Bachstein scores for second straight match as Sharks snap four-match winless streak in record-setting physical contest
SIMPSONVILLE, South Carolina (September 16, 2026) — Corpus Christi FC returned to the win column Wednesday morning, overcoming a physical battle that saw a league-record 51 combined fouls, nine yellow cards and two red cards to secure a 1-0 road victory over Greenville Triumph SC at GE Vernova Park.
Dominick Bachstein provided the difference with his second goal in back-to-back games, while goalkeeper Mason McCready helped preserve the clean sheet in his first start since July for the Sharks.
Corpus Christi entered the contest with several changes to its starting lineup, including McCready replacing James Talbot in goal and captain Paddy Langlois shifting to center back in the absence of the suspended Sam Roscoe. Bachstein also earned his first start since joining the club last month, lining up alongside Jake Keegan in a two-forward formation.
Despite the changes, the Sharks settled into the match quickly and began generating opportunities through the opening half. Blake Bowen nearly delivered the first goal in the 11th minute, curling a free kick over a Greenville wall and off the crossbar.
Corpus Christi continued to threaten before finally breaking through in the 36th minute. Tomas Pondeca broke free down the right flank and worked his way toward the penalty area before finding Bachstein near the front post for the finish.
After the match, Bachstein was asked about his fit in the second-forward role and credited Keegan’s veteran leadership for helping him find his footing in the Sharks’ attack.
“Jake Keegan is him,” said Bachstein. “It’s been amazing being able to learn from a legend in the league and the game. He’s able to talk to me during the game and tell me where I need to be, and I’ve been a sponge trying to learn from him.”
The goal marked Bachstein’s second in consecutive matches and his fourth on the year. Pondeca also collected his first assist of the season on the play as Corpus Christi carried a 1-0 advantage into halftime.
Corpus Christi maintained its pressure coming out of the break, controlling the tempo while searching for an insurance goal.
Bachstein remained active inside the Greenville penalty area and nearly doubled the advantage in the 61st minute. Parker Vasic chipped a ball into the box toward Bachstein, who collected it in front of the oncoming Greenville goalkeeper Amahi Knight before sending his attempt just wide of the exposed net.
The Sharks threatened again in the 68th minute when Bachstein connected with a Bowen free kick near the left post, but his headed effort was collected by the goalkeeper. Six minutes later, Bowen worked his way past defenders along the left wing and into the box before sending a pass across toward Pondeca, only for a Greenville defender to intervene at the last moment.
The momentum of the match shifted in the 76th minute when Bubu Medina was shown his second yellow card following a collision with Knight as he was retrieving a Bowen free kick towards goal, reducing Corpus Christi to 10 men.
With the one-goal advantage suddenly under increased pressure, the Sharks’ backline was tasked with seeing out the final stages while playing a midfielder short. McCready answered the call in the 89th minute, rising through traffic to punch away a Greenville corner before the defense eventually cleared the ensuing pressure.
Greenville’s man advantage, however, would be short-lived. In the 90th minute, the hosts were also reduced to 10 men after a red card was shown to Louis Herrera for bringing down EJ Johnson as he tried to break free toward goal, leveling the sides for five minutes of stoppage time.
The physicality continued through the final whistle, but Corpus Christi held firm to preserve the 1-0 victory.
McCready finished his spot start with two saves and a clean sheet, helping the Sharks secure three crucial points on the road.
“It meant everything,” said McCready. “I’ve been working hard all season, and I love this group. To come in and win, especially where we are at this point in the season, meant a lot. But our eyes are already on the next one, and we’ve got to keep working like that as a team.”
Following the match, Zayed praised the togetherness of his group after navigating several lineup changes and a physical contest to secure the victory.
“First and foremost, delighted to get a much-needed but also much-deserved three points on the road,” said Zayed. “We showed a togetherness and a willingness to fight for the man next to each other on the pitch, and that was evident from the first minute until the last. I’m so proud of that today.”
The victory snapped Corpus Christi’s four-match winless streak and kept the Sharks within striking distance of the USL League One playoff picture with six matches remaining in the regular season.
Coming Up:
The Sharks are back on the road next Wednesday as they travel to Mauldin, South Carolina to challenge Greenville Triumph SC at GE Vernova Park on September 16.
Notable:
- Corpus Christi FC climbs back into ninth place in the USL League One standings with 33 points and an 8-9-9 record.
- Wednesday marked the first starts in Corpus Christi’s lineup for both Dominick Bachstein and Parker Vasic.
- Mason McCready’s clean-sheet performance marked his second of the season.
- Tomas Pondeca’s assist on Bachstein’s 36th-minute goal was his first of the season.
- The two sides combined for 51 fouls throughout the match, setting a new USL League One record.
Goals: Bachstein (36’)
Assists: Pondeca (1)
Yellow Cards: Medina (2*), Bowen (1), Vasic (1), Johnson (1)
Red Cards: Medina (1)
| CORPUS CHRISTI FC | GREENVILLE TRIUMPH SC | |
| 13 | SHOTS | 9 |
| 3 | SHOTS ON TARGET | 2 |
| 2 | SAVES | 2 |
| 23 | FOULS | 28 |
| 5 | CORNERS WON | 4 |
| 5 | YELLOW CARDS | 4 |
| 1 | RED CARDS | 1 |
Written by Corpus Christi FC Communications Contributor Nate Martinez
About Corpus Christi FC
CCFC was established in 2017 by Dr. Kingsley Okonkwo. The club previously played in USL League Two, the nation’s leading pre-professional league, and won their first Lone Star Division title in 2024. That same year, Corpus Christi was awarded a USL League One franchise and will kick off its first professional season in 2026. CCFC is building a new home at the Corpus Christi Multi-Sport Complex currently being constructed at 5102 Old Brownsville Road. Phase One of the $28.3 million complex was completed in summer 2025 and a 5,000-seat stadium, which will serve as home for all of the Sharks’ USL League One home games, is currently under construction.
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