 18-yard box gave Greenville their final opportunity for a draw, but they were unable to put the ball on frame, ending the night 0-1 in favor of North Carolina.
Greenville hits the road again next Saturday, May 28th against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. They return home the following week, playing the Charlotte Independence at Triumph Stadium on June 4th.
