STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC battled with the Tampa Bay Rowdies, finishing the preseason match even 1-1 with one of the USL Championship’s premier teams. Tormenta FC held off the Tampa Bay offense until the 89th minute with a first-half header from forward Arthur Bosua and a quality performance from goalkeeper Pablo Jara and his backline.
Jara received an ovation from the Rowdies season ticket holder crowd after an unreal performance in net and over seven awe-inspiring saves. Following a season-ending injury in 2021, longtime club defender Joshua Phelps returned to the starting lineup and also played an essential part in the team performance.
Tormenta FC kicked off the match in a high press before holding off Tampa Bay’s dangerous offense throughout the first half. In the 26th minute, Gabriel Cabral connected with Bosua on a corner kick to score his first goal for the club and of the night. Bosua brought the score to 1-0 with a header from Cabral’s perfectly-placed ball and assist.
The South Georgia backline put on a strong performance in the last 45 minutes with the teams exchanging chances throughout. The second half also saw more impressive saves from both Jara and TJ Bush, who subbed into the match in the 81st minute.
Minutes before the final whistle, the Rowdies scored a goal of their own to level the scoreline in the 89th minute to bring the final score to 1-1.
Notably, former Tormenta FC defender Connor Antley started for Tampa Bay and showed impressive development with a key role in the Rowdies draw.
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 host the University of North Florida on Friday, March 11 for its fourth preseason friendly of 2022. Supporters can watch Tormenta FC’s League One squad in action from Erk Russell Park for $5 with tickets available in advance here.
