Rick Wright On Greenville’s New Season
Bermudian football coach Rick Wright believes his Greenville Triumph team can mount a title challenge in the United Soccer League [USL] League One this coming season.
Wright’s side lost 2-1 away to Union Omaha in the play-off semi-finals last term, with one of Omaha’s goals scored by Bermudian Zeiko Lewis.
Approaching his second season as head coach and technical director, Wright said his players are eager to get the new campaign underway at home to Westchester SC on March 8.
“There’s a lot of excitement, not only with us – the players and the club itself – but the fans,” Wright told the Fox Carolina television channel.
“At the end of last season, I would see people in the community, and they would say, ‘Rick, it was so exciting. You guys played a great brand of football’.
“Our goals are very lofty. We want to be winning the whole thing next season. We were close last season, and we want to get even closer.”
A former Saltus Grammar School student, Wright made appearances for the Bermuda and United States national teams.
He was appointed head coach of Greenville at the start of last season, having served as assistant coach for several years.
Recently, Ronaldinho, one of Brazil’s greatest players, joined the club’s ownership group, Greenville Pro Soccer [GPS].
Ronaldinho began his professional career in Brazil before moving to Europe, where he starred for Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona. He won the Fifa World Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.
His success continued with AC Milan and Brazil’s national team, where he helped his nation win the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
“We are honoured to welcome Ronaldinho into the Triumph family,” said Greenville Triumph chairman Joe Erwin.
“His influence in the sport is unmatched, and his presence within our ownership group speaks volumes about the direction we are heading as a club.
“Ronaldinho’s involvement will not only elevate our club’s profile but also inspire our players, fans, and the entire Upstate community.”
