STATESBORO, Ga. – It was a good day for South Georgia Tormenta FC as its USL League One team went head-to-head with Atlanta United 2, taking down the USL Championship side 1-0 at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground.
Still early into preseason, the two sides played an intense match, and South Georgia showed off its physical size and talent next to Atlanta United 2’s smaller but technical squad.
Atlanta United 2 kicked off the match pressing hard and holding possession, but Tormenta FC warmed up quickly, causing problems for Atlanta’s backline and goalkeeper throughout. Atlanta had the first shot of the game in the fourth minute but was defended by TFC captain and goalkeeper Pablo Jara, who showed out numerous times to help secure his second clean sheet of the 2022 preseason.
Tormenta FC’s first buildup play came in the 12th minute from the left side, leading to the team’s first corner taken by former TFC 2 captain Gabriel Cabral. Shortly after, midfielder Kingsford Adjei took on Atlanta United’s defense in the 13th minute and made his first shot, but it was saved by the goalkeeper.
Signed players and trialists alike continued firing through Atlanta’s defense with near-headers from defender Jake Dengler and forward Arthur Bosua, but the first half ended with the teams tied up 0-0.
Following the break, Tormenta FC substitutions saw the return of midfielder Adrian Billhardt and defender Joshua Phelps, who played their first minutes of 2022 after injuries last season. Billhardt adjusted quickly and created two chances in the 53rd and 60th minutes.
Newly-signed TFC goalkeeper TJ Bush also took the pitch and replaced Jara in goal, denying Atlanta’s efforts to gain momentum and get on the board.
Tormenta FC scored the game’s first and only goal in the 76th minute, as one trialist served up a cross to a second trialist, whose shot found the back of an almost-empty Atlanta net.
Tormenta FC will open its new soccer-specific stadium in Statesboro, Georgia, during the 2022 season with more details to be announced this Spring. Supporters should purchase season memberships, flex tickets and group 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.
NEXT MATCH:
Tormenta FC will now test itself on the road again, this time at Al Lang Stadium versus the Tampa Bay Rowdies, who made a run to the USL Championship Final last season.
Statesboro will then host the University of North Florida on Friday, March 11, at 6:30 p.m. ET from Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, Georgia. Supporters can watch Tormenta FC’s 2022 League One squad in action for $5 with tickets available in advance here.
