April 29, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Greenville Triumph SC News Release
Greenville, SC – The Greenville Triumph Soccer Club’s recent winning form was halted by North Carolina FC on Saturday, as the club fell 2-1 at Paladin Stadium in its sixth league match of the 2023 season. NCFC used two first-half penalties to capture the lead, riding the momentum to a third straight victory. Despite the loss, Greenville found a bright spot in the final moments as former NCFC youth star, Daniel Wu headed the ball in late to score his first professional goal.
The match got off to a choppy start, with both sides struggling to build momentum against a flurry of fouls. The tides turned in North Carolina FC’s favor in the 17th minute when they were rewarded with a penalty kick after Triumph defender Hassan Gabo conceded a foul in the box. Triumph goalkeeper Jared Mazzola made a sliding save, but NCFC was quick to close in for the rebound to put the visitors up 1-0. On their heels from the unexpected penalty, Greenville struggled to bounce back as fouls continued to disrupt open play. After a collision in the Triumph 18-yard box in the 37th minute, the center referee awarded a second penalty kick to NCFC. Mazzola again stepped up to protect the goal, but this time couldn’t make the stop as North Carolina doubled their lead.
After two unanswered goals and quintette of yellow cards, the Triumph tried desperately to shift the momentum in the second half behind a vocal home crowd and a set of subs, including Brandon Fricke’s first appearance this season. The final quarter of the match gave Greenville its best chance to get on the scoresheet. In the final minute of the match, Daniel Wu soared over the North Carolina defense to score a header for his first professional goal. With no time remaining on the clock, however, Greenville could not equalize as the match concluded 2-1.
“At the end of the day we have to be a team that really starts with the energy on the front foot,” said Head Coach John Harkes. “We did it against Fuego and we saw the result, three nil. We were capable of doing it again tonight and for some reason we just weren’t firing on all cylinders.”
The Greenville Triumph will endure another short turnaround as they travel to Charlotte to face the Independence on Wednesday, May 3. The club will return home for the double-header weekend on Saturday, May 13th following the Greenville Liberty Season Opener the night prior. Get your tickets to the May…