Tormenta FC News

South Georgia Tormenta FC Players Sebastián Vivas and Pedro Fonseca Honored in USL League One Team of the Week

STATESBORO, Ga – July 30, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Sebastián Vivas and Pedro Fonseca were honored in Week 15’s USL League One Team of the Week. Being honored for their exceptional form on the pitch, Vivas was named to the starting lineup and Fonseca was named to the bench.

Vivas is now ranked third in the league for goals scored, having netted seven goals in regular league play so far. The attacker netted one goal against Central Valley Fuego, temporarily leveling the match just prior to halftime. Vivas won 12 duals and had two shots on target.

Fonseca scored the opening goal of the evening, finding the back of the net in just the sixth minute of play. He took a total of 4 shots on target throughout the match, won 100% of his tackles, and won three duals.

Fans can watch Vivas and Fonseca in action at 7:30 p.m. on August 3 at Tormenta Stadium. Tickets are available here.

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422.

South Georgia Tormenta FC Falls to Central Valley Fuego FC

FRESNO, Ca. – July 28, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC was narrowly defeated by Central Valley Fuego FC with a 3-2 score on the road in Fresno, California, on Saturday, July 27.

Tormenta FC and Central Valley each emerged onto the pitch hoping to find a coveted early goal. Fuego took the first shot of the night in the third minute of play, but Tormenta’s keeper Drew Romig dove to collect the shot.

Moments later, South Georgia’s Pedro Fonseca found the first goal of the evening. Fonseca avoided a flurry of defenders and pressed up the wing, enabling him to send a shot blasting past the keeper and into the net.

After the opening goal, each team fought to maintain possession and find opportunities to make attacking plays. Romig made a number of key saves to preserve the clean sheet and early lead. Fuego’s strongest opportunity for a first-half goal came in the ninth minute when Alfredo Midence attempted to send a shot from outside the box, forcing Romig to make a save.

Tormenta FC maintained a high level of possession throughout the first half, making dynamic passes and key clearances to apply pressure on Fuego and find scoring opportunities. Fuego also continued to press and found its chance to net a goal in the 38th minute. Converting the attempt, Fuego temporarily leveled the match.

In the 44th minute of play, Tormenta’s Sebastián Vivas found an opportunity to convert a shot of his own to regain the lead. This was the final goal of the first half.

When the second half began, each team displayed the same intensity which coursed through the first half. Fuego found its second goal of the evening in the 48th minute of play.

In the 59th minute, Aaron Walker made his debut for South Georgia Tormenta FC when he was substituted on for team captain Conor Doyle. Walker was just announced to be available for selection on Thursday, July 25.

In the 73rd minute of play, Fuego tallied its third goal of the evening. Tormenta remained resilient and kept pressing to spark goal-scoring opportunities. With ten minutes added to the second half, Tormenta used each minute to maintain a strong backline while incentivizing attacking plays. Ultimately, Fuego’s goal was the last of the night.

South Georgia Tormenta FC comes back home to Tormenta Stadium in its next match, playing Spokane Velocity at 7:30 p.m. on August 3. Fans can purchase tickets to the match here.

Founded in 2015, South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC is proud to compete in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League. The team is also proud to offer a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. South Georgia Tormenta FC rose victorious in 2022, becoming the USL League One Champions and the USL W League champions.

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com.

South Georgia Tormenta FC Signs Midfielder Aaron Walker

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 25, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC is proud to sign midfielder Aaron Walker for the remainder of the 2024 season. Walker is available for selection ahead of the Saturday, July 27 match against Central Valley Fuego.

Walker most recently played with Greenville Triumph, joining the USL League One side in 2019 and remained with the club through the 2022 season. The midfielder tallied an impressive 15 goals during his time with the Triumph. He played 10,480 minutes across all competitions with the team.

Prior to his time with Greenville, Walker played for the Atlanta Silverbacks in the NPSL, where he captained the team in the 2018 season and earned six goals and four assists.

Walker brings with him a wealth of international playing experience, as well, playing in Lengjudeild division within the Icelandic football system with the BI/Bolungarvik. He made 22 appearances in the Lengjudeild and played a total of 1,676 minutes.

The Woodstock, Georgia native played four seasons at Oglethorpe University, where he led the team to its first-ever playoffs and captained the team in 2011.

South Georgia Tormenta FC and Burton Albion FC Agree on Transfer of Nick Akoto

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 24, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC and Burton Albion FC have agreed to a record transfer for Nick Akoto, marking the highest transfer in USL League One history and the first direct transfer from USL League One to EFL League One. Akoto will join Burton Albion FC for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Akoto’s transfer to Burton Albion FC is the latest achievement in Tormenta’s mission of developing players to their highest potential and advancing them to high-profile clubs in leagues such as the MLS, USL Championship, and EFL League One.

“Like many of our players, Tormenta aimed to be Nick’s first club but not his last. The plan was for him to develop within our club, and when the time was right, to be sold up the pyramid,” Tormenta FC’s Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “Our fans will be sad to lose his qualities on the field, but the growing light on the EFL League One now makes it easier than ever to watch his games, and we wish him every success in Burton Albion FC’s promotion endeavors.”

Akoto, the 24-year-old defender, first began his journey with South Georgia Tormenta FC in 2022, playing with the Tormenta 2 team in the USL League Two division. Showing a keen prowess on the pitch, Akoto joined the professional USL League One side in 2023. South Georgia Tormenta FC was Akoto’s first and only professional club signing prior to this transfer, proving his commitment to the club and South Georgia community.

Tormenta FC fans can follow Akoto’s success with his new club on CBS, as EFL League One recently signed a multiyear streaming deal for matches. Fans can also look out for mentions and game highlights of Burton Albion FC on “Welcome to Wrexham” on FX, as Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham also competes in EFL League One.

“This was one of those things where I didn’t think it was going to happen until it really happened,” Akoto said. “This is just one of those really exciting moments in my career, and I am excited to get there and just kick on.”

During the 2024 campaign alone, Akoto started in 19 matches and played 1648 minutes for South Georgia. The right back has also provided one goal and three assists across all competitions this season.

Prior to the 2024 season, Akoto appeared in 29 matches for the USL League One side, netting two goals and three assists. Akoto featured in eight games for Tormenta’s USL League Two side, tallying 594 minutes and one goal.

“We knew from the moment we recruited Nick to the Tormenta 2 team that he was a gem,” President and Co-Owner Darin Van Tassell said. “Our club will miss him greatly, but we are incredibly honored to bear witness to his development on and off the pitch these past few years and are thrilled to cheer him on in his next chapter. Developing players to their highest potential is the cornerstone on which we built this club, and Nick is our shining example of this pathway.”

As Akoto joins Burton Albion FC, he also reunites with his former coach Mark Robinson, who was on the technical staff while Akoto played at AFC Wimbledon during the 2017-2018 season.

Publix Recipe for Success: Tormenta FC Faces Central Valley Fuego

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 23, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC and Central Valley Fuego battle in a clash of the elements in regular season play in Fresno California on Saturday, July 27.

Recipe Review

With two matches played in the 2024 campaign between Tormenta FC and Central Valley Fuego, Saturday will be the final time these two clubs face off this season. In Round 5 of the Jägermeister Cup, Tormenta FC remained victorious, thanks to a first-half goal from Daniel Steedman and an extended series of penalty sicks in which five of the seven were converted.

The regular season matchup occurred back in Week 1, where Gabriel Rodriguez scored a second-half goal, but it wasn’t enough as Central Valley had already scored two goals in the first half and rode that lead to their only win of the regular season.

South Georgia Tormenta FC enters the match following a win on penalty kicks in the USL Jägermeister Cup against Charlotte Independence. Central Valley Fuego enters the match following a win against Spokane Velocity, who South Georgia will take on for the first time ever on August 3.

Key Ingredients

In recent weeks, Mason Tunbridge has really taken ownership of his midfield role, gaining more minutes from the technical staff and rewarding the team by creating more chances through long passes through the middle third of the pitch and crosses into the box. Tunbridge’s sharp field awareness and exceptional gameplay has enabled him to become an indispensable asset to the team.

Foe’s Formula

Central Valley’s Shavon John-Brown has been on a tear in recent weeks, scoring a goal in each of the last two matches and collecting an assist in the match prior to those two matches. In his nine appearances this season, John-Brown has never been subbed off. His attacking prowess, coupled with his abilities to win aerial duels, open space for touches in the opponent’s penalty area, and win back possession in the final third, makes him the prime candidate to put in this week’s spotlight.

South Georgia Tormenta FC Defeats Charlotte Independence

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 20, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC defeated Charlotte Independence in the USL Jägermeister Cup on penalty kicks, following a 1-1 draw on the road in Charlotte, North Carolina. A key goal in added time sent the match hurtling into penalty kicks.

The Ibises last faced Central Valley Fuego in the USL Jägermeister Cup and won on penalty kicks following a 1-1 score.

South Georgia Tormenta FC attempted to find the coveted early goal when Pedro Fonseca took Tormenta’s first shot of the evening in the 11th minute of play. The ball flew just over the crossbar.

Goal-scoring chances only appeared with greater frequency after the first moments of play. Jackson Khoury, Sebastián Vivas, and Alsadiq Hasan each attempted to find the back of the net at least once in the first half of the match.

The Ibises attempted to apply heavy pressure on the wings to drive the ball toward Charlotte’s half. Tormenta’s defense played a key role in this strategy, making key clearances and blocks to enable attacking activity.

In the 36th minute of play, Charlotte Independence opened the scoring for the evening. This goal was the only goal of the first half. When the whistle blew signifying halftime, South Georgia had four shots on target, while Charlotte had one.

The second half was rife with created chances by both teams. South Georgia sent a number of shots barreling toward the goal, with the most prominent chance coming in the 54th minute when Fonseca attempted to find the back of the net with a right-footed shot from the center of the box.

Head Coach Ian Cameron made several changes in the second half, bringing on Callum Stretch, Joshua Ramos, Gabriel Rodriguez, Niall Watson and Tavio D’Almeida.

As the clock counted up, plays became more intense in nature. A total of five yellow cards were handed out by the end of the match.

During the seven minutes of added time, Mason Tunbridge attempted to find the back of the net but his attempt was blocked. On the rebound, Stretch netted his first USL Jägermeister Cup goal, sending the ball past the keeper and into the right side of the net. Stretch’s goal launched the match into penalty kicks, a special component of the USL Jägermeister Cup.

Penalty kicks were taken as a storm rolled through American Legion Memorial Stadium. As rain pounded the stadium, Jake Dengler, Tunbridge, and Fonseca each made their respective shots, and keeper Drew Romig made a key save to win the match.

South Georgia is back in action in regular season play against Central Valley Fuego the road in Fresno, California. Fans can stream the match via ESPN+.

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422.

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Pedro Fonseca Earns Starting XI Honors in USL Team of the Week

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 17, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Pedro Fonseca was honored in Week 14’s USL League One Team of the Week. Fonseca earned this award on the heels of a stellar performance against Lexington Sporting Club, where he netted one goal and tallied one assist.

Fonseca, a regular on Tormenta FC’s starting XI, played the full 90 minutes in last Saturday’s match. On top of his goal-scoring activities, he had a 100% accurate pass rate and 100% of his tackles.

Fonseca also won four ground duels in the duration of the match, while taking five shots throughout the night.

Founded in 2015, South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC is proud to compete in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W-League. The team is also proud to offer a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. South Georgia Tormenta FC rose victorious in 2022, becoming the USL League One Champions and the USL-W League champions.

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com.

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Sebastián Vivas Earns Team of the Week Honors

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 17, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Sebastián Vivas was named to the USL League One’s Team of the Week bench for his exceptional performance on the pitch.

Vivas netted South Georgia’s opening goal during Saturday’s match against Lexington Sporting Club. In the 66th minute, he sent a left-footed shot barreling past the keeper and into the center of the net, equalizing the match.

Vivas created two chances during the match and had an almost 90% successful pass rate during his 90 full minutes on the pitch.

Founded in 2015, South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC is proud to compete in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W-League. The team is also proud to offer a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. South Georgia Tormenta FC rose victorious in 2022, becoming the USL League One Champions and the USL-W League champions.

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com.

South Georgia Tormenta FC Announces Key Front Office Changes

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 16, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC is pleased to announce four changes to its front office staff for the back half of the 2024 campaign.

Talique Cobb and Alyse Dalomba have joined the club’s marketing and communications team. Cobb, who previously excelled in the ticketing and fan engagement department of Tormenta, will now leverage his experience and passion for the club in his position as social media and communications coordinator. Dalomba, with her extensive background in creative sport marketing, is set to drive the club’s branding efforts as the creative and brand coordinator.

In addition to these organizational changes, Colt Carver has been named the director of soccer operations. Carver has been an integral part of the Tormenta FC operations team since 2021, and his dedication and leadership will now guide the club’s soccer operations to new heights.

Caroline Boykin has also been named the Director of Marketing and Media. Caroline’s strategic plans have been pivotal in enhancing the club’s digital presence, and she will continue to lead these efforts in her expanded role.

As these team members take their new roles, South Georgia Tormenta FC announces the departure of Noah Schroyer, former social media and communications coordinator, Conner Martin, creative and brand coordinator, and Bryce Judy, senior director of soccer operations. Both Martin and Judy have departed to work with MLS club Orlando City. Noah Schroyer has departed to work in the private sector. Tormenta FC thanks each of these members of the club for their tireless service and indelible mark left on the club.

Founded in 2015, South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC is proud to compete in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W-League. The team is also proud to offer a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. South Georgia Tormenta FC rose victorious in 2022, becoming the USL League One Champions and the USL-W League champions.

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com.

Publix Recipe for Success: Tormenta FC versus Charlotte Independence

STATESBORO, Ga. – July 15, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC faces off with Charlotte Independence in the USL Jägermeister Cup on the road at 7:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at the American Legion Stadium.