With the league’s best offense and the league’s best defense squaring off one final time to see who will lift the USL League One Trophy, I wanted to break down which club has the advantage in each area of the field and on the sideline.

Goalkeeping – Greenville

It’s no surprise that Greenville gets the check mark for this section with the USL League One Golden Glove winner Dallas Jaye between the posts. Jaye finished the regular season with a league-leading 0.78 goals against and continued with a dominating performance in the Semifinal match on the road against Lansing Ignite FC. Jaye made crucial four saves to hear his 14th clean sheet of the season in the Semifinals, including this decisive fingertip save off the line. While North Texas had the assistance of FC Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer last week, the MLS side’s playoff game on Saturday means North Texas will have to rely on Carlos Avilez, who, is a great ‘keeper in his own right, he’s just not Dallas Jaye.

Defense – Greenville

Greenville’s Gandalf backline is the stingiest in the league and simply will not let you pass through their shape. With 14 clean sheets throughout the year, the Triumph average less than a goal allowed per game. Center backs Kevin Politz and Evan Lee are rarely out of position, which allows for versatile defenders Cole Seiler and Tyler Polak to move up and win the ball in advantageous positions in midfield that set Greenville up to attack. The Triumph only conceded one penalty kick all season; you’ll rarely see last-minute tackles from a Politz or Lee who combined for 150 clearances this year. It’s this dependability and organization that allowed Polak to lead the league in interceptions. Greenville’s organized back line will be a struggle for North Texas to break down.