STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC made its 2022 USL League One debut this evening in a fixture against North Carolina FC. The two sides played a passionate match at Erk Russell Park, and Tormenta FC ultimately fell 0-1 despite recording 72 percent of the possession and 14 shots to North Carolina’s four shots.
“A disappointing result for us, but there were elements of the games that we liked, but unfortunately, a goal was unable to come for us,” Head Coach Ian Cameron commented.
“The first 30 minutes of the game, we didn’t bring the intensity that this group has. The game just flowed away from us. As soon as they got their goal, they had something to hold onto.”
Ian Cameron, Tormenta FC Head Coach
The match marked the professional debut of Tormenta FC 2 alumni Gabriel Cabral and Chris Heckenberg, both appearing in the Starting XI. Notably, ten Tormenta FC players made their USL League One debut tonight.
In addition, midfielder Adrian Billhardt and defender Joshua Phelps returned to competitive play after season-ending injuries in 2021. Billhardt was named Player of the Match, presented by Galactic Comics and Games, after his strong performance back on the pitch. The German midfielder brought energy and counter-attack efforts to the match.
“We showed the quality throughout the game, and there were small details throughout the game that we will build on,” Billhardt commented.
“An unfortunate result, but I am very proud to return to the field for 60 minutes. It is a long season, so we will build from this. We will get it together in no time.”
Adrian Billhardt, Tormenta FC Midfielder
Tormenta FC and North Carolina FC started the game getting to know each other; The first 20 minutes of the match were a quick study of both teams and how each of them played on the field. North Carolina then upped the pressure against the home side, and a deflection in Tormenta FC’s backline led to the first and only goal of the night which was headed just over Pablo Jara’s head in the 21st minute.
After ending the first half down a goal, Tormenta FC came out looking like a different team in the second half. Kingsford Adjei showed his explosiveness throughout and made several close shots. Alex Morrell also stood out in the second half, making a break-a-way run before shooting the ball just wide of the net and electrifying the crowd. Jamil Roberts entered the match in the 68th minute and made an immediate impact with a rocket shot straight to the goalkeeper.
In the 74th minute, Jara made an amazing save off a free kick to deny another North Carolina goal. Soon after in the 78th minute, NCFC’s Nelson Martinez was shown a double yellow, and the road team was forced to play down a man.
In the final minutes, Tormenta FC players tried fervently to tie up the match with several opportunities inside the box, but the match ended with a final score 0-1 in favor of NCFC.
NEXT MATCH/UPCOMING:
Tormenta FC will now enter U.S. Open Cup play, heading to South Carolina to take on the Charleston Battery on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. ET. The winner of the matchup will enter the third round of the national tournament.
Following TFC’s open cup match, the team will return home to host reigning champions Union Omaha on Saturday, April 16 at Erk Russell Park.
