Second-half goal from Venton Evans enough to extend Triumph’s unbeaten streak
Greenville, SC (July 9, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph topped Central Valley Fuego Saturday night 1-0 earning their first win over the West Coast expansion side. A late goal by Venton Evans proved enough to get Greenville three points and send the club back to the top of the league table.
Greenville kicked off the Saturday night match with energy and opportunities as they looked to avenge an opening night home loss to Fuego in April. Just two minutes in, the home side scored what looked to be their first goal, but it was ultimately disqualified from an offsides call. Fuego FC slowly eased into a rhythm, leveling the playing field after a series of chances came up empty for Greenville. The remainder of the half saw possession from both clubs but resulted in no points on the board, as they headed to the locker rooms scoreless.
In the second half, Fuego pressured Greenville’s defense hard, but the side doused in blue held steady, unwavering. Greenville also upped its intensity, stalking the 18-yard box in search of the opening strike. In the 66th minute, a cross from Greenville winger, Allen Gavilanes shot across the Fuego goal face and took a round of passes before rebounding to Venton Evans. Evans, fresh after subbing in at the start of the half, buried the ball for a go-ahead Greenville goal. The match continued on with the Triumph in the lead as storm clouds approached during the last minutes. As the weather rolled in, the final whistle blew as a crack of thunder and flash of lightning finalized the 1-0 win for Greenville.
“We were really good not to concede. You know games are tricky- waiting and sitting and just being patient, and they just look to capitalize and try to get one chance and that’s it,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “The changes in the second half brought a big impact to influence the game right away. Venton came on and was very aggressive switching the ball, pushing them up high to really put them under pressure.”
The Greenville Triumph will travel to Statesboro and Richmond for their next two matches. They return home on July 23rd to play rivals Union Omaha at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now.
