STATESBORO, Ga. – August 28, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC is proud to announce the signing of academy players Shafer Gottlieb and Liam Healy to the professional USL League One side for the remainder of the 2024 season, pending league and federation approval.
The Savannah natives have each been devoted members of the MLS Next team and USL Academy team with Tormenta FC and have trained with the professional USL League One side prior to their signings.
“Being able to witness the growth and development of players is a special and incredible opportunity as a coach. That holds ever more true with Shafer and Liam. Having had the opportunity to have worked with these two over the course of the last three and a half years, they have both shown their capabilities and capacity to integrate into our first team environment.” Head Coach of the USL Academy and Assistant Coach of the USL League One team Drew DeJohn said.
Gottlieb has played with the Tormenta FC Academy for 12 years, beginning with the club. The young forward attended Islands High School and graduated in May. Gottlieb plans to continue developing his skills and maximizing his playing potential.
“This signing is a dream come true, and I am thrilled to give it my all and perform at the highest level,” Gottlieb said.
Healy has played with the Tormenta FC Academy for ten years and attends Hilton Head Christian School. The 18-year-old forward is set to graduate in May 2025 and hopes to continue elevating his level of play, beginning with this professional signing.
“It’s a big privilege and honor to be a part of the USL League One team, coming from the Academy. It means the world to me,” Healy said. “Tormenta has been a huge part of my life and soccer journey, and I appreciate everything they have done for me.”
The USL Academy and MLS Next teams are the highest level of play offered to pre-professional players in the Tormenta FC Academy. Tormenta is the only academy in the region with such offerings.
“The USL Academy team this summer was a great opportunity for the two players to showcase their qualities and display their ability to take the next step in their individual development,” DeJohn said. “After the litmus test with USLA, and now having been selected for incorporation into the remaining parts of the USL League One season, it will be a great opportunity to push their growth, and help the team in its push for the postseason.”
These signings mark the third and fourth Academy player signings of 2024, with Dodge Brooks and Isaac Bittner signing earlier in the 2024 season.
Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL) and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
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For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422.
