STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC commences its 2022 preseason this Saturday, Feb. 19, at 7 p.m. ET from Erk Russell Park in a friendly against neighbors Georgia Southern University Men’s Soccer where both teams look to test themselves at the highest level possible.
“The soccer culture in Statesboro continues to grow and this game will be the start of something special,” Tormenta FC Head Coach Ian Cameron commented. “On one hand, I have the responsibility of winning championships, reaching our objectives, and having Tormenta FC grow as a club. Local games like these help us elevate the exposure of soccer in our community. We have the privilege to introduce the sport to our local kids.
“Coach Murphy has the responsibility of growing the Georgia Southern Men’s Soccer brand. Our desire to grow the beautiful game in Statesboro is mutual. We are both passionate about growing the sport throughout our community; it is a shared venture.
“Our goal is to have our players develop in our backyard; start their youth career through our Tormenta FC Academy, then become a Georgia Southern player who becomes part of our USL League Two team and eventually start their professional career with the first team.
“We have many new faces that are learning the Tormenta way of playing, with the players only being one week into preseason, we will use this game to test our vision that we have laid down and to see how quickly the team can adapt to it. We want to prepare our tactics, timeliness, good habits and discipline of the team. We also want to be united on the field. If nothing else, we want to see the group fight together in a philosophical and physical way.”
Supporters are invited to get their first looks at the 2022 League One squad this weekend. 100% of Saturday’s ticket proceeds will be donated to Safe Haven, a local nonprofit that assists those affected by domestic violence. Tormenta FC and Georgia Southern hope to establish a strong tradition of annual preseason friendlies with the proceeds going to a different community organization each time.
TFC Head Coach Ian Cameron and his staff will have the opportunity to see their newest acquisitions in match play along with the returning core of players from 2021. The latest additions and team trialists will all seek to impress in their first fixture in front of Tormenta Nation.
“The friendly will help us build team chemistry,” Tormenta FC veteran defender Stefan Mueller said. “It is our number one goal for Saturday. Tactics will be put into place in upcoming preseason games, but we have to build team chemistry first. The game will also help us build trust and help us get to know each other’s skills on the pitch.”
“Chemistry is the most important thing for us this year. Championship teams are built on strong foundations; the first preseason game is the best time to continue setting that foundation for 2022.”
Tormenta FC defender Ian Antley and midfielders Marco Micaletto, Rodney Michael, and Tobias Otieno will be unavailable for Saturday’s preseason match.
The club looks forward to opening its new 5,300-seat soccer stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, during the 2022 season with more details to be announced this Spring. Supporters should purchase ticket packages in advance to secure their spot in the new stadium and cheer on Tormenta FC across USL League One, League Two and W League.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (478-508-2604) or email bodonnell@tormentafc.com.
TICKET INFORMATION:
Fans wanting to attend Saturday’s match should purchase their tickets in advance. All preseason match tickets will be $5 with proceeds going to local Statesboro nonprofit Safe Haven.
