Greenville moves into tie for first place
The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club continued its march up the USL League One standings, knocking off the top-ranked Charlotte Independence, 2-0. The home win for Greenville was the club’s second multi-goal effort in League play this season and sent the Triumph into a tie for first place.
The Triumph began the match with purposeful possession from first whistle, threatening Charlotte with offensive vigor early. Though Greenville couldn’t find the net in the first half, they controlled the pace of play and kept the visiting Independence in search of attacking opportunities.
Back on the pitch for the second half, Greenville ramped up its attack with fresh legs off the bench, bringing on pacey attacker Venton Evans. Only eight minutes in to the half, a cross from winger, Jesus Ibarra, connected with Evans’ head in the box for the first Triumph goal of the night.
“The aim was to come in and change the game,” said Evans. “We need to keep climbing the table, so I just went in there with the mindset to go at the goal and it worked out for us tonight.”
Charlotte’s best chance for an equalizer came in the 68th minute, when an attempted flick toward the far post was brilliantly denied by Triumph goalkeeper, Paul Christensen. Greenville put the match away in the 78th minute after Charlotte conceded a foul in the 18-yard box to give Greenville a penalty kick. Veteran leader, Don Smart buried his attempt past the Charlotte keeper to double Greenville’s lead. Triumph SC wouldn’t look back, controlling play over the remaining 12 minutes and stoppage time to seal the clean sheet and a crucial victory against one of League One’s top clubs.
The Greenville Triumph will look to keep the momentum going as they head out for a tough two-match road trip against Forward Madison and defending champion-Union Omaha. The Club returns home on Saturday, June 25th, to face The Northern Colorado Hailstorm.
