South Georgia Tormenta FC’s USL W League team faced its first loss tonight following a three-game winning streak. Defender Natalia Santangelo and midfielder Katie Russo scored tonight’s goals, but Charlotte Eagles took home the win with a 3-2 result.
The Eagles opened up the scoring in the 24th minute after a cross into Tormenta’s box reached a Charlotte forward. The visiting team scored another right before the end of the half with a shot from outside the 18-yard line.
In the second half, Natalia Santangelo got one back for the Ibis after the ball bounced off both forward Flavie Dubé and a Charlotte defender, allowing Santangelo to place the ball past the keeper. Afterward, the Eagles extended their lead in the 62nd minute, giving Tormenta a bigger challenge to overcome. In the 67th minute, Katie Russo scored off a free kick from over 18 yards into the top left corner bin, giving South Georgia another goal before the end of the match.
In her second start of the season, goalkeeper Madison Vukas made several fantastic saves tonight, including a quick-reflex save with her right foot to deflect a Charlotte chance.
In 48 hours, the W League squad returns to Tormenta Stadium on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. to face SC United Bantams and looks to get back on track. In League One play, the club’s men’s side hosts Charlotte Independence on Saturday, June 7, for Hops with Pops night at 7:30 p.m.
