Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club begins the 2022 Season with a Home Match against expansion side, Central Valley Fuego FC on Saturday, April 2nd at 7:00 PM, presented by Spartanburg Regional Health System. This will be Central Valley Fuego’s first match in USL League One competition.
HOW TO FOLLOW
Kick off: 7:00 PM, Triumph Stadium at Legacy Early College, Greenville, SC
Buy Tickets Here
Streaming TV: ESPN+
International Stream: YouTube
Social Media: Greenville Triumph SC on Twitter
App: Download the Triumph app for free on Apple or Android
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club opens its’ fourth season of competition Saturday in West Greenville as they welcome Central Valley Fuego FC to the Upstate. Greenville will aim to continue a run of success that has seen the club reach the USL League One Final in each season of play, claiming the championship in 2020.
The club has shown remarkable continuity on the field and in the coaching box since its’ inception, with head coach John Harkes and his staff also entering their fourth season. On the field, however, Greenville welcomes back their fewest number of returning players ever (11).
Despite only roughly 50% of the roster set to return, the club sees co-captains Tyler Polak and Aaron Walker return, as well as veteran leaders Evan Lee and Brandon Fricke. Joining that group is a familiar face in forward Jake Keegan, who starred for the club in 2019-20.
Dynamic duo, Allen Gavilanes and Jesus Ibarra possessed an impressive attacking force in the 2021 season. Returning to the Triumph, wingers Gavilanes and Ibarra, will prove a key to this season’s offense. Goalkeeper, Paul Christensen will be back in goal after earning the starting position at the end of the season with a blistering run towards playoffs.
The club also welcomes some new faces, including USL veteran Lucas Coutinho. The former Tormenta player will serve as a central cog in the Triumph midfield, hoping to create movement and contribute to a Triumph attack that also welcomes newcomers like Venton Evans. On the defensive side of the ball, NC State alum Jamie Smith will look to step in to one of the league’s best back lines. The club will have to begin the season shorthanded defensively, however, as offseason signee Noah Franke suffered a preseason injury.
The Greenville Triumph will need to rely on the experience and leadership of its’ veteran players while incorporating the skills of its’ new ones to find a winning combination. The Club will look to start another playoff run on the right foot this Saturday in the first of what should be a captivating 30-match season.
NEWS AND NOTES
Team Updates:
Triumph SC announced two signings ahead of Saturday’s match read more here. Injury Report: Noah Franke (D): Out – elbow, Noah Pilato (M): doubtful – ankle Aaron Walker (M): Questionable – leg
