Greenville looks to rebound after a bad start, while Fuego FC looks for a boost to start its Carolina road trip.
Match Information
Location: Paladin Stadium, Greenville, SC
Kickoff: 7:30 PM EST
Weather: Sunny, 81F
Greenville Triumph – What to Know
To say that Greenville’s season hasn’t started well is an understatement. Three matches, three losses. One goal and a -6 differential. The last coming only four days ago with a 4-1 loss at Madison, to a Mingos side coming off an embarrassing loss of their own in the US Open Cup.
Injuries are the go-to explanation. Against Madison, two players appeared on the bench who were on the injured list, indicating that they may have just been the closest to being ready to play in case of emergency. Tevin Shaw and Daniel Wu were coming off of injuries and were likely not at 100%. This severely limits Coach John Harkes’ depth options.
In the midst of this, Harkes moved the captaincy from Tyler Polak to Aaron Walker.
Fuego FC can expect a scrappy, but possibly tired club, eager to prove that they’re not down and out just yet. It’s not the first time Harkes has driven this club out of the bottom of the table and back into contention. But whether or not they can start that drive on only four days’ rest is the question.
Absent or Questionable: Ben Hale, Brandon Fricke, Jamie Smith, Nate Schultz, Noah Franke, Daniel Wu, Hassan Gabo
Greenville Triumph – Last Result
Greenville suffered a 4-1 loss at the hands of Forward Madison. Harkes made some major changes in the 57th minute, removing Allen Gavilanes, Jacob Labovitz, and Daniel Wu, but it was to no avail.
Fuego FC – What to Know
While Fuego FC hasn’t come out of the gate swinging, it certainly hasn’t been a bad month. One match was postponed due to weather, but they went 1-1-1, beating Chattanooga, losing to Omaha, and drawing One Knoxville. By virtue of goal differential, they sit in 11th place, but this early in the season with four other teams sporting four points in the standings, it’s almost irrelevant.
The two goals have come from Ronald Cerritos, who returns from the 2022 season; and newcomer Othoniel Arce on a penalty conversion. The club has not been without chances, led by midfielder Ozzie Ramos, but also coming from Jesus Partida and Cerritos. Arce and Ramos also seem to be due for goals, while leading the club in shots.
Injuries and other issues keeping key players out of the roster have been a factor here as well. Marquee off-season signing Jose Carrea-García has yet to appear due to eligibility issues.
Absent or questionable: Ofek Antman (injury), José Carrera-García (eligibility), Abdul Cromwell (injury), Cherif Dieye (injury), Sam Strong (injury)
Fuego FC – Last Result
Fuego FC travelled to Knoxville and walked out with a 1-1 draw on an Arce penalty kick conversion in the second half. Villyan Bijev earned league team of the week honors for his impactful two-way play in the midfield, indicating that he may be adapting to a new role with the addition of Arce up front.
2022 Head to Head
April 2nd, 2022
Greenville 0-2 Fuego
Fuego goals: Chaney (2)
May 7th, 2022
Fuego 1-1 Greenville
Fuego goal: Casillas*
Greenville goal: Dulysse* (OG)
July 9th, 2022
Greenville 1-0 Fuego
Greenville goal: Evans*
* Player on 2023 roster