RICHMOND, Va. - Greenville Triumph SC were not at their fluid best, but managed to start their season with a 1-0 away win over the Richmond Kickers at City Stadium on Saturday night.

The first half was mostly cagey, with the best chance for either side falling to Greenville's Max Hemmings. His header from close range was well-saved by Richmond goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald on 20 minutes.

Triumph SC were then reduced to 10 men just before the break, with defender Cesar Murillo receiving a second yellow card for a challenge on Richmond's Jonathan Bolanos.

But despite the Kickers' man advantage, it was Greenville that grabbed the game's only goal. Abdi Mohamed released Lachlan McLean down the right flank, who fizzed a ball across the six-yard box. Richmond defender Luke Pavone slid in an attempt to clear the ball out of danger, but accidentally powered it into his own net.

1-0 was a familiar scoreline for Triumph SC last season, and it held true once again as the final result in the defending title-winner's 2021 season opener. Greenville heads home to Legacy Early College next weekend to host North Texas SC in a rematch of the 2019 League One Final, while Richmond has an opportunity to bounce back on the road against Fort Lauderdale CF on May 2.

USLLeagueOne.com Man of the Match

Noah Pilato (Midfielder, Greenville Triumph SC): Pilato contributed to the winning effort at both ends of the pitch. He completed 72 percent of his passes, including one key pass, won five duels, and tallied nine recoveries.

Goal Summary

• GVL (74'): Pavone (own goal)