FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 2, 2019
Contact: Bernadette O’Donnell
Tormenta 2 Continues to Grow the Squad Ahead of US Open Cup
The first round of the US Open Cup is officially less than one week away and South Georgia Tormenta 2 adds four more players to the squad set to face off with Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on May 7th. Tormenta 2 is excited to announce the signing of midfielder Andrés Flores, goalkeeper Sawyer Gaffney, defender Ryo Shimazaki, and forward Jordan Walshaw to the 2019 USL League Two Roster.
Chilean midfielder, Andrés Flores, joins Tormenta FC 2 after a successful year at Palm Beach Atlantic University. The college sophomore also has previous NPSL experience playing with the Shreveport Rafters. In his time at Palm Beach Academy, Andrés received many honors, including a conference championship in Fall 2017 and Fall 2018, and a tournament championship in Fall 2018. “ I am really grateful to have the opportunity to be part of Tormenta 2, and I am looking forward to training with my teammates and give them my very best,” Flores said. “I know from past Tormenta players how professional and demanding the club is, and I’m really excited to perform in this high-level competition and hopefully help the team get results.”
Goalkeeper Sawyer Gaffney is a double major in Economics and French at Davidson College. The 6’3, 195-pound goalkeeper hailing from Richmond, Virginia has experience with the former USL Championship side of the Richmond Kickers. In 2016, Gaffney signed a contract with the Kickers his senior year of high school, allowing him to train with the professional side in the mornings and the academy at night. “I chose Tormenta FC because after having talked with the coaches, it was clear that they develop professionals and have a culture that breeds competition and success,” Gaffney said. “The organization treats everyone like family from the start, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
Ryo Shimazaki is a defender hailing from Kawasaki, Japan. Shimazaki currently plays for the men’s soccer team at Virginia Commonwealth University. The defender played for Kawasaki Frontale’s U-18 Academy in the Japanese 1st Division. He also was a member of the Japanese U-17 National Team Pool. “I am really excited about being part of Tormenta FC 2,” Shimazaki said. “I can’t wait to make a lot of great memories with new teammates.”
The fourth player, a familiar face for Tormenta fans, is Jordan Walshaw from Sheffield, England. Walshaw helped Tormenta win the Deep South Division last year. The 6’1 forward currently plays at Winthrop University. In his second year at Winthrop, Walshaw earned the title of top goalscorer and made the all-conference second team both years. Growing up, Jordan played with Sheffield Wednesday’s Youth Academy from the ages of 13 to 16, and Chesterfield FC from 16 to 18. “I am returning to Tormenta FC after an excellent summer there last year,” Walshaw said. “The franchise as a whole was an experience that I enjoyed thoroughly and having the chance to return was a no brainer for me. I cannot wait to get started.”
Other Tormenta 2 signees so far include Cadu Cusatis, JJ Donnelly, Luca Mayr, James Meehan, Fortià Munts, Juan Pablo Puelma, Kareve Richards, Zeron Sewell, Jordan Skelton, Daniel Strachan, Curtis Thorn and Christian Lue Young.
Tormenta FC 2 will host League One team, Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, for Round One of the US Open Cup on May 7 at 8 pm in Erk Russell Park. The team’s first regular season match is four days later against Peachtree City MOBA on May 11 at home at 8 pm.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (478-508-2604) or email: bodonnell@https://www.tormentafc.com.
