Match Preview: Deep South Division Championship
Tomorrow: Tormenta FC 2 vs. SC United Bantams
Tormenta FC 2 and the SC United Bantams meet this Saturday for what is likely USL League Two’s most intriguing match-up of the weekend. The two teams currently sit tied on top of the Deep South Division, only separated by head-to-head records (Tormenta 2 beat Bantams 3-0 last time, Bantams won 2-0 the first time) and goal differential (Tormenta 2 +21, Bantams +8). The two teams are locked in the tightest race for first place in the country. Tormenta and Bantams supporters have had this match circled all season because both fan bases knew how important this match would be in regards to the playoff picture.
Tormenta needs to win or draw the match to clinch the Deep South Division for the second year in a row. Bantams, on the other hand, have to win the match to win the division. A draw is not enough for the Bantams due to Tormenta’s 3-0 win on June 27 being bigger than their 2-0 win on June 11. Tormenta’s goal differential is also significantly higher. If the two teams draw, on top of Tormenta winning the Deep South, Bantams would still qualify for the League Two playoffs due to them being the top 2nd place team in any conference.
This match is sure to be an exciting one with major implications behind it. With League One being on the road in Toronto, this is a great chance for Tormenta Nation to hit the road to South Carolina and cheer on their boys with playoff chances on the line.
What To Watch For:
Tormenta 2’s Firepower: The first place League Two-side has scored 32 goals through 13 matches this season. The team has scored 3+ goals in 8 of their matches (61% of all matches). Leading goalscorer and one of League Two’s top prospects, Luca Mayr, leads Tormenta’s attack with 6 goals this season. Mayr has been impressive all season long in the midfield. The 23-year-old Austrian has been crucial in every stage of Tormenta’s attack, from the build-up to the link-up, to finding the back of the net. Also impressing over the course of the season is Tormenta’s main forward, JJ Donnelly. The London native has bagged 5 goals thus far, and his height and ability to get his head on the ball have been deadly for Tormenta all season. When these two are on the field together, goals are inevitably going to come.
Bantams Missing Ali Brador: SC United can put the ball in the back of the net impressively as well. Ali Brador has been successful in leading the Bantams attack with 6 of their 21 total goals. But, SC United will have to face Tormenta this time without him due to the straight red card he received towards the end of their match versus Charlotte on Tuesday. The forward assisted the first goal and scored the second when Tormenta and Bantams met for the first time this season. Brador played an unproductive half against Tormenta the second time around putting up zero shots in the Tormenta 3-0 win. The Bantams will have to rely on Maximilliano Rebellado-Camus, their 2nd highest goalscorer with 3.
Last Two Meetups: This is the third time that Tormenta and the Bantams will meet this season. The first time, on June 11th in Savannah, Tormenta maintained possession and the threatening chances for the majority of the match. Bantams won the match 2-0, but both their goals came off corners. SC United did not look very threatening in the run of play but had their set-piece tactics down. 16 days later, the match looked very similar to the first. Tormenta dominated possession the whole way through, kept the Bantams pressed back and forced them into making bad decisions. Tormenta capitalized on their chances this time around and shut the Bantams out in front of a hostile, but quiet, crowd 3-0.
Match Facts:
SC United Bantams (9-2-2) v. Tormenta FC 2 (9-2-2)
Southeastern Freightliner Soccer Complex, Columbia, SC.
July 13th. 7 PM.
