Late penalty kick helps Greenville take a point on the road after dropping to 9 men
Papillion, NE (September 17, 2022) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club denied Union Omaha victory after a stoppage time penalty kick allowed Greenville to equalize the match despite having only nine players on the pitch after two second-half red cards. Greenville maintained their third-place position in League Standings and moved to 11-8-7.
A slow start to the match left much to be desired from both sides after the first 25 minutes. Omaha began to build their attack and control the game, however they lacked the finishing abilities to determine the score in the first 45’. After a less than complete first half, both teams headed into the locker rooms scoreless, 0-0.
The second half of action proved to be much more eventful. Midway through the half, the referee called a foul against Evan Lee in the Greenville 18-yard box, resulting in a penalty kick for Omaha. Omaha found the back of the net to lead the match 1-0. Five minutes later, Greenville midfielder Miles Fenton was issued his second yellow card of the match, sending him out of the stadium and forcing Greenville to 10 men. Shortly after Fenton was escorted out the park, Brandon Frick was issued a second yellow and dropped the Triumph to two men down. In a frenzied counterattack in stoppage time, however, Jamie Smith was tripped up in the Owls’ box, giving Greenville a chance at redemption. Coined captain, Aaron Walker stepped up for the shootout to tie the score 1-1. Down to the wire, Allen Gavilanes attempted a final shot in the last seconds of the game for Greenville just to come up wide. After a harrowing night, the Greenville Triumph’s resolve halted the club’s losing streak and gave them a crucial road draw against one the league’s top clubs.
