Labovitz scores late for Triumph in loss
Greenville, SC (August 26, 2023) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club fell to its Midwest rival, Union Omaha, 2-1 on Saturday night at Paladin Stadium. The loss was just the second for Greenville in its last seven matches. Last minute heroics from Jacob Labovitz weren’t enough to overcome the two-goal deficit Greenville battled for the majority of the second half.
A slew of early opportunities fell flat for Greenville, who failed to convert chances in the final third of the field in the first 15 minutes of the rivalry match. Union Omaha seized an early chance, scoring in the 31st minute off a powerful cross just before a hydration break. Days after a midweek match and battling one of the hottest days of the year, Greenville struggled with precision as they tried to take advantage of passes into the attacking part of the field.
Greenville replenished its eleven at the start of the second half and brought on fresh legs with Devin Boyce and Tevin Shaw. Despite new energy from Boyce and Shaw, Greenville struggled to move the needle as Omaha continued to press the Upstate side. A poorly defended set play caught Greenville on its heels in midway through the half and gave the Owls another goal to put the road side’s advantage at 2-0. Determined to not get up, Greenville was able to find the net late. In the 91st minute, Jacob Labovitz split Omaha’s lead, after a deft set of passes from Jamie Smith and Evan Lee. Greenville’s momentum propelled them for the final six minutes of extra time, but the home side could not find a second to equalize with Omaha as the Owls captured their sixth straight win.
“We created so many chances tonight but the final ball, the final strike on the goal wasn’t there. Leo and Lyam get put in behind, Frankie gets in behind but that final ball and the discipline was lacking,” said head coach John Harkes. “I love our goal because we talked about runs from the midfield and making runs forward. A tremendous ball over the top and then the first touch from Evan is absolutely first class to Jacob to find the back of the net.”
Triumph SC hits the road for its next match, traveling to Lexington, KY for the second match this season against Lexington SC. Greenville will return to Paladin Stadium on September 9th at 7:00 PM versus North Carolina FC. Tickets are available now.
