Lee’s first Triumph goal helps Greenville overcome red card; earn 1-1 draw at NOCO
Severance, CO (Sept. 24, 2022)- Greenville’s last-minute heroics snatched victory away from the Northern Colorado Hailstorm and earned Greenville a road point after a 1-1 draw on Saturday night. Playing nearly 60 minutes with only 10 men on the field after a red card to midfielder Peter Pearson, Greenville clawed back from a 1-0 deficit, tying the match late on defender Evan Lee’s first Triumph goal to lift the team into a tie for second place in the League One standings.
For the first time, Greenville traveled to play Hailstorm FC on their own turf. The South Carolina side started the match strong, despite having depleted roster due to injuries. In the first 39 minutes, Greenville maintained control of the match – disciplined in their defense, showing poise and patience in the final third, but unable to create chances on goal. In the 40th minute, a late tackle from Peter Pearson resulted in his second yellow and one less player on the pitch for Greenville for the remainder of the contest. Seconds after Pearson was escorted out, Hailstorm found the back of the net, only for the goal to be called offsides and discounted. Both teams ended the half scoreless and returned to their locker rooms.
A man up for the second half, Hailstorm pressed Greenville, eager to capitalize on their opponent’s numbers and fatigue. Shots riddled Paul Christensen’s 6 yard-box, but the experienced keeper kept finding ways to stifle the home team’s attack. Christensen’s and Greenville’s luck ran out in the 73rd minute, though, when a long-distance shot rebounded directly in front of the Triumph net for an easy tap in for NOCO’s Irvin Parra. Undeterred off the confidence of stealing victory on the road two players down at Omaha last week, Greenville refused to concede. Against all odds again, the Triumph found an equalizer after fourth year Triumph center back, Evan Lee willed an equalizing goal in the 91st minute with just two minutes of stoppage time remaining. An elated Greenville side roared when the final whistle blew, as the team finished its three-match road trip with a draw.
The Greenville Triumph returns to Legacy Early College next Saturday, October 1st against FC Tucson. The club’s home finale will be on October 8th, as the club celebrates Fan Appreciation Night versus Charlotte Independence.
