EAGAN, Mn. – South Georgia Tormenta FC earned the right to call itself the inaugural USL W League champion after defeating Minnesota Aurora FC 1-2 in extra time in front of more than 6,000 fans. Nyby’s brace secured tonight’s goals, while Sydney Martinez’s penalty kick save in the 110th minute of extra time helped South Georgia stay level. Nyby’s second goal proved to be the game-winning goal, bringing an end to Aurora FC’s undefeated season in front of its fans.
More than six thousand fans seemed to have not been an issue for South Georgia, as in the seventh minute, Nyby was able to find the first goal of the game after an out-of-position Sarah Fuller was not able to get to a ball. Nyby smartly placed the ball out of the keeper’s reach to score.
Aurora FC found the equalizer after a thriller of a strike. The shot from afar saw Martinez unable to get a hand to it. Aurora FC were able to regain possession and momentum of play through the end of the first half, as they limited South Georgia’s offensive presence.
An intense second half battle followed, which saw both sides get multiple opportunities to take a lead. Isabella Gutierrez’s impact throughout the second half helped build confidence and solidify team play throughout the second half; however, after 90 minutes of play, the score was tied 1-1, which signified extra time.
Thirty minutes of extra time saw both teams create opportunities, with Aurora FC consistently threatening Martinez with shots from afar. Meanwhile, Amy Andrews continued to be an offensive threat with several shots on target.
In the 110th minute of extra time, a penalty was called in favor of the home side after a handball inside of the box. With only ten minutes left, a goal for Aurora FC would have been detrimental to Tormenta FC. However, Martinez was able to block the kick and rebound opportunity to keep the score line level.
With only five minutes left of play time, penalty kicks seemed closer than ever. In one of the final corner kicks for Tormenta FC, several shots came on target with Fuller getting several saves; however, a shot from outside the box from Nyby found the opposing side of the keepers net, making it impossible for her to get to it, and adding the second and final goal of the year for South Georgia Tormenta FC.
In a memorable season, South Georgia Tormenta FC was able to close out its season with its first title in club history.
In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. For two decades between 1995 and 2015, the W League saw some of the biggest names past and present in the sport compete on the field, and this new era will build on the legacy of its predecessor. In alignment with the USL League Two season, the W League will kick off in May and end with the W League Playoffs and W League Final in late July.
To stay up to date on Tormenta FC’s new women’s team, fans can follow Tormenta Women on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the USL W League, visit USLWLeague.com or follow the W League on Twitter at @USLWLeague.
