Greenville Triumph and Forward Madison Battle Wind in Scoreless Draw

March 23, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1)
Greenville Triumph SC News Release

Greenville, SC – In a clash marked by the elements, the Greenville Triumph drew Forward Madison, 0-0, at Paladin Stadium on Saturday. The draw capped a two-match week for both clubs following their engagements in the US Open Cup. Despite the sunset backdrop and mild temperature, the relentless 10-20 mph winds blowing from end-to-end played a significant role throughout the match.

Greenville commenced proceedings with the wind at their backs, eager to seize an early advantage. The home side controlled the game in the first half, though they were unable to seize the lead. The best chance to score came in the 43rd minute when Sebastian Velasquez was brought down in the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty kick to Greenville. Leo Castro stepped up to the spot, his approach deliberate and calculated, but his effort failed to trouble Madison’s goalkeeper, leaving the scoreline untouched as the halftime whistle blew with both sides deadlocked at 0-0.

“Once again, a very professional, very very dug deep into their hearts to play this game,” said Head Coach Rick Wright. “The first half we were all over them, obviously miss a penalty, some opportunities, but at the end of the day the guys fought hard. They played some really good football at times, really exciting. Then in the second half we still had some opportunities, but the conditions, the wind made it tough at times.”

Hindered again by the unpredictable winds in the second half, neither side could establish dominance or dictate the flow of the game, resulting in a final 45 minutes that saw few connected attacks from either side and concluded with a scoreless draw. The draw brought Greenville to 2-0-1 this month and 1-0-1 in league play. The team will travel to Lexington, KY on Friday for its first league road match of the 2024 season.

Tyler Polak, defender: “I thought we put a dominating performance in the first half, but the second half they changed things up a bit and I think we needed to adjust as well. I think we lacked a little bit of movement going forward in the final 45′ and we didn’t create as much, but I thought overall we did pretty well. We didn’t give up a goal, so we get the draw and move forward.”

Defender, Brandon Fricke on the defense not allowing a goal in the run of play through the first three matches: “I think it’s a front to back effort this year. Up top we’re starting with good pressing and that’s…