Academy product, goalkeeper Sam Jones, makes first professional start
South Georgia Tormenta FC took on Greenville Triumph SC tonight for the first match in the 2025 USL Jӓgermeister Cup, resulting in a 2-1 win over the South Carolina side. This border-state battle also marked the first professional start for goalkeeper Sam Jones, Tormenta’s homegrown academy product. The two goals tonight were scored by English midfielder Mason Tunbridge, his second brace of the year.
“It’s a night where you win a rivalry match, putting us in a strong position in the cup, and we play another academy prospect,” explains Head Coach Ian Cameron. “I think if you tick all those boxes, for the whole organization, it’s a job well done.”
In match action, a foul against forward Niall Reid-Stephen gave Tormenta the first goal-scoring opportunity of the night. Midfielder Mason Tunbridge stepped up to the spot and calmly placed it past the keeper, kicking off the scoring for tonight’s match. Minutes later, Jones faced his first professional penalty kick as the away team attempted to even the score. However, fortune was not in their favor as Greenville midfielder Evan Lee made his shot wide, maintaining South Georgia on top.
During the first-half stoppage time, Tunbridge scored his second goal of the night, after a carefully placed pass by Niall Reid-Stephen in the direct path of the English midfielder. This marks Mason’s second brace and seventh goal of the year. He is currently tied for first in USL League One goals, having scored five in regular-season play. The South Carolina side got one back in the 86th minute, but it ultimately was not enough. The Ibis took all the three points as Tormenta triumphed over Greenville with a final score of 2-1.
Sam Jones first joined Tormenta in 2016 with the academy team, went on to play for Winthrop University’s Men’s Soccer team, and eventually returned to play for Tormenta’s USL League Two squad. In 2024, Jones took the next step and signed on for the first team. Now, nearly a decade since beginning his journey, he made his first professional start for the club, becoming the first Tormenta Academy player to do so.
Tormenta FC is back in USL League action on Saturday, May 10, against Spokane Velocity FC. The club will celebrate moms from around the club and community with Moms and Mimosas night. All moms receive a mimosa with ticket purchase, and all other fans can enjoy $2 mimosas throughout the night.
