STATESBORO, Ga. – The preseason grind continues for South Georgia Tormenta FC as the team travels to face the 2021 USL Championship runner-up, the Tampa Bay Rowdies, on Saturday, March 5. The friendly will kick off at 7 p.m. ET from Al Lang Stadium and is closed to the public.
“The Rowdies provide us with a great challenge that we must capitalize on,” TFC Assistant Coach Jorge Gonzalez commented. “Tampa is one of the best teams in the Championship, and it shows their style of play is unique. We want to see if our style of play can flare up against them on and off the ball.”
Tormenta FC comes into Saturday’s friendly undefeated this preseason with two back-to-back 1-0 wins against Georgia Southern University and Atlanta United 2. Saturday will prove to be the biggest test this preseason as South Georgia goes head-to-head with one of the best teams in the USL Championship.
“We are going into this match as a team that is ready to compete against anyone and everyone,” Gonzalez said. “The friendly against the Rowdies differs from our other two preseason matches as their team has several players who have proven themselves through the professional ranks. The level of maturity and professionalism of Tampa’s guys on the field differentiate them from our two previous opponents, and we know Saturday’s challenge will be one to help us grow.”
Tampa Bay will close out its 2022 preseason against Tormenta FC ahead of its season opener on the road against the Birmingham Legion on March 13. The Rowdies look to end their preseason in the best way possible after wins against the University of North Florida, Florida International University, and the University of Southern Florida.
“Saturday’s game against the Rowdies will be a great evaluation of where we are, considering Tampa Bay is one of the best teams in the league,” defender Jake Dengler commented. “The Rowdies play a 3-4-3 like us, and the team presses and makes their opponents work for a positive result. We want to really challenge ourselves and just go out and have fun.”
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.
