Goal, Assist from Boyce against former club helps bring Greenville level after trailing 3-1
Papillion, NE (May 24, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club snag a point on the road in a high-scoring, 3-3 draw with Union Omaha. After trailing twice, the Triumph respond with two goals in the final 17 minutes to tie the Midwest rivals.
The narrow field in Omaha brought opportunities immediately for both clubs. Greenville earned a free kick from a dangerous spot just outside the box after a foul on Lyam MacKinnon in the fourth minute, but the Triumph were unable to convert. Triumph goalkeeper Jared Mazzola easily grabbed a series of weak shots from Omaha in the first 15 minutes, but the Greenville keeper was frozen in the 17th minute when Omaha’s Pedro Dolabella rocketed a half volley from just outside the box to put The Owls in front, 1-0.
In the 21st minute, Greenville forward Leonardo Castro was fouled in a midair collision and briefly left the pitch to be checked for a head injury. Castro quickly reentered the match and proved he was okay just minutes later and headed a Devin Boyce corner kick in to bring the Triumph level. Boyce’s assist was his scoring contribution of the season as he contested his first match against the club he won a League One Title with in 2021. Greenville looked to combine passes in the box as the half wore on, but they were unable to slot a second past Omaha’s Rashid Nuhu. They preserved the draw in the 45th with an incredible block in the box from Triumph veteran, Tyler Polak.
Omaha got back on top early in the second half after a short Greenville clearance attempt was rebounded by the Owls and passed to Noe Meza in the box. Meza curled the shot on the ground past Jared Mazzola to give the home side a 2-1 lead. Meza struck again 17 minutes later, when he collected a long pass inside the box, settled the ball and calmly sent another shot into the back of the net to double the Omaha lead. Greenville rebounded three minutes later, though, as a foul on Allen Gavilanes in the box led to a penalty kick for the Triumph. Head Coach John Harkes called on Boyce, who rebelled against his former club for his first goal in a Greenville kit and narrowed the score within one. Minutes later, Greenville’s Jacob Labovitz brought the Triumph level with an incredible volley past Nuhu to run the score to 3-3. The goal was the first on the season from Labovitz, who was a double-digit scorer for the club in 2022. Greenville was able to manage the match for the remaining 17 minutes and stoppage time, collecting a well-earned road point in the 3-3 draw.
“Credit to Omaha – they played extremely well,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “They’re a well-organized side and we gave up a few balls in some bad spots, but what a great effort from our guys tonight to respond and keep fighting. We showed grit, determination, and resilience tonight, and what a great trio of goals from Leo, Devin and Labovitz.”
Triumph SC will enjoy another extended rest before returning to the field. They’ll welcome regional rivals Tormenta FC on Saturday, June 3rd at 7:00 PM in Paladin Stadium as the club celebrates Fiesta de Futbol. Tickets can be purchased here.
John Harkes, head coach: “I told [Boyce] he was going to get on the score sheet this morning at our meal. We thought he could attack the game tonight putting him centrally and he did. Credit to Omaha – they played extremely well. They’re a well-organized side and we gave up a few balls in some bad spots, but what a great effort from our guys tonight to respond and keep fighting. We showed grit, determination, and resilience tonight, and what a great trio of goals from Leo, Devin and Labovitz. Now we head back home for two matches on the 3rd and the 10th and hopefully this is a turning point for us.”
Devin Boyce, midfielder, on his first goal and assist of the season while playing his first match against his former club: “It feels fantastic. Sometimes in this sport, the hard times tend to last longer than the good, so to be able to get my first goal for Greenville and do it against my old side is a special feeling. I’m just happy we could get a get a point out of it and show a lot of resilience coming back. I’m really proud of the guys.”
