Tormenta Looks To Add To Richmond’s Current Struggles
After a second-half domination leading to a 2-0 win over Orlando City B, Tormenta FC (6-1-4) returns to Erk Russell Park on Saturday to take on the Richmond Kickers (3-6-3). Earlier in the season, Richmond was the first team that the Ibises dropped points to this campaign. Both teams were evenly matched over the span of the 90 minutes but both failed to capitalize and the match ended 0-0. This time around, the two teams are on separate paths leading to this match. Richmond comes in having not scored since May 22nd. The Kickers are 0-4-1 in their last five and are 1-3-1 on the road. Tormenta, on the other hand, comes in riding a 62-day undefeated streak, have not been scored on in 414 minutes of play (36th minute versus Toronto FC II on May 12th), and are still undefeated at home since 2017.
Tormenta will look to build on the positive result gained versus Orlando City and continue applying pressure to first place, North Texas SC.
What To Watch For:
Top Two Keepers In The League: We have spent all season praising Pablo Jara for his impressive form. 7 clean sheets through 11 matches is a stat that any club, at any level would love to have. Saturday’s match will pit Jara versus Richmond’s Akira Fitzgerald, arguably the second best keeper in League One. Through twelve matches, Fitzgerald has 5 clean sheets of his own. When the Kicker’s keeper shuts out his opponents, his team wins 60% of the time. Over the course of their five-game slide, Fitzgerald only has one clean sheet to his name. To stop the losing slide, Fitzgerald will have to get help from the other ten men on the pitch. He is a great keeper but it takes a full team effort to get three points.
Tormenta’s Defense: Throughout the season, Tormenta has been relying on their strong backline to stifle their opponent’s attack. Through 11 matches, the boys in blue and magenta have only allowed 7 goals (T1st with Greenville). A strong defense is something that can easily cause fits for a team like Richmond who has scored the second least goals up to this point (11). On top of being bottom of the league in goals scored, the Kickers haven’t found the back of the net in 280 minutes. Expect Tormenta’s defense to frustrate Richmond offensive players like Joe Gallardo, Dennis Chin, and Mutaya Mwape.
The Effectiveness of Charlie Dennis: Charlie Dennis has served Tormenta in several different roles this season. We have seen Dennis starting at striker, right wing, left wing, and left mid. Dennis has truly found his groove assisting the attack as a #7 or #9. Dennis leads the league in chances created (26) and is second in the league in crosses (46). Expect Charlie to apply pressure on Richmond’s backline by setting up his teammates or sending in pinpoint crosses throughout the match.
Match Facts:
Tormenta FC (6-1-4) v Richmond Kickers (3-6-3)
Saturday, June 22nd.
8:00 PM.
Erk Russell Park, Statesboro, Ga.
Healthcare Professionals Night. All healthcare professionals who bring their badge will receive 25% off general admission or 50% off VIP!
Streaming on ESPN+ or YouTube internationally.
