STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC obtained its ticket to the USL League One Final, presented by Hisense, after a 1-0 win at Greenville Triumph SC this Saturday, Oct. 29. With this result, South Georgia earned the right to host the League One Final against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, which defeated the Richmond Kickers, from Optim Health Systems Field at Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia (Nov. 6 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN2). Kazaiah Sterling’s lone goal nearing the end of the first half sealed the club’s fifth consecutive win at Early Legacy College. As a result, Tormenta FC reaches the League One Final for the first time in club history after several years of competing at the professional level.
Despite minimal opportunities through the beginning of the first half, South Georgia found the game-winning goal in the 42nd minute of the match after a fantastic ball recovery from captain Gabriel Cabral in the midfield. A poor play by the Triumph SC defenders saw a quick-witted Cabral read the play thoroughly and intercept the pass. A quick run through the middle of the field allowed him to create space for Sterling, who received the ball and took on the defender. Sterling found himself one-on-one against the goalkeeper and placed the ball to the opposite side of the goal, beating Paul Christensen for the fourth time since arriving in Statesboro.
With all the momentum for South Georgia, the second half started strong. However, a never-ending Triumph SC attack almost led them to an equalizer. However, with Triumph SC outshooting the visiting side seventeen to seven, the home side was just unable to finish its opportunity.
Several minutes were added after the 90 minutes. Despite a solid offensive presence near the end, the referee blew the whistle to signify the end of Triumph’s title aspiration this season.
To note, South Georgia remains the best-disciplined team in the league after obtaining its third consecutive game without being shown a card by the officials.
Tonight’s Players of the Match, presented by Galactic Comics and Games, are Joshua Phelps and Jake Dengler. The defensive duo obtained yet another shutout in the later half of the season. Throughout this game, the duo helped clear any danger the Greenville offense presented to South Georgia. Ahead of the League One Final, the defensive duo have to prove themselves again after shutting down the Red Wolves offense in its last game of the regular season.
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UPCOMING:
The 2022 USL League One Playoffs, presented by Hisense, culminate on Sunday, Nov. 6, with the 2022 USL League One Final between first-time finalists South Georgia Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. Stay tuned for official USL ticket pricing this Monday.
