Match Preview: Tormenta FC Returns To USL League One Play v. Toronto FC II
Statesboro, GA- Following its match against Greenville Triumph on May 8th in the First Round of the US Open Cup, Tormenta FC (3-1-2) returns to USL League One play against Toronto FC II (2-1-1) on May 12th. Tormenta FC and Toronto FC II have two of League One’s highest goal differentials at 4 and 2, so this match will be an interesting showdown of two well put together squads.
Both squads come into this match looking to remain in a playoff spot comfortably this early in the season. If Tormenta wins, they will sit at 14 points gained through seven games, staying in the top four for USL League One.
What To Watch For:
Toronto’s Fastbreak: If you have watched any Toronto FC II matches this season, you know they are not afraid to move the ball up the pitch fast. In all their goals scored this season (excluding the PK v. Lansing and FK v. Lansing), Toronto has pushed the ball upfield with no hesitation. The team from up north transitions quickly once they retake possession and all ten field players turn their attention to the attack. It will be interesting to see how this works against Tormenta, a team that plays a similar style, but also tracks back well and defends as a team.
Defense Wins Championships: What is needed to stop a fast offense like Toronto FC II? A strong defense. Luckily for Tormenta FC, defense is what this team is built around. So far in the League One campaign, Tormenta has only conceded more than one goal once in six games (a 3-2 defeat to Chattanooga). The back line, which has been anchored by Josh Phelps, has given opposing offenses fits all season. In the first five matches, Tormenta played with three at the back but switched to four in its last match v. FC Tucson and seemed very comfortable playing like this. Keeping the back line locked down with two designated center backs, a left back, and a right back helps Tormenta with fluidity and control in its defensive half. Having Jerry Saint-Vil at LB and Conner Antley at RB also helped players like Lucas Coutinho and Charlie Dennis focus on the attack more because they don’t have to track the whole way back, knowing they have men back there.
A Rested Tormenta: For the first time this season, Tormenta is able to rest. The team does only have 3 days off following the match v. Greenville, but before that, they had eleven days of rest. Having 2 matches in 14 days is a season-low for Tormenta. Coach Miglarese will have enjoyed this break to rest the starters and fix some small things that need work this early in the season.
Match Facts:
Who: South Georgia Tormenta FC v. Toronto FC II
When: May 12th at 7:00 PM
Where: Erk Russell Park, Statesboro, GA.
Not Attending? Watch on ESPN
