Chris Bermudez’s stoppage time goal helped Greenville Triumph SC clinch a spot in the League One Playoffs with a 3-2 win over FC Tucson Tuesday night at Kino Sports Complex.

Key Events:

Greenville’s Cameron Saul opened the scoring in the 3rd minute following quality build-up play through midfield. Dominic Boland received the ball on the right flank at the end of the sweeping move and served a great ball in behind Tucson’s back four. Saul ran onto the cross and tapped it in at the back post to score his second goal in as many games.

The Triumph doubled its lead in the 34th minute as Saul completed his brace, finishing off a quick counterattack. Tucson goalkeeper Carlos Merancio Valdez made a great save to deny Saul’s initial effort in a one-on-one challenge, but Saul tucked the rebound away to give Greenville a 2-0 lead.

Jordan Jones pulled a goal back for the hosts from the penalty spot five minutes into the second half after Greenville’s Omar Mohammed was whistled for a handball inside the box. Jones struck the penalty confidently, sending Dallas Jaye the wrong way to score his eighth goal of the season.

Jamael Cox looked to have dashed Greenville’s hopes of clinching a playoff spot on Tuesday night with a 90th minute equalizer that materialized after great individual effort. Cox skipped past a few tackles and exchanged passes with Guillermo Delgado before finding the bottom corner of Jaye’s far post to tie the score at 2-2.

With Tucson needing a win to keep its playoff hopes alive, Head Coach Darren Sawatzky threw everyone forward, including Merancio Valdez, a set piece in the 94th minute. Eric Virgen’s delivery was headed out by a Greenville defender, leaving Chris Bermudez with one man and 70 yards between himself and Tucson’s empty goal. Bermudez showed good strength to shrug off a tackle before sprinting the length of the field and tucking the ball into the empty net to send the Triumph to the playoffs.

Greenville can still move into the No. 2 seed and host a home playoff game in the semifinals if it can win out. The Triumph will host Orlando City B next Friday at Legacy Early College.

With Tuesday’s loss, Tucson is eliminated from playoff contention. FCT can play spoiler in Friday’s match against Forward Madison FC who is looking to clinch the fourth and final playoff spot.