The Red Wolves are now unbeaten in their last 5 matches and will be looking to push that number to six when the squad welcomes third place and defending champions Greenville Triumph. Having picked up a result in each of their last five games, the Red Wolves will be hungry to pick up three points after securing only 7 of a possible 15 in the last 5.
The last match against the Triumph was also at CHI Memorial Stadium, where a Blake Frischknecht goal cancelled out an Espazra own goal ending the game at a 1-1 draw. Both sides will see it as a huge opportunity for a statement win in the context of the USL League One Season, with the Triumph and the Red Wolves both hoping to punctuate their title aspirations.
Juan Galindrez and Marky Hernandez have shown as of late for the Red Wolves and the two key front men will look to play a role once again Saturday. Galindrez leads the line so far this campaign with 6 goals, while Marky Hernandez has contributed 2 goals and 2 assists playing primarily as Manager Obleda’s secret weapon off the bench. Jonathan Ricketts will also play a major role in the match, with the homegrown talent leading the Red Wolves in assists with 3 and the highest average player rating in the squad with a 7.51.
The Triumph will find motivation to bounce back at CHI Memorial Stadium Saturday night after a collapse at home against Tormenta saw the home side drop a 2-0 lead to go on and lose 3-2. A rapid start to the season has cooled off a bit for Greenville now 13 games in, with John Harkes and his side picking up only one win in their last five games.
USL League One’s leading goal scorer Marios Lomis will be looking to get back on the scoresheet after failing to score in the previous two matches. His Play three matches ago against New England earned himself a hat trick and one of the best individual performances of the season, but his mettle will be tested by a steady and formidable Red Wolves back line.
At the other end of the pitch Greenville has been excellent all season, with the side leading USL League One with 5 clean sheets over their previous thirteen matches. Goalkeeper Dallas Jaye has 4 out of the 5 clean sheets and has clocked a commendable 29 saves so far in the early season. The backline will prove to be a difficult challenge to a fast paced and high intensity Red Wolves side and could force Obleda’s side to play a more possession-based game.
The all-important top of the table grudge match is a battle for second place in USL League One, and a battle of two of the best goal scorers in the league in Juan Galindrez and Marios Lomis. The Cardiac Red Wolves have made a habit of late drama, with 8 goals in their opening 12 games coming after the 80th minute. In addition to what promises to be a great match, the Red Wolves are unveiling the club’s official third kit Saturday night, giving supporters in attendance an exclusive first look at the best third kit in USL League One.
In addition to preparing for an all-important game against Greenville, the Red Wolves have had a few noteworthy birthdays in the squad this week: Marky Hernandez and his wife Daisy welcomed their baby Tiago into the world, as well as Manager Obleda and Jimmie Villalobos celebrating their birthdays.
The Match against the Triumph and Third Kit Reveal Starts at 7 PM EST at CHI Memorial Stadium Saturday, July 24.
