Walker’s second-half goal enough as Triumph SC extends lead atop standings
Tucson, AZ (August 20, 2022)- Greenville co-captain Aaron Walker’s second half goal proved the difference as Triumph SC emerged victorious over FC Tucson after a late-night match on Saturday that resulted in a 1-0 win. Greenville shutout Tucson on the road, maintained its first-place standing and strengthened its record to 11-6-5 this season on top of the USL League One standings.
Saturday’s match began with two juxtaposed teams in the standings on an unusually rainy evening in Tucson, AZ. Greenville pressured Tucson early, slicing through their backline and running the Arizona clubs outside backs ragged. Newly added defender, Derek Waldeck made an initial impact in the early minutes attacking up the left flank and combining with midfielder, Allen Gavilanes. Despite a threatening offense, Greenville failed to find the final pass and struggled to maintain possession in the attacking third. Though few and far between, Tucson managed to find holes in Greenville’s defense and exploit gaps in the away team’s coverage. Forty-five minutes later, though, there were no points on the board for either team, with a result to be determined in the second half.
Minutes after the second half kicked off, Aaron Walker claimed his third goal this season to provide Greenville the 1-0 lead. Despite trailing, Tucson did not relent and surged forward to try to even the score for most of the second half. Paul Christensen narrowly preserved the lead for Greenville after two back-to-back saves that were fated to tie the game during stoppage time. Greenville was able to clinch the victory after fending off FC Tucson for the remaining minutes, to end the match 1-0 for Greenville.
