Tormenta FC hosted Central Valley Fuego Saturday night in its USL League One season opener. Despite a second-half goal from Gabriel Rodriguez, South Georgia could not overcome an early two-goal lead from Fuego, ultimately losing the match 1-2.
The match opened with an early penalty for the visitors, as a shot deflected off the arm of Tormenta FC’s Tavio D’Almeida in the second minute. Central Valley’s Espinoza Ernesto converted the penalty, scoring the match’s first goal.
In the 21st minute, Fuego found its second of the night after a set piece led to a deflected shot that beat goalkeeper Ford Parker. Parker made other skillful saves throughout the match, playing the entire game.
South Georgia struggled to find control in the midfield but managed to stand strong, handling a barrage of corners to close out the first 45.
In the 58th minute, Aaron Lombardi came on for Alsadiq Hasan as Head Coach Ian Cameron’s first substitution. In the 71st minute, Cameron made three more substitutions, which saw Mason Tunbridge, Gabriel Rodriguez, and Conor Doyle enter the match for Ajmeer Philips, Sebastian Vivas, and Daniel Steedman.
Saturday’s substitute appearance marked Doyle’s first appearance for South Georgia. The veteran midfielder missed Tormenta FC’s preseason due to rehabbing an injury he picked up at the end of last season.
Tormenta FC pulled one back in the 83rd minute after a Jake Dengler header found Gabriel Rodriguez, who added one for the hosts. This goal marked South Georgia’s first of the regular 2024 season.
Tormenta FC was unable to find an equalizer in the final minutes of play as both sides fought with intensity until the final whistle.
