BIRMINGHAM, Al. – South Georgia Tormenta FC debuted in the third round of the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup tonight against USL Championship-side Birmingham Legion FC in a 2-0 win. In a rigid environment, Tormenta FC took advantage of the opportunities the game created and capped an impressive team performance off with a win that signifies its entrance into the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup.
“The boys deserved this result. It is not easy to come to a championship side team’s home and get a win. A clean sheet continues to add onto the team’s solid performance tonight.”
Ian Cameron, Tormenta FC Head Coach
Newly-acquired Barry Sharifi and Kazaiah Sterling made their first starts for South Georgia, but Birmingham wasted no time in setting the tempo for the first half, sending in a dangerous corner kick and testing Pablo Jara in the third minute of the game. Jara continued to be a factor in tonight’s game with a blocked shot from Enzo Martinez as the home side put pressure on Tormenta FC.
Tormenta FC was able to find its first goal of the game with a shot on target in the 33rd minute. A quick progression saw Kingsford Adjei take a powerful shot that the keeper was unable to contain; the rebound was taken care of by Curtis Thorn who smashed the ball to the back of the net.
As the first half came to an end, Tormenta FC aged like fine wine. A free kick in the 44th minute by Deshawon Nembhard threatened the Legion keeper once again. The danger was averted to a corner kick, and a cross was placed into the danger area, where Jake Dengler found the ball wandering through the six-yard box and scored his first professional goal.
Tormenta FC continued its good form into the second half. Gabriel Cabral was able to find some space and without doubt, a shot was taken from outside the box. The shot vibrated the keeper’s post; unselfishly, the ball did not go in.
Birmingham gave signs of life in the 74th minute after a header from Martinez went just wide of Jara’s defending net. Jara once again showed the home side his net was safe after a shot was blocked from Legion in the 77th minute.
Tormenta FC quickly responded with a shot from Adrian Bilhardt going just wide; the pressure was on Birmingham, and Tormenta FC controlled the pace of the final 20 minutes of the game.
The final whistle signified more than a win for Tormenta FC; the final whistle signified a union that Head Coach Ian Cameron has created. Tormenta FC now returns to Statesboro with a result everyone in Statesboro will be proud of.
“Today’s performance marks a very special moment in the history of this young club. I am proud to be part of this team, and we will continue to give it our all for the great city of Statesboro.”
Jake Dengler, Tormenta FC Defender
Tonight’s Player of the Match, presented by Galactic Comics and Games, is Jake Dengler, who not only helped secure Tormenta FC’s third clean sheet in a row but also scored tonight’s game-winning goal.
Tormenta FC continues its journey in the 2022 Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup after two wins against USL Championship rivals.
NEXT MATCH:
Tormenta FC will await its destiny in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, with the draw being on April 21 at noon ET on U.S Soccer’s Twitter and Youtube channels.
Following today’s Open Cup match, the team travels to Greenville, South Carolina, to take on club rivals Greenville Triumph SC on Saturday, April 23, at 6 pm ET.
