STATESBORO, Ga. – In an intense and high-pressing battle, South Georgia Tormenta FC was unable to finish its opportunities despite having 21 shots to FC Tucson’s four, falling 0-1 to the Arizona side. South Georgia came out with a couple of changes to tonight’s Starting XI as both Josue Soto and Barry Sharifi were introduced into the eleven.
Tormenta FC’s first opportunity of the night came in the 22nd minute for Kazaiah Sterling after testing the Tucson keeper’s closest post; the shot was blocked by the keeper who sent it for a corner.
FC Tucson scored the lone goal of the game following a corner kick rebound in the 36th minute. Without hesitation, Taylor Allen was able to clinically finish the ball to the top corner of the net.
Shortly after, Tucson’s Tevin Shaw was shown his second yellow of the game, sending him off. South Georgia was able to gain momentum and sought an equalizer right before the second half.
Seconds after the start of the second half, South Georgia caused panic through the Tucson defensive line. Sterling’s through ball found Barry Sharifi in a good position to shoot, but Sharifi’s shot was blocked by the keeper. Tormenta FC’s pressure and intensity as the second half started had Tucson overwhelmed.
Two shots in ten minutes showed the pressure and immense will to get an equalizer goal for Tormenta FC. First, Alex Morrell’s shot was just blocked by the keeper in the 71st minute, sending it to a corner. Defender Jake Dengler was also able to find space just outside the box, but his shot, unfortunately, went just wide of the Tucson keeper keeping the game favored to the visitors.
FC Tucson spent the last 20 minutes of the match in their half of the field unable to produce anything on the offense. South Georgia was the better team tonight and the statistics say it all. With 68.2% possession, Tormenta FC dominated the game, only leaving FC Tucson with moments of positive play.
Tonight’s Player of the Match presented by Galactic Comics and Games is defender Joshua Phelps who recorded an 86.4 % passing accuracy, along with four clearances and four interceptions.
UPCOMING
Tormenta FC now turns its focus to a two-match road stretch, starting with the Richmond Kickers on Saturday, June 4, followed by the Northern Colorado Hailstorm on Saturday, June 11.