STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has bolstered its back line with former Orlando City B defender Nick O’Callaghan. The talented defender has joined the club for his second professional season on a one-year deal with a club option.
The 6-foot defender was picked 57th overall by Orlando City SC in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft before signing his first professional contract with the club’s second team in USL League One. A Florida native, O’Callaghan also played for the Orlando City Development Academy, helping his team make the playoffs in 2014.
"Nick is an exciting acquisition,” TFC Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “He had a really strong collegiate career, exemplified by the fact Orlando City drafted him. In a young, developmental group at OCB last season, Nick showed really well and put in performances that suggested there's more to come from him.
“It's our job to give him the structure and environment to reach that potential. On the field, his ability to operate in a few defensive positions will provide our team tactical flexibility which is important in a 28-game season against teams with different profiles."
STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has bolstered its back line with former Orlando City B defender Nick O’Callaghan. The talented defender has joined the club for his second professional season on a one-year deal with a club option.
The 6-foot defender was picked 57th overall by Orlando City SC in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft before signing his first professional contract with the club’s second team in USL League One. A Florida native, O’Callaghan also played for the Orlando City Development Academy, helping his team make the playoffs in 2014.
“Nick is an exciting acquisition,” TFC Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “He had a really strong collegiate career, exemplified by the fact Orlando City drafted him. In a young, developmental group at OCB last season, Nick showed really well and put in performances that suggested there’s more to come from him.
“It’s our job to give him the structure and environment to reach that potential. On the field, his ability to operate in a few defensive positions will provide our team tactical flexibility which is important in a 28-game season against teams with different profiles.”
In his 2020 season with OCB, O’Callaghan made six appearances and played 525 minutes, notching three shots. Defensively, he recorded 19 clearances, 16 interceptions and eight blocks.
O’Callaghan began his collegiate career in North Carolina at Elon University, where he made 49 appearances and recorded two goals and five assists. The defender then transferred to Florida International University and started in all 19 of his appearances. There, he registered five clean sheets and scored one goal, appearing on the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team and the Conference USA All-Tournament Team.
While at college, O'Callaghan gained USL League Two experience with Orlando City U-23 in 2015 and the SIMA Águilas in 2018.
In his 2020 season with OCB, O’Callaghan made six appearances and played 525 minutes, notching three shots. Defensively, he recorded 19 clearances, 16 interceptions and eight blocks.
O’Callaghan began his collegiate career in North Carolina at Elon University, where he made 49 appearances and recorded two goals and five assists. The defender then transferred to Florida International University and started in all 19 of his appearances. There, he registered five clean sheets and scored one goal, appearing on the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team and the Conference USA All-Tournament Team.
While at college, O’Callaghan gained USL League Two experience with Orlando City U-23 in 2015 and the SIMA Águilas in 2018.
“I’m looking forward to being in a competitive training environment every day and playing for a championship with Tormenta FC this year,” O’Callaghan said.
Tormenta FC’s preseason training starts on Monday, March 1, and the club has an exciting preseason lineup set to be announced in the coming weeks. The club’s 2021 USL League One roster takes shape with a strong core of 12 Tormenta FC first and second-team returners, along with new signees Clayton Adams, Azaad Liadi, Nick O’Callaghan and Luis Rodriguez. To guarantee their presence at every match in Erk Russell Park this season, fans should secure their season tickets now and download the Tormenta FC app to be the first to know about news and ticket deals.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: bodonnell@https://www.tormentafc.com.
“I’m looking forward to being in a competitive training environment every day and playing for a championship with Tormenta FC this year,” O’Callaghan said.
Tormenta FC’s preseason training starts on Monday, March 1, and the club has an exciting preseason lineup set to be announced in the coming weeks. The club’s 2021 USL League One roster takes shape with a strong core of 12 Tormenta FC first and second-team returners, along with new signees Clayton Adams, Azaad Liadi, Nick O’Callaghan and Luis Rodriguez. To guarantee their presence at every match in Erk Russell Park this season, fans should secure their season tickets now and download the Tormenta FC app to be the first to know about news and ticket deals.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: bodonnell@https://www.tormentafc.com.
