Statesboro, GA – Saturday, April 8th, the Greenville Triumph will visit Tormenta FC for the first time in the Georgia team’s new venue. The clubs last met during the 2022 League semifinal on October 29th, which resulted in a 1-0 defeat for Greenville.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Kickoff: 7:30 PM ET, Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, GA
Streaming TV: ESPN+
International Stream: YouTube
Social Media: Greenville Triumph SC on Twitter
App: Download the Triumph app for free on Apple or Android
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Triumph SC heads down U.S. 25 to face rival-Tormenta FC on a short week following a midweek loss to Phoenix Rising in the second round of the 2023 U.S. Open Cup. Greenville was held scoreless for a second consecutive match to start the year, though a strong second half in Arizona gave the club hopes the offense is rounding into form as they return to league play.
Nearly a month into the league season, Greenville has only contested one regular season match. Following its 1-0 loss against Richmond, Greenville had a scheduled bye the following week, giving them ample rest going into this two-match week. The bye was well-timed, as the Triumph bench has been shortened since March 25th following injuries to Devin Boyce, Nate Shultz and Alex Cox-Ashwood. Fortunately, Allen Gavilanes returned during Wednesday’s Open Cup match, giving Greenville back a key midfielder and more offensive depth. Greenville will also hope to return Tevin Shaw and Daniel Wu to the lineup for Saturday’s match, after both suffered minor injuries after the club’s home opener. With the news that four-time All-League defender might return to training soon following an offseason procedure, the team will hope the worst of the injury bug is behind them. The weather will also be another factor in Saturday’s match, with a high of 54 degrees and 90% showers in Statesboro, ball control and discipline will be essential to success.
The home side has two more matches under their belt than Greenville, including with a USOC win on Wednesday night against RGV FC. While Tormenta succeeded in a Cupset over the USL Championship side, they have struggled in league play, currently sitting at 1-2-0. They sealed their first win against NCFC 1-0, but dropped matches to Charlotte Independence 1-3 and Hailstorm FC 0-3.
NEWS AND NOTES
Team Updates:
Out: Hassan Gabo, Ben Hale, Brandon Fricke, Jamie Smith
Probable: Tevin Shaw, Daniel Wu, Allen Gavilanes, Nate Shultz, Alex Cox-Ashwood
