STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the four nominees for the month of March’s Tormenta FC Player of the Month (USL League One) award. The community will help decide the winner. Defenders Jake Dengler and Davey Mason and midfielders Tobias Otieno and Mukwelle Akale are all up for the award. In the two games played throughout March, these four individuals stood out over the rest. South Georgia continued its winning ways on the road in 2023, opening up the season with a 0-1 win at North Carolina FC two weeks ago.
Akale has impressed in his second season with the reigning champions. In his first two games of the season, Akale has scored twice and has appeared in Week One and Week Two of USL League One’s Team of the Week. Otieno’s presence in the midfield continues to captivate many as his performances only get better. In his first game of the season, Otieno won 100% of his duels and 86% of his tackles to go along with 10 recoveries.
Voting for the Tormenta FC Player of the Month (USL League One) award will run through Monday, Apr. 10, at 11:59 p.m. ET, with daily voting permitted. The winner will be determined via a weighted vote from the following three voting bodies:
- A fan vote (poll below) will comprise 60 percent of the poll.
- The Tormenta FC staff ballots will comprise 20 percent of the poll.
- Media ballots comprise 20 percent of the poll.
Voting results will be announced on Tuesday, April 11.
Player of the Month Nominees:
Jake Dengler, Defender: Dengler’s defensive presence proved to be critical to the team’s success in the team’s first win of the season. Despite injury in the second game, Dengler is keen to continue to become a leader in the defensive unit when back on the field. Additionally, Dengler leads the team in clearances (10).
Davey Mason, Defender: Mason has enjoyed a great start at Tormenta FC. Mason’s ability to create danger and defend well has allowed him to distinguish himself throughout the other fullbacks in the league.
Tobias Otieno, Midfielder: Otieno remains one of the best midfielders in the league after dominating the midfield in the month of March. Otieno has won 15 of his 20 duels, and his 83% passing accuracy helps create chances for the offensive line.
Mukwelle Akale, Midfielder: Akale leads USL League One in goals scored with both of his goals coming in two consecutive games. The pacey and agile winger has become a threat to every League One defensive line. Akale’s free kick goal against the Charlotte Independence was featured in Saturday’s edition of SportsCenter’s Top Ten, coming in at number 10.
