Greenville scores late to push match to shootout, earns point
Greenville, SC (April 27, 2024) – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s first match of the 2024 USL Jägermeister Cup thrilled a club-record crowd of 4,101 on Saturday night at Paladin Stadium despite the shootout loss to the visiting Richmond Kickers. The Triumph equalized the match 1-1 late with a goal by co-captain Evan Lee, rescuing the match and sending it straight to penalty kicks, a unique quirk of the new Cup’s format. Though Greenville raised its form late, a 5-for-5 penalty kick effort from the Kickers sent the visitors home with a win and left Greenville with one point in the first of eight group stage matches.
In front of a vocal record crowd filled with young fans on Upstate Youth Soccer Night, the Greenville defense was on its heels early. In the 19th minute, a penalty was awarded to Richmond after a foul in the box. However, Greenville’s goalkeeper, Christian Garner, rose to the occasion with a remarkable save, marking his first professional penalty stop. The Triumph then came agonizingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 26th minute, as Leo Castro’s effort struck the crossbar and sailed over.
Despite early promise, Greenville struggled to find their rhythm, with difficulties connecting passes evident throughout. Christian Garner continued to be a standout, though, making another crucial save in the 57th minute to keep his side in contention. Richmond eventually found the breakthrough in the 70th minute, slipping a goal past Garner to take a 1-0 lead. The Triumph responded with fervor, and their perseverance paid off in the dying moments of the game. GTSC co-captain, Evan Lee, assisted by Zion Scarlett, netted a vital equalizer in the 89th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and marking his second goal of the season.
With the match deadlocked after full time, the outcome was decided by a tense penalty shootout. Despite Jamie Smith, Lyam Mackinnon, and Tyler Polak converting their spot-kicks, Greenville fell short as Richmond prevailed 5-4 on penalties. Ben Zakowski’s attempt was blocked, sealing a loss for the Triumph in the USL Jägermeister Cup group stage.
“We learned a bit about ourselves tonight,” said head coach Rick Wright. “It’s still early – first game in the competition. We get a point out of it, so we’re pretty pleased. We wanted to win and get all three points, but it is what it is. The crowd was phenomenal.”
The result, while a setback in cup competition, will not impact Greenville’s standing in the regular season USL League One standings. The Triumph will look to regroup and bounce back in their upcoming league fixtures, aiming to translate their promising play into positive results. The club travels to Wisconsin to face Forward Madison on Saturday, May 4th.
Rick Wright, Head Coach, on tonight’s USL Jägermeister Cup loss: “We learned a bit about ourselves tonight,” “It’s still early – first game in the competition. We get a point out of it, so we’re pretty pleased. We wanted to win and get all three points, but it is what it is. The crowd was phenomenal.”
