By: Sam Carter
COLUMBIA, SC – South Georgia Tormenta FC drew with SC United Bantams on Thursday night in Columbia, SC, 1-1. Tess Werts put the Statesboro side ahead early in the first half, but South Georgia was unable to pull ahead and earn all three points.
“Three games in a row now where we have looked good in the possession phase and done some nice things with the ball. It’s just the final product. We score a great goal in the first half, and it’s unfortunate that we give up the tying goal after that. We’re in full control creating chances, creating opportunities, but we’re having a hard time putting it in the back of the net.”
Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach
South Georgia swarmed the Bantams’ half early in the match with chances on the goal. On 17 minutes, Abby Gemza picked up a loose ball in Tormenta’s half and played a through ball down the right flank to Tucker, whose cross was met by Werts to put South Georgia up 1-0. Following the kickoff, SC United found itself in space behind the Tormenta backline and pulled level at 1-1. South Carolina’s goalkeeper was called into action several times following the equalizer, gathering efforts on goals from Alyssa Abbondandolo and Kaylie Chambers. Just before halftime, Smith Cathey saw an effort drift wide from a Peyton Chick corner. The sides entered the halftime break tied at 1-1.
Gemma Jefferson entered the match for South Georgia in place of Chambers to start the second half of play. South Georgia worked several attacking moves to open the second half with Elis Nemtsov and Cathey having their efforts saved. Robbins made a trio of substitutions just before the 60th minute with Sarah Hagg, Kiana Jacobson and Celine Ottah coming on to the field. The Statesboro side found success attacking down the flanks as the second half progressed through the advanced runs from substitute Alaysia Lane. Approaching full time, Lane slotted Hagg in behind the South Carolina backline, and she fired her shot just over the crossbar. Ultimately, neither side broke the deadlock.
With the result, South Georgia moves to 1-1-2 (W-L-D) in league play on five points. Tormenta FC is back in action next Thursday, June 1, at home against Chattanooga Lady Red Wolves SC at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.
Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com
