Greenville Triumph SC dismantled the New York Cosmos 3-0 on the road on Independence Day, with William Akio scoring twice and Brandon Fricke also finding the net in a dominant second-half display in USL League One action.

The first half was a largely cagey affair. Greenville's Louis Herrera picked up an early booking in the 17th minute, but the visitors remained composed and took the lead just after the break. Fricke opened the scoring in the 47th minute, finishing off a chance created by Devin Boyce to give Triumph SC something to build on.

Greenville then turned the screw. Akio, who had been cautioned only two minutes earlier, responded in emphatic fashion. He doubled the lead in the 57th minute, converting from a Lucas Meek delivery, then struck again in the 64th minute — this time unassisted — to put the result beyond doubt at 3-0.

The Cosmos offered little in response. Frustration crept in late as Justin Milovanov and veteran forward Sebastián Guenzatti were booked in quick succession in the 78th and 79th minutes, with the game well out of reach. New York managed no goals on the night and rarely threatened to claw their way back into the contest once Fricke's opener shifted the momentum decisively.

Akio's brace was the standout performance, made all the more notable by the fact he delivered it while walking a disciplinary tightrope after his 55th-minute yellow card.

The comprehensive victory marks a statement road win for Greenville Triumph SC as they look to stake their claim in the League One standings during the second half of the season.