Madison scores in stoppage time to level match 2-2 and split points with Greenville
Greenville, SC (September 3, 2022) – A stoppage time goal by Forward Madison resigned Greenville to a 2-2 draw after a back-and-forth match that saw both teams earn double-digit shots on goal. Though they were unable to seal the win, Greenville moved to first in the league standings and 11-7-6 with a one-point lead over Richmond.
The night’s first goal came in the 17th minute when Greenville’s Nico Brown brilliantly curved the ball into the far post netting from the top of the box to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Despite an exemplary goal, Greenville’s lead was short-lived, as Madison countered and scored in the 21st minute. The remaining time in the first half passed without changes to the score sheet and sent both teams into the locker room even at 1-1.
Midway through the second half, Greenville brought in fresh legs to the offense, with Jesus Ibarra and Venton Evans looking to help Greenville regain its lead. Immediately making an impact, Ibarra connected with Jacob Labovitz and Allen Gavilanes for a double assist to move the home side ahead in the 70th minute. Despite commanding most of the second half, though, Greenville fell back on its heels in the final minutes of play. Benefitting from the momentum shift, Madison capitalized off a defensive lapse and scored a second goal in stoppage time to bring the match even with seconds to play. Even with the disappointing finish, Greenville was able to return to the top of the table with a one-point lead and an 11-7-6 record.
“We were happy to get back on the score sheet, but it would be nice to get a clean sheet back again,” said head coach John Harkes. “I think there were some good things – great goals, great build-up on the goals, but at the end of the day it was disappointing. It’s always hard when you get scored on late because that’s the last emotion in your mind, but there were a lot of good things that built on here so we just continue to move forward and build on the good things.”
The Greenville Triumph will hit the road for the remainder of the month, returns for their final two regular season games at home in early October. Tickets are on sale now.
