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VOTE: Decide Tormenta FC’s USL League One Player of the Month for June

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s USL League One team has announced the four nominees for the Tormenta FC Player of the Month award for June, and the community will help decide the winner.

Defender Nick Akoto, midfielders Tobias Otieno and Chris Heckenberg and forward Kazaiah Sterling are all up for the award after an intense month of June.

Voting for the Tormenta FC Player of the Month award will run through Wednesday, July 12, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with voting permitted once per day. The winner will be determined via a weighted vote from the following three voting bodies:

  • A fan vote (poll below) will comprise 60 percent of the poll.
  • The Tormenta FC staff ballots will comprise 20 percent of the poll.
  • Media ballots comprise 20 percent of the poll.

Voting results will be announced on Thursday, July 13.

Player of the Month Nominees:

Nick Akoto, Defender: Akoto’s lightning-fast agility makes him an offensive threat whenever on the field. Akoto’s spatial awareness and rapid decision-making will continue to be a strong suit for Tormenta FC in the coming months. Akoto currently leads South Georgia in tackles and duels won with 24 and 93, respectively. 

Tobias Otieno, Midfielder: Otieno leads the team in completed passes with 653 as well as interceptions with 21. Otieno featured in all four matches of the month of June for Tormenta FC. 

Chris Heckenberg, Midfielder: Heckenberg has exhibited commendable qualities throughout the midfield in his second year with Tormenta FC. Heckenberg’s ability to contribute to South Georgia’s overall performance through intelligent decision-making and precise passing has been noteworthy. 

Kazaiah Sterling, Forward: After returning from injury, Sterling became Tormenta FC’s captain for the majority of the month. In June, Sterling led Tormenta FC’s goal scored, converting two goals in four matches. 

Tormenta FC’s USL Academy Girls Squad Earns Historic First Win 

CONYERS, Ga. – Tormenta FC’s USL Academy Girls squad earned its first-ever win last Saturday in Conyers, Georgia, after defeating East Atlanta FC 2-0 with the goals being scored by Alyssa Abondandolo and Taylor Golden. 

South Georgia picked up its first three points of the season after five games played. The team will be playing its final game of the summer on the road on Aug. 6 against division leader Southern Soccer Academy. 

Committed to raising the level of soccer locally and across the country, Tormenta FC Academy has programs for ages two to 19. It is the only youth academy in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina with a path to the professional ranks. Follow Tormenta FC Academy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for other Academy news and content. 

Tormenta FC Academy Announces Staff Updates

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the promotion of Kian Brownlee to Director of Coaching, the hire of Jon Kinsler as its Director of Pre-competitive Programming and Nick Boegemann as its new Junior Academy Director.

Brownlee has over 21 years of experience in youth soccer and will provide quality leadership and coaching to young players in the Academy. Under this new role, Brownlee will now oversee directors of Junior Academy, Select, MLS NEXT, and DPL, help influence the periodization and curriculum design for each competitive program, as well as hire and assign coaches within the competitive program.

“Kian is a master coach and leader that has demonstrated a proficiency for creating exceptional experiences for players, families, and other coaches. He is the ideal person to oversee the competitive programs at Tormenta FC Academy and continue to raise the bar for youth soccer players in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.”

Brad Nein, Vice President Tormenta FC Academy

Boegemann will be helping develop the top U8-U12 players within Tormenta FC Academy. Boegemann will play a pivotal part in developing players’ ability to their maximum potential, creating lasting team cohesion and teaching players to become quality young adults.

“Nick is going to be a tremendous leader within the Tormenta organization working with the top U8-U12 players within the Academy. His ability to develop players to their maximum potential, create lasting team cohesion, and teach players to become quality young adults has been proven over the years in his other positions. I know the Tormenta families will greatly enjoy working with Nick as the Junior Academy Director.”

Brad Nein, Vice President Tormenta FC Academy

Boegemann most recently worked at Tri Cities United Soccer Club, where he served as the Director of Coaching & Operations for the organization. Prior to his role at Tri Cities, he worked at Milligan University, where he served as the Recruiting Coordinator and Interim Head Coach of the Women’s Soccer program.

Boegemann holds a USSF C License & United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma. Boegemann received his BBA from King University in 2016 and also earned an MBA from Milligan University in 2021.

“My family and I are grateful for the opportunity to join the Tormenta family. The club is highly ambitious, and I am looking forward to immersing myself in the community. I am excited to get on the grass and help these players at a crucial stage in player development.” 

Nick Boegemann, Junior Academy Director

Kinsler joins the Tormenta FC Academy as its new Pre-competitive Director, which will oversee

Tormenta Futures, Recreation, and Pre-Academy and directly oversee the Pre-Academy program.

“Kinsler is the ideal person to take over the pre-competitive programming. His vision matches with our definition of success, which is to create an environment and culture in which all members thrive. Jon will put forth an environment of play, fun, and learning that will allow kids to live their best life on the soccer field.”

Brad Nein, Vice President Tormenta FC Academy

Kinsler most recently coached the boys and girls U9 to U19 soccer programs for Ormond Beach Soccer Club. Kinsler was also the head coach of Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he won the state championship in 2017 and was runner-up the following two years. 

Kinsler is a Georgia Southern University graduate, where he played on the men’s soccer team for four years. Jon currently holds the USSF National C License.

Committed to raising the level of soccer locally and across the country, Tormenta FC Academy has programs for ages two to 19. It is the only youth academy in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina with a path to the professional ranks. Follow Tormenta FC Academy on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for other Academy news and content. 

Deshawon Nembhard and Kingsford Adjei Named to USL League One Team of the Week

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC defender Deshawon Nembhard and midfielder Kingsford Adjei was named to USL League One’s Team of the Week for Week 16 of the 2023 regular season. 

Last Sunday, Tormenta FC secured a dominant 5-1 win on the road against Lexington SC, securing its first win in six games. The goals were scored by Tobias Otieno, Deshawon Nembhard, Kazaiah Sterling and Matheus Cassini as well as an own goal scored by Lexington. 

Nembhard finished the match with a goal scored via a set piece, scoring his first-ever goal for Tormenta FC. Nembhard finished the match with three tackles and three clearances and an interception. 

In his first start after returning from injury, Adjei’s offensive spark saw him assist Nembhard for Tormenta FC’s second and third goal. Adjei finished the match with a 77.8% passing accuracy. 

Following Sunday’s match, Tormenta FC will host the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium on July 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

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

Tormenta FC Obtains Commanding 5-1 Victory at Lexington SC

LEXINGTON, Ky. – South Georgia Tormenta FC secured a dominant 5-1 win on the road against Lexington SC, securing its first win in six games. The goals were scored by Tobias Otieno, Deshawon Nembhard, Kazaiah Sterling and Matheus Cassini as well as an own goal scored by Lexington. Notably, South Georgia had struggled to convert set piece opportunities all season, but tonight proved different as the team capitalized on three set piece plays.

Arriving with a fully fit squad, including the return of Matheus Cassini after a lengthy absence due to a broken clavicle, South Georgia wasted no time scoring its first goal of the night just four minutes into the game, following a lightning delay. An indirect free kick found its way to Otieno, who placed the shot to the bottom of the net, leaving the goalkeeper motionless and unable to prevent the opening goal.

Approaching the half-hour mark, a well-executed corner kick from Adjei met the head of Nembhard present in the area, resulting in a powerful flying header that found the back of the net.

Three minutes into the second half, Sterling increased the team’s lead. A strong recovery in the midfield allowed Adjei to regain possession and deliver a precise through ball to Sterling. This pass became Adjei’s second assist of the night, as Sterling skillfully finessed the ball into the bottom corner, further cementing South Georgia’s goal lead.

An own goal by Lexington, originating from a corner kick delivered by South Georgia, extended Tormenta FC’s lead, securing its fourth goal of the night. 

Lexington managed to find the correct side of the net in the 74th minute, grabbing a consolation goal.

In the final minutes of the match, South Georgia added a fifth and final goal, scored by Cassini who had subbed in minutes prior. Cassini initiated a swift counter-attack with a chipped ball to Jackson Khoury. A long run ensued, followed by a pass to Cassini. The Brazilian midfielder struck the ball first-time, evading the goalkeeper to secure his second goal of the season.

This resounding victory stands as the highest-goal margin in the visiting team’s professional history, signaling a remarkable achievement for the squad.

Following Sunday’s match, Tormenta FC will host the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium on July 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

Tormenta FC Roster Updates

STATESBORO, Ga – South Georgia Tormenta FC have signed defender Daltyn Knutson to a contract extension that runs through the 2023 USL League One season. Midfielder Andrew Akindele’s contract has now expired, and he has departed the club. 

Knutson returned to Tormenta FC in March 2023 and has featured in 11 games across all competitions this season. 

The defender appeared 70 times for Omaha across all competitions, providing a goal and three assists. Knutson helped Omaha obtain its first League One title in 2021. 

Knutson first featured for Tormenta FC in our inaugural 2019 season, when he made 21 starts in USL League One. 

Akindele joined the club in March 2023 and made 14 appearances across all competitions, totaling 645 minutes played and two assists. 

For more information about Tormenta FC, visit tormentafc.com and follow @Tormenta_FC on Twitter and Instagram and Tormenta FC on Facebook.

Match Forecast: Tormenta FC at Lexington SC

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC is set to visit Lexington, Kentucky, for the second time in 2023 to take on Lexington SC this Sunday, July 2, at 7 p.m. ET from Toyota Stadium. Tormenta FC will look to tie the regular season series as Lexington defeated the reigning League One Champions on April 15 and drew 1-1 on June 3 from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium. 

South Georgia will aim to get its first win of the month after two consecutive defeats to end the month of June. Despite the results, South Georgia were able to reintroduce Preston Kilwien, Matheus Cassini and Kingsford Adjei back into the team following successful injury recoveries. South Georgia will play its final game in eight days. 

To note, midfielder Andrew Akindele has been released following the conclusion of his contract. Defender Daltyn Knutson had his option exercised for the remainder of the season. 

For the first time this season, Tormenta FC has a complete roster with every player being available for selection ahead of Sunday’s matchup. 

Following Sunday’s match, Tormenta FC will host the Chattanooga Red Wolves SC from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium on July 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET. 

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

HOW TO FOLLOW:

Fans not able to make it to Sunday’s match can stream the match domestically via ESPN+ or on Youtube internationally.

For live updates and highlights throughout the match, fans can follow Tormenta FC on Twitter.

Tormenta FC Concludes 2023 Season With a Win

By: Sam Carter

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – South Georgia Tormenta FC toppled the division leaders 1-0 on Friday night at CHI Memorial Stadium in the last match of the USL W League season. With the result, Tormenta FC secured its fourth consecutive win to improve to 6-3-3 (WLD) in the division on 21 points.

The Utah State duo of Tess Werts and Kaylie Chambers orchestrated the first opportunity of the night for Tormenta. Werts played a beautiful ball into the danger area for Chambers, but a quick reactionary save from Chattanooga’s goalkeeper denied South Georgia of the opener. In the 17th minute, Keara Fitzgerald made a crucial save from a long-distance shot to keep the score level. A minute later, Chambers capitalized on a loose ball from a free kick and slotted the Statesboro side in front, 1-0. The defensive partnership between Jhenesis Ellerbe and Roisin McGovern helped to preserve the goal advantage. Tormenta FC went into the halftime break with the lead.

Halftime substitute Cora Brendle made a strong save to push a Chattanooga effort over the bar to start the second period. In the opening 15 minutes of the half, the Tennessee outfit tested the Tormenta backline, but South Georgia did not allow a breakthrough. The two sides continued to battle back and forth in search of the second goal of the match. Sade Heinrichs blasted a freekick just over the Chattanooga goal late in the match. South Georgia remained resilient across the backline in the closing minutes to secure the final three points of the season.

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 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

Match Forecast: Tormenta FC at Chattnooga Lady Red Wolves SC

By: Sam Carter

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – South Georgia Tormenta FC will conclude the 2023 USL W League season Friday night on the road at Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves SC at CHI Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT.

Tormenta FC secured its third straight victory in league action after an impressive 2-0 result at home against Southern Soccer Academy on Monday night. Elis Nemtsov put the Statesboro side in front from the penalty spot before a looping header from Tess Werts assured all three points would stay in South Georgia. Tormenta FC sits in third place in the South Central division on 18 points going into the final matchday.

Smith Cathey remains out for the Statesboro side for the match in Chattanooga. Celine Ottah and Roisin McGovern will enter the match as probable as the duo continues to return to full fitness. Head Coach Jim Robbins and his staff will have a near complete squad as they look to close out the season on a winning note.

Chattanooga will be back in action after eight days off from its previous contest. Last time out, the Lady Red Wolves outlasted Southern Soccer Academy 4-0 behind three late second-half goals. With playoffs secured, the Tennessee side can maintain the top spot in the division with a win. South Georgia will look to stifle the attempt when the two sides converge.

There will not be a stream available for the match in Chattanooga. Fans can follow the action with live updates, pictures and other content on the club’s Twitter page.

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 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

Tormenta FC Announces Date for Rescheduled Match Against Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC

STATESBORO, Ga. –South Georgia Tormenta FC, alongside Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC, announced today that its June 17 fixture at Optim Sports Medicine Field from Tormenta Stadium has been rescheduled to Wednesday, Aug. 23. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, with gates opening at 6:30 p.m. ET. All tickets to the previously scheduled Saturday match will be valid for the Aug. 23 game. For additional ticketing information, please email ticketing@tormentafc.com.

Fans should download the Tormenta FC app and follow the club on social media to stay updated on the club and all upcoming announcements.

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