Triumph SC are back in the postseason for a record sixth consecutive time | Image Credit: Greenville Triumph SC
Greenville Triumph SC punched its ticket to the 2024 USL League One Playoffs, presented by Terminix after a 2-1 win over Lexington SC on Oct. 5 ensured that the League One originals would extend their streak and become the only side to advance to the postseason in all six seasons.
Greenville have participated in every iteration of the League One postseason since the competition began in 2019, and after winning the title in 2020, the Upstate-based side has the opportunity to be the first team to claim a second postseason crown. Here are three reasons why they'll be the last team standing, and one reason why they won't.
Triumph SC has been one of the best teams in League One in terms of the quality of their possession, leading the league in total possession and also floating around the top in areas such as passes completed in the opponent's half or passes ending within the final third. They are a side that loves to have the ball, which can be overwhelming for teams to deal with.
Greenville also lead League One in total touches on the ball while simultaneously being in the lower half of teams for total long passes. When that is compared to their possession numbers, it demonstrates how they pick and choose their moments to move forward rather than attacking at a speed that may create counter-attacking opportunities for their opponents. This meticulousness on the ball both tires opponents, and limits their ability to create opportunities.
When they do lose the ball or are forced to take it from their opponents, Greenville often do so with relative ease. Triumph SC lead League One in total duels, total duels won and total ball recoveries, while also being second in aerial duel success with 53%. They also rank within the top half of teams for total interceptions.
Their ability to get the ball back pairs extremely well with their possession-based approach, as it allows them to regroup and get back to doing what they do best when the opportunity presents itself. Quality while in possession and quality in winning back possession are a dangerous combination as it creates a suffocating effect on their opposition's style of play, and not many in League One have been able to deal with this effectively.
While attacker Lyam MacKinnon sits in the top five for both goals and assists in League One, Triumph SC's midfield is crucial for their tactical approach. Greenville have a variety of different profiles in the midfield, and regardless of their opponent and who is filling in at the time, they collectively look to win the ball back as soon as possible to get a hold over the tempo of the match with their passing.
Greenville have the most completed passes in their opposition's half in 2024, and that's due to its midfield's flexibility and adherence to being dominant on the ball. Once they get settled, they then look at getting the ball to their forward players with haste and precision rather than focusing on one or the other. Their mid-line is both incredibly hard to bypass and dispossess, which forces teams to change how they try and play, which is an advantage in itself.
Greenville's record against teams sitting higher than them in the league standings is underwhelming, with just one win out of six matchups this season. While they will likely face a team positioned between No. 5 and No. 8 in the first round of the playoffs if the standings hold, it is unlikely that their path to postseason glory will only consist of teams they have had primarily favorable results against.
Greenville are going to have to give it their all if they want to make history and be the first to win it all on more than one occasion, but the potential adversity it will likely face has shown to be too much for them in the past. Teams such as Omaha, Madison and Northern Colorado have all done plenty to separate themselves from the pack, and it is going to be an uphill battle for Greenville if they want to do the same come November.