Greenville’s early 2-0 lead erased by Kickers in second half
Greenville, SC (May 13, 2023) – A strong early performance and two-goal halftime lead were not enough for the Greenville Triumph on Saturday, as the club allowed two second half goals and settled for a 2-2 draw with the visiting Richmond Kickers on Saturday night at Paladin Stadium. The draw was the first on the season for Greenville, who entered the night with a 3-4-0 record.
Quick off the draw from the opening whistle, Greenville won a free kick just outside the Richmond 18 -yard-box at the third minute. Triumph attacker Lucas Coutinho converted the opportunity, netting one of the fastest goals in club history to put Greenville on top early. The goal, Coutinho’s fourth, set a new season-high for the USL veteran with only eight matches played. Motivated by their success, Greenville moved the ball with fluidity as possession weaved in and out of the midfield.
As GTSC approached the halfway point, the referee granted the home side a corner kick, which had been a major focus for the team in training over the past few weeks. Triumph captain, Tyler Polak launched a ball into the opposing box that deflected off the Richmond goalkeeperand to the feet of all-league defender Brandon Fricke, who was making his first start of the season after offseason surgery. Fricke calmly swept the ball into the net, doubling the Triumph lead. Fricke’s goal makes him the third player in the League One to notch a goal in each season he has played.
Unfortunately for Greenville, Darren Sawatzky’s Kickers came out of the locker room anew with high energy. Greenville called on waves of substitutions between the 54th and 64th minute, looking to manage injuries to starters and the rejuvenated Richmond attack. Richmond got on the board in the 59th minute with a Nathan Aune goal and continued to pressure the Triumph defense as the match wore on. Seemingly in control of the midfield and continuing to pressure the home team, Richmond dished a ball across the goal line in the 82nd minute that Luke Pavone collected, sliding the ball past Triumph defenders and keeper Jared Mazzola to tie the match. Greenville fought to regain the lead, but six minutes of stoppage time ran out without a match-winner as the clubs each settled for a point with the 2-2 draw.
“I think the energy levels were high, we talked about getting after Richmond,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “They’re a good team. They compete every game, they always do, but we have to try to get on the front foot early.
The Greenville Triumph will return to Paladin Stadium for the second match of their first back-to-back home stretch of 2023 next Saturday, May 20th, when expansion-side One Knoxville SC makes their first trip to Greenville. Tickets are on sale now.
Head Coach, John Harkes on his thoughts about the match: “I think the energy levels were high, we talked about getting after Richmond. They’re a good team. They compete every game, they always do, but we have to try to get on the front foot early. What a finish by Lucas Coutinho, I mean what a season he’s having so far for us- it’s absolutely brilliant. Then we get the second goal and we’re able to kind of fight and compete with that. But it is a game of two halves… they came out on the front foot in the second half, they pushed us, and you know to be honest I think we have to get better in the final third in the last 10 to 12 minutes managing the game better.”
Defender, Brandon Fricke on his first start of 2023: “It was really nice to get some minutes from the start under the belt, you know. I think it’s unfortunate result for us after being ahead but you know we take it, we learn from it and grow into the next.”
