Tormenta FC Wraps Up Roadtrip Versus Orlando City B
Orlando, Florida– For the third time this season Tormenta and Orlando City B face-off. The first time the two teams met they drew 1-1. The match was disastrous for Tormenta who lost their captain, Lars Eckenrode for what is now over three months. Tormenta was in the middle of a long road streak and did not seem like the team that started the season with back-to-back wins. When the teams met for the second time on June 15th, OCB won the possession battle but Tormenta looked like the clearly better side throughout the match. Tormenta nearly doubled Orlando’s shots and more than tripled their shots on target. Thanks to Mikie Rowe and Alex Morrell Tormenta came out on top 2-0, revenge from the first match. For their third and final matchup, both teams are in similar positions standings-wise to the last two meetings. Tormenta still sits in second in the league and OCB are still in last place.
This match has major implications for Tormenta. The top of the league table is tightening and second place (Tormenta) and sixth place (FC Tucson) are only four points apart. Tormenta needs to pick up all three points to get back on North Texas’ tail. The team in first is eight points ahead of Tormenta with a match in hand. If Tormenta can pick up all three points on Wednesday, the race for first will resume again.
What To Watch For:
Defense With Holes: After three tough matches going up against strong teams, Tormenta heads down to Orlando to face the team with the most goals allowed through this point of the season (T-Worst with 27). This is a great chance for Tormenta to get their feet back under them since they have only gained one point in the last three matches. It hasn’t been easy for Tormenta since their league-best shutout streak ended versus Forward Madison. Tormenta has had a rough streak facing off with Toronto on the road and North Texas on the road. These two teams are arguably the hardest teams to beat at home in the league. It is no surprise that Tormenta struggled against these two playoff-caliber squads. Look for Tormenta to use this match against OCB to get their feet back under them. Players like Marco Micaletto, Charlie Dennis, Alex Morrell, and Lucas Coutinho will be crucial in sparking this offense and get them finding the back of the net again. Tormenta has not scored in the run of play since the 86th minute versus Orlando on June 15th. 274 minutes since Tormenta scored outside of the penalty spot. Facing a team that hasn’t won since June 7th and has conceded 11 goals in that 7 match slide is exactly what Tormenta needs right now.
Time To Try Something New?: All season long Tormenta has been a team known for their defense. The combination of Ricardo Gomez and Nil Vinyals paired with a strong backline and the best keeper in the league has kept Tormenta in positive situations the majority of the season. With all that said, the offense has been in the bottom half of the league all season. There have been flashes of brilliance in some matches but Tormenta is currently sitting in 6th place in goals scored averaging 1.1 goals per match. Is it time for formations to change? The great thing about the 4-2-3-1 formation that has become the staple of Tormenta is that it has been crucial in our defensive success. When the offense is hitting to the best of their ability, they have been fluid. Lucas Coutinho and Marco Micaletto have both proven that they can fit in as our number 10 well. They both have the skill set to fill this crucial position in the formation, great stamina, passing, and Micaletto’s shooting ability has been proven as he leads the team. Is it time to change things up? Personally, my answer is no. Tormenta has the ability and personnel to make the 4-2-3-1 formation deadly as we have seen. Tormenta needs to return to its roots and play their style of football. The success of this team has been built on the defense, letting a team wear themselves out attacking, and finishing them off in the second half. Tormenta’s last three matches have been arguably their hardest stretch of the season so far. These results are not something to worry about, yet. Facing two teams like Toronto and North Texas who have been in the playoff race all season, and Forward who has been at times the most impressive team on the pitch when it’s their week was sure to test Tormenta. These matches are important but all that matters is being in the top four at the end of the regular season. Position in that top four is only really important for home-field advantage because this league has proven that anyone can beat anyone any day.
Serginho: If there is any player to focus on from OCB, it is Serginho. The 18-year-old Brazilian has been crucial to starting attacks for the Lions. He leads the team in assists (3), shots (26), and chances created (20). Even though the majority of the season has been bleak for OCB, Serginho has been a bright spot. The young midfielder was crucial in linking up the productive attacks last time the two teams met.
Match Facts:
Orlando City B (3-11-4) v. Tormenta FC (7-3-5).
Montverde Academy, Orlando, Florida.
July 24th, 2019. 7:30 P.M
