Features

Tormenta Stadium Joins Elite Sports Venues Utilizing the Prestigious SubAir Sport System

STATESBORO, Ga. – With the completion of the first phase of Tormenta Stadium, South Georgia Tormenta FC worked with SubAir Systems to install a SubAir Sport system, which monitors and responds to conditions of the pitch’s subsurface to create the best growing environment for natural turf. Tormenta Stadium joins an elite group of sports venues utilizing the SubAir Sport system, including the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium, East Lake Golf Club, Citi Field and 2022 Qatar World Cup Soccer stadiums.

Using the underground drainage network of the pitch, in-ground sensors relay moisture, oxygen, temperature and salinity levels to TurfWatch^TM Controls, the system’s proprietary programming and communications network. The program analyzes the data and automatically responds to changing subsurface pitch conditions. Excessive water from rain activates the vacuum operation to quickly drain water from the field. Cool temperatures slow grass growth and the system adjusts to a pressure operation to blow 140° heated air into the root zone.

In vacuum operation, the system extracts excess moisture through 18 to 20 inches of turf, root zones, sand and gravel 36 times faster than natural gravity. As a result, sudden downpours and puddles can be pulled through the turf in 10 minutes, compared to hours of natural gravity drainage.

Sudden drops in temperatures during fall and spring impact root/turf growth, but the forced heat aeration heats the entire soil profile to prolong turf growth in fall and activate early growth in spring, providing a healthy foundation for a superior playing surface. The dedicated communications network also connects SubAir’s agronomists and equipment specialists with remote access for support operations.

The SubAir Sport System will help create one of the most technologically advanced pitch surfaces across the United Soccer League. With 14 in-ground sensors relaying turf conditions to the TurfWatch^TM Controls every 20 minutes, the customized TurfWatch^TM programming can activate the necessary response to increase air/oxygen to the root zone and vacuum the pitch to remove excess water, forced air or heated air to moderate temperature extremes harmful to rootzone. The continuous monitoring and response paired with turf management practices combine to reduce permanent damage from use, reduce turf recovery time by 50% and extend the turf growing season.

The SubAir Sport System at Tormenta Stadium is seen at premier sports field venues across the world. Eight stadiums which hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar operate SubAir Sport Systems. This marked the third straight World Cup—across 14 stadiums—in which SubAir has provided turf management support. SubAir Sport is already in operation in three of the 2026 World Cup venues.

Are you interested in experiencing professional soccer in South Georgia? Contact Anthony Olivo or Mariah Pate for ticketing needs at aolivo@tormentafc.com or mpate@tormentafc.com.

For additional information on SubAir Systems, access the web site at www.subairsystems.com.

A Star Among the Storm: Tormenta FC Unveils 2023 Home Jersey

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has unveiled its new adidas home threads – “A Star Among the Storm” – for the upcoming 2023 USL League One season. The “A Star Among the Storm” kit is now available for purchase through our official club shop site.

STORM INTO THE SEASON WITH OUR NEW HOME JERSEY!

The 2023 home jersey represents so much more than just a shirt, it is a symbol of pride, excellence and a winning mentality. The kit becomes a first-of-its-kind as it will feature the addition of a gold star to the top of the Tormenta FC crest, symbolizing the professional team’s championship achievement as well as the beginning of a new era for the organization.

The addition of a gold star to Tormenta FC’s iconic crest is a representation of the brightest and most beautiful celestial objects in the cosmos. It is a symbol of excellence and achievement, and celebrates the club’s historic 2022 USL League One title. It will also aim to inspire the team to strive for greatness on and off the field moving forward.

South Georgia’s newest kit features its traditional navy as the primary color with hints of Tormenta Magenta on the shoulders, collar and adidas logo. “For The 912,” player names, numbers and club sponsors are showcased in white.

“For The 912” returns to the top back of the 2023 home jersey after debuting in last year’s “Bolt Kit.” “For The 912” symbolizes the deep and powerful connection between club and community.

Optim Orthopedics – Tormenta FC’s healthcare partner since 2015 – is prominently displayed across the front of the jersey, and The Clubhouse – an entertainment complex in Statesboro, Georgia – returns with placement on the right sleeve.

Crafted by adidas using AEROREADY technology, the moisture-wicking fabric of the tops and shorts prevents the fabric from clinging to the players’ bodies, keeping the players cool and dry during even the most intense games.

The new Tormenta FC home jerseys are now available exclusively on our club shop as a pre-sale item. Due to supply chain issues shipping may occur between 30 and 90 days after purchase.

Tormenta FC is set to debut and wear its new home kit in its regular season home opener on March 25 from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium, where the team will take on the Charlotte Independence at 7:30 p.m. ET.

South Georgia is poised to make a strong push for the championship title in the upcoming season. Fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium, with Season Tickets being available in limited quantities for purchase.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta Made: Sydney Martinez Signs with IK Grand Bodø of Norway

STATESBORO, Ga. – Former South Georgia Tormenta FC goalkeeper Sydney Martinez has signed a contract with IK Grand Bodø of the 1. Divisjon, the second tier of women’s soccer in Norway. The Tormenta FC Academy and USL W League alum completes her Path to Pro process after developing through the Tormenta FC Academy ranks and experienced success last summer after winning the inaugural 2022 USL W League title. Martinez becomes the first Tormenta FC Academy Female player to sign a professional contract.

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to work with Sydney here at Tormenta FC. She proved she was the top GK in the USL W League in 2022 by leading her team as captain to the USL W National Championship. In addition to winning the Golden Glove, Finals MVP and being named USL W Best XI. She will be a tremendous professional player and will have a bright future. There will be a moment of pride to see her play against her former Tormenta FC teammate, Abby Wolf, in professional league play there in Norway.”
Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC’s USL W League Head Coach

With Tormenta FC, Martinez made history as she became Tormenta FC’s first Golden Glove winner across all teams within the club. Martinez also served as the team captain for the W League season.

In the USL W League final, Martinez became the hero after saving a penalty kick in the 110th minute of extra time. Martinez would end up being named the USL W League Final MVP.

Martinez heads overseas to join a competitive IK Grand Bodø, one of the oldest clubs in Norwegian women’s football. IK Grand Bodø is looking to get back to the Toppserien (first division of Norway,) IK Grand Bodø will open up its season on the road on March 26th As the team visits Tromsø IL 2020.

“Sydney becomes the sixth player to sign a professional contract after our 2022 National Championship season, and I expect two more signings before August. Tormenta FC is quickly establishing itself as a club that not only competes at a high level in the USL W but also a destination club for serious players who aspire to play at the professional level.”
Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC’s USL W League Head Coach

The hero from Rincon, Georgia, put her city on the map, and a decade-long project helped her prepare for moments like these. Just like Martinez, many more TFC Academy talents will rise through the ranks and follow in her footsteps. The foundation is set for Tormenta FC to continue providing opportunities to young talent around South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina.

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Jenae Packard Signs with Fortuna Hjørring in Danish Women’s League

STATESBORO, Ga. – Former South Georgia Tormenta FC midfielder Jenae Packard has signed a contract with Fortuna Hjørring of the Danish Women’s League (Danmarksturneringens Kvindeliga), the top-flight division of women’s soccer in Denmark. The USL W League champion joins the first-division Danish side ahead of the team’s important string of matches in the championship round of league competition, which starts on Feb. 4.

“Jenae played a huge part in our USL W League national championship team in 2022. She was the engine in midfield that connected our team on both sides of the ball. She has tremendous field coverage, and her decision-making and passing variety helped keep the rhythm for us in the attacking phase all summer. It was a pleasure to have her in our team, and I wish her all the success at the professional level. She is a very talented player.”
Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC’s USL W League Head Coach

With Tormenta FC, Packard played an important role in the team’s success after orchestrating a masterclass in the midfield. Packard helped the team stay composed and structured through the regular season and the W League Playoffs. Packard appeared in thirteen games for Tormenta FC in 2022, registering a goal in Tormenta FC’s dominating 8-0 win against SC United Bantams in the final game of the regular season. During the playoffs, Packard played every minute of all three rounds, helping South Georgia both on the offensive and defensive ends.

Packard, a graduate of the University of the Pacific, played 85 games for the Pacific program across all competitions. WIth Pacific, Packard contributed seven goals and eleven assists with her most productive season coming in 2022, when she scored four and assisted six times.

Packard heads overseas to join Fortuna, one of the winningest clubs in Danish women’s football. Fortuna finished third in the 2022-23 Kvindeligaen regular season, which automatically qualified the team to the championship round. Fortuna will also partake in the Danish Women’s Cup, where they have been matched up against Brøndby IF.

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides an opportunity for local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced five professional players with Jenae Packard joining Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

To stay up to date on Tormenta FC’s new women’s team, fans can follow Tormenta Women on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To learn more about the USL W League, visit USLWLeague.com or follow the W League on Twitter at @USLWLeague.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Meet the Tormenta FC Coaching Staff: USL League One

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s title-defending season is right around the corner, and the coaching staff guided by Head Coach Ian Cameron is ready to get to work. After winning the organization’s first USL League One title, the club maintained the talented and experienced group of coaches together, looking to continue Tormenta FC’s winning tradition and take the team to new heights in 2023.

Leading the charge will be Head Coach and Technical Director Ian Cameron. Cameron comes into 2023 with winning experience and now looks to lead a new team with a strong set of returners to more success in 2023. Cameron has been with Tormenta since its 2019 season, when he led Tormenta FC 2 to a Southern Conference championship and the League Two Semifinals, the longest playoff run in the club’s League Two history. Cameron also served as the assistant coach for Tormenta FC in 2019 and 2020, before being named Tormenta FC’s second-ever Head Coach in its professional era.

Joining Ian Cameron is assistant coach Tom Morris. Morris has seen success as a Head Coach, guiding Myrtle Beach Mutiny and Tormenta FC 2. Within Morris’ League One roles, he will be responsible for elements of training session delivery, opponent analysis, video analysis, recruiting, player wellness and team culture. Morris led the process of recruiting, managing and coaching the USL League Two side. In 2022, Tormenta FC 2 alums JC Ngando, Sal Mazzaferro and Holden Trent

Jorge Gonzalez is a Tormenta FC League One assistant coach. He has been with Tormenta FC since its first season in 2016. As a Tormenta FC USL League One coach, he works side by side with Ian Cameron during training, game preparation, scouting and recruitment.

Jordan Melia serves as an assistant coach for Tormenta FC’s USL League One and serves as the USL Academy Head Coach. Melia’s League One role sees him responsible for working day in and day out with the defensive unit, where he implements good habits for the defenders and produces several micro phases of training. During the season, Melia makes the defensive unit aware of what to expect from the opposition. With the Academy, Melia analyzes the talent pool and recommends players that have the potential to be on a USL Academy contract.

Rounding out the coaching staff is Drew DeJohn. DeJohn serves as an assistant coach and Sports Performance Coach for Tormenta FC, as well as an Assistant of Team Operations in the front office and TFC Academy’s Director of High Performance. DeJohn is also the Head Coach for the U13 NPL & U12 Pre-MLS NEXT teams.

Tormenta FC will officially kick off its 2023 League One campaign on March 18. Fans will get a chance to see the team in action for the first time in 2023 when it hosts the Charlotte Independence on March 25 at Tormenta Stadium.

The growing 2023 roster features a strong core of ten returners ready to fight for a second League One title with the added power of new midfielder Matheus Cassini, first-year professional Collin Mocyunas and many more.

Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

TICKETS FOR SATURDAY ARE NOW LIVE!

Abigail Wolf Signs with Klepp Elite of Norway

STATESBORO, Ga. – Former South Georgia Tormenta FC defender Abigail Wolf has signed a contract with Klepp Elite of the 1. Divisjon, the second tier of women’s soccer in Norway. The USL W League champion joins Klepp Elite ahead of its 2023 season, where the team looks to return to the Toppserien, the first tier of women’s soccer in Norway.

“Abby was a key contributor in our USL W National Championship team in 2022. As an attacking back in our system, she had the technique, tactical understanding, and engine to get up the field and be dangerous every time we went forward. She was also our best 1v1 defender and rarely did she get beat, allow a wide serve, or shot on goal. She will be a great professional and an asset to any team that values her skillset as a modern attacking back. I look forward to watching her continued development at the professional level.”
Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

With Tormenta FC, Wolf proved to be untouchable on the right side of the defensive line, totaling 1,218 minutes throughout the regular season and the playoffs. Wolf’s strong defensive presence distinguished her from the competition, making her one of the best defensive players. Wolf appeared in 11 games for Tormenta FC in 2022, registering two assists – one in Tormenta FC’s 8-1 win against Tennessee SC and one in a 2-0 win against Peachtree City MOBA. During the playoffs, Wolf played every minute of all three rounds, helping South Georgia both on the offensive and defensive ends.

Wolf, a graduate of the University of the Pacific, played 87 games for the Pacific program across all competitions. With Pacific, Packard contributed two goals and seven assists with her most productive season coming in 2022, when she assisted three times.

Wolf heads overseas to join Klepp Elite, one of the oldest clubs in Norwegian women’s football. Klepp Elite is looking to get back to the Toppserien after being relegated in 2021.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Emily Burke Signs with Boldklubben af 1893 of Denmark

STATESBORO, Ga. – Former South Georgia Tormenta FC midfielder, Emily Burke, has signed with Boldklubben af 1893 (B.93) of the Kvinde 1. Division in Denmark. The USL W League champion joins the B.93 after previously spending the final half of 2022 with Valadares Gaia of Portugal following a breakthrough summer with Tormenta FC.

Burke joins B.93 which currently competes in the Kvinde 1. Division, the second tier of Danish soccer. A young and competitive side, B.93 looks to fight for promotion to the Danish Women’s League (Danmarksturneringens Kvindeliga), the top-flight division of women’s soccer in Denmark.

“Emily possesses all the qualities to play at the professional level. She has great habits and an excellent training mentality. Emily is always willing to put in the extra work outside of training to develop her skill set and perfect her craft. Emily has quietly been a key player for us all summer in an area of the field that usually does not get much attention. It has been a pleasure to work with her. I look forward to watching her continued development at the professional level.”
Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC Head Coach

With Tormenta FC, Burke registered 11 appearances in the regular season, tallying 737 minutes and scoring a goal in Tormenta FC’s 2-2 tie against Southern Soccer Academy. During the playoffs, Burke started and played in all three games. Burke was able to move the ball around and play quickly through possession. She was a strong 1-v-1 defender, who broke up the game and helped the team be one of the best defensive units in the nation.

A Georgia State alum, Burke played 38 games for the Panthers across all competitions. Prior to Georgia State, Burke attended Southeast High School, where she led the team to a 2017 National Cup XVI U-19 Women’s Division Championship.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Lars Eckenrode Joins Tormenta FC Front Office

STATESBORO, Ga. – Lars Eckenrode has joined the South Georgia Tormenta FC Front Office as the Coordinator of Special Projects. To note, Eckenrode becomes the first player in Tormenta FC history to join the front office after retirement.

Eckenrode will seek to put on community events, and camps and clinics on behalf of the Tormenta FC organization. Additionally, Eckenrode will be an avid advocator for Tormenta FC and his local Statesboro community. He will proactively be seeking to strengthen relationships and partnerships with local youth soccer clubs, organizations and schools.

“I am extremely excited to embark on this new chapter of my life working with Tormenta. I have been with the club from the beginning and although I am no longer able to help by contributing on the field, I am really looking forward to growing the club with the amazing front office staff that I have come to know throughout my four years as a player. I am very grateful to the organization for having created this role for me in which I can channel the same work ethic, hunger and passion I had as a player into a new direction.”
Lars Eckenrode, Tormenta FC Front Office

Eckenrode spent four years playing with South Georgia’s USL League One team, where he quickly became a fan-favorite and a leader on and off the field. Eckenrode is one of four players in Tormenta FC history to wear the captain’s armband after wearing it for four games in 2019.

Overall, Eckenrode featured in 21 games for Tormenta FC, scoring the equalizer against Orlando City B on April 14, 2019, and the first goal in South Georgia’s 3-1 win against Greenville Triumph on June 20, 2021.

In the game against Orlando City B, Eckenrode suffered a concussion and neck whiplash that kept him out for six months. The following year, Eckenrode had a double fracture of my tibial plateau and was ruled out for three months. In 2021, the defender suffered from a torn meniscus which required surgery, sidelining him for three months. In his final season as a professional, Eckenrode tore his meniscus again, requiring surgery and is still recovering from it.

A University of Michigan alumnus, Eckenrode spent four seasons with the Wolverines men’s soccer team, which he captained in 2016. During his collegiate career, Eckenrode appeared on the Big Ten All-Rookie Team in 2013 and the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Big Ten Team in 2014. Eckenrode was drafted in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, where he was picked up in the fourth round by the Toronto FC organization.

Welcome to the TFC Front Office, Lars!

Tormenta FC Unveils 2023 USL League One Schedule

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced today its 2023 USL League One schedule as the club prepares to defend its USL League One title in its eighth season of play as a club. The upcoming campaign features 16 home matches in a 32-game schedule, with League One’s top six regular-season finishers earning a spot in the League One Playoffs.

The Statesboro squad is set to play its first match of the 2023 League One season on the road against North Carolina FC on March 18. The following week, the reigning League One champion will host the Charlotte Independence in its home opener on March 25.

South Georgia looks to harness an electric atmosphere for its home opener as the team welcomes the Independence after eliminating the Charlotte-based side in the quarterfinals of the 2022 League One Playoffs.

Following its home opener, Tormenta FC will host two more games, welcoming Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC on April 1 and the Greenville Triumph on April 8. Both of these fixtures will mark the first time Greenville and the Hailstorm visit Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium. South Georgia will look to defend its home after ending the 2022 season undefeated at Tormenta Stadium, and Tormenta FC will look to remain unbeaten in eight consecutive games against the Triumph.

Following three home games, Tormenta FC will make two visits to 2023 expansion sides, beginning with a trip to Lexington Sporting on April 15 and a trip One Knoxville SC on April 21.

South Georgia will visit the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on May 5, making it the first time both teams meet on the field following South Georgia’s conquest of the Red Wolves in the 2022 USL League One Final.

Tormenta FC will close its 2023 League One regular season against the Independence on Oct. 14.

The growing 2023 roster features a strong core of seven returners ready to fight for a second League One title, with the added power of new midfielder talent Matheus Cassini and many more new additions to be announced in the coming weeks.

Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

SEASON TICKETS ARE NOW LIVE!

Tormenta FC to Elevate USL Academy Team

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced today that Tormenta FC 2 will take a one-year hiatus from USL League Two play, as the club aims to elevate Tormenta FC’s USL Academy team throughout the 2023 season, continuing the club’s commitment to making Tormenta FC Academy a gold standard for USL.

With this shift, the USL Academy team in Statesboro will provide a better stepping stone for local players to interact, train and compete with the USL League One professional team. Additionally, the Tormenta FC coaching staff will emphasize developing the local USL Academy talent around South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina while also allowing them to experience a professional soccer setting.

“Our club and USL League Two have enjoyed a fruitful bond over the last decade,” Tormenta FC Technical Director and USL League One Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “It’s a model we remain big advocates of and will recruit heavily from for the purpose of our USL League One team. Indeed, our USL League One Championship-winning team last year was littered with players unearthed from this system. Likewise, our club and fan base have also enjoyed watching Tormenta FC 2 alums get drafted or apply their trade within the USL pro ecosystem.

“Now, it’s time for our club to evolve and forge an even closer partnership between our USL Academy team and our USL League One team. We’re energized by the idea of developing first-team players in-house with a year-round model, and that’s what USL Academy affords us, in conjunction with MLS NEXT program. This alignment is with a view to even greater integration between our Academy and USL League One teams. Our coaches across all platforms believe that in the next five-to-ten years, Tormenta FC can be at the forefront of player development in this country.”
Tormenta FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Ian Cameron

For Tormenta FC, it is crucial to always be at the forefront of the growth of soccer in this part of the world. From being the first USL team to be announced in League One and W League to being the first club in modern U.S. Soccer history to win a women’s (USL W League) and men’s (USL League One) title in the same season (2022), Tormenta FC now aims to have its USL Academy team be competitive and develop high-level talent year in, year out.

In addition to having a USL Academy Boys team, Tormenta FC is delighted to announce that a USL Academy Girls team will also be competing in the summer of 2023, which will provide Tormenta FC Academy talents an opportunity to compete and learn with the best women’s collegiate soccer athletes in the nation.

Tormenta Nation will be able to watch all of the USL Academy talents compete live from Tormenta Stadium throughout the 2023 season; USL Academy matches will now be included in the season ticket package in replace of USL League Two matches.

The 2023 Tormenta FC Season Ticket Special ends on Jan. 18. To make sure to take advantage of the special, contact your account representative today to learn more.

PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS HERE!

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