Nico Brown’s header earns Triumph 1-0 win, moves Greenville back into first place
Greenville, SC (August 13, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club returned to the top of the table after a 1-0 victory over the first place, Richmond Kickers Saturday night at Triumph Stadium in West Greenville. A last-minute goal from Nico Brown broke the deadlock between the league’s top two teams and clinched the match for Greenville in the 90th minute.
Greenville was fast off the blocks in the first 20 minutes, driving down the pitch and threatening the Kickers defense. Despite numerous opportunities, Greenville was unable to find the back of the net early, but was able to rely on its defense to keep things level at the other end of the field. The Triumph dominated the rest of the half, but both teams went to the locker rooms scoreless after 45 minutes.
A sea of lightsabers hovered around the stadium to kick off the second half flashing Triumph green on the club’s first-ever Star Wars Night promotion. Richmond was quick to turn the momentum around on Greenville in the second half, but the home side persisted and refused to concede to the Virginia squad. Triumph keeper Paul Christensen and the Triumph defense cleared away trouble midway through the second half to set up one final push for the home side. Greenville maintained their position and continued to test Richmond into the final minutes of play. Late tactical substitutions by Triumph Head Coach, John Harkes, paid dividends as the match prepared to enter stoppage time. Both just off the bench, Venton Evans played a beautiful cross to Nico Brown, who capitalized for his first goal of the year. Brown’s pinpoint header sealed the 1-0 victory for Greenville and sent his team to first in the league standings.
“We had a really hard, fierce conversations this week and it was good to see that they responded in such a positive manner,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “Because when they individually do their jobs right and we’re collectively as a group stronger.”
Greenville will look to build on its first-place advantage next week, as the club travels back to the desert to face FC Tucson on Saturday, August 20th at 10:00 PM EST.
Nico Brown: “I have to say it’s all going to God we put in the work as a group all week and the results showed. I just happen to be in the right position and I was there and I was lucky enough to finish it at great ball from Venton. We put in so much defensive work and attacking work all night, all season as well so it feels so good to be on top of the table now.”
Evan Lee: “I mean it’s never just the back four right. I think when we talk about defending we have to defend as a unit starting with our striker all the way back to our goalie and this week we we put in a lot of work in. The boys deserve it, I think tonight was a good win for us- much deserved win and I’m proud of the guys and proud to be part of the team it’s unbelievable.”