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Pilato's Late Strike Extends Triumph SC's Lead Atop Table

By USLLeagueOne.com Staff, 09/19/20, 3:15PM EDT

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Greenville defeat Chattanooga in pivotal first vs second matchup

An excellent defensive performance and a late goal from Noah Pilato earned Greenville Triumph SC a crucial road win over Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on Saturday afternoon at CHI Memorial Stadium. The result creates a seven-point gap at the top of the table between the league-leading Triumph SC and second-place Chattanooga.

The first half was chippy, with both teams committing to staunch defensive play. The best opportunity for either side came just before the halftime whistle. Chattanooga's Marky Hernandez scampered to the end-line and floated a cross which found Ricardo Zacarias unmarked at the back post, but the striker placed his header just wide.

Chattanooga looked the more likely side to score for much of the second half as the game grew more physical - eight yellow cards were shown during the 90 minutes. But it was Greenville which grabbed the winner in gritty fashion, as the team has done so often throughout the season.

In the 84th minute, Triumph SC's Pilato picked up a pass from Alex Morrell in the box. He quickly swiveled and smashed a shot into the roof of the net past Red Wolves goalkeeper Alex Mangels.

Pilato's second goal of the season would hold up as the match-winner, grabbing a pivotal result for Greenville to re-establish Triumph SC's commanding lead atop the table after that advantage had shrunk in recent weeks. With five games to go, the victory is a huge step toward a potential first-place finish for Greenville, and John Harkes' side appear to be the team to beat in League One this year.

Despite the loss, Chattanooga put in an impressive performance and look a force to be reckoned with over the home-stretch of the regular season. If the Red Wolves can keep up the form that led to wins over Richmond Kickers and Union Omaha, Saturday's match may well have been a preview of the 2020 League One Final.

Both teams return to action next weekend, with Chattanooga hitting the road to face Forward Madison FC and Greenville returning home to take on defending title-winners North Texas SC.

SCORING SUMMARY 

GVL (84'): Pilato (second), assisted by Morrell

NEXT MATCHES

Chattanooga Red Wolves SC: September 26 v. Forward Madison FC (A)
Greenville Triumph SC: September 25 v. North Texas SC (H)


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