STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC was defeated in tonight’s home opener 1-3 against the Charlotte Independence. Mukwelle Akale scored the only goal of the night for Tormenta FC. Tonight’s result sees South Georgia drop its first home game ever at Tormenta Stadium.
“I am extremely proud of our team tonight. We played exactly how we wanted to play. We controlled the possession of the ball and created chances. At the end of the day, sometimes things do not go your way. We keep moving and now focus on next week.”
Mukwelle Akale, Tormenta FC Midfielder
Despite the weather delay, Tormenta FC fans made the atmosphere electric as the home team settled down onto the field. South Georgia was unable to connect the dots throughout the first few minutes of the game, and the Independence found a moment of opportunity and scored first.
South Georgia was able to find the equalizer in the dying moments of the first half after Akale found his second goal of the season. Akale’s free kick soared through the air in a graceful arc, passing the defenders’ wall and leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The sound of the ball hitting the top corner of the net brought joy to South Georgia.
South Georgia was unable to find a response in the second half of the match despite a strong start. The Independence were able to find the back of the net twice in the 59th minute following a rebound in the area. In the final minutes of the match, Bennett’s header beat Pablo Jara to give the Independence a lead that South Georgia would not come back from.
South Georgia is poised to make a strong push for the championship title in the upcoming season. Fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.
Tormenta FC is set to remain at home for its second consecutive match as they host Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC next Saturday, April 1, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia.