Zakowski, MacKinnon & Anderson rally Greenville to victory
Lexington, KY (March 29, 2024)- Greenville Triumph pulled off a stunning comeback, scoring in second half stoppage time to secure a 3-2 victory against Lexington SC Friday night. The second-half turnaround extended Greenville undefeated streak to start 2024, putting them 2-0-1 in regular season play.
The game started with high intensity as both teams vied for control. A close-range shot early on threatened Greenville’s goal, but Christian Garner showcased his prowess with a crucial save, setting the tone for the Triumph’s defensive resilience. Without much movement on either side, Greenville’s dynamics quickly changed when playmaker, Sebastian Velasquez was subbed out for an injury. Despite Greenville’s strong defensive efforts, Lexington managed to break through in the 48th minute, capitalizing on a miscommunication to take the 1-0 lead going into halftime.
The second half saw Lexington extend their lead with a well-executed goal in the 57th minute, putting Greenville on the back foot. However, the Triumph refused to back down, and in the 65th minute, rookie Ben Zakowski displayed remarkable skill with a sensational goal, igniting hopes of a comeback.
As the match intensified, Greenville pressed forward relentlessly, seizing the opportunity when Lexington’s goalkeeper was sent off with a red card in the 81st minute. With the home team down to 10 men, Greenville capitalized on the numerical advantage, equalizing the score with a goal from Lyam MacKinnon in the 84th minute.
With the game tied and stoppage time looming, Greenville continued to push for a winner. In the 98th minute, a powerful throw-in from Triumph rookie, Hayden Anderson caused chaos in Lexington’s box, resulting in a decisive own goal by the opposing goalkeeper, clinching a remarkable 3-2 victory for the Greenville Triumph.
The match, which witnessed a staggering 14 minutes of stoppage time, showcased Greenville’s gritty attitude and perseverance as they remained unbeaten in league play. Greenville returns to the Upstate next Saturday, April 6th, to face the Northern Colorado Hailstorm on Star Wars Night. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now.
