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Match Recap: Late Comeback Sees Tormenta FC Top Chattanooga

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – In the second and final meeting of the 2020 USL League One regular season between South Georgia Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves SC, Tormenta FC came out on top with a needed 2-1 win on the road.

Tormenta FC came close numerous times throughout the first 45 minutes, with Marco Micaletto continuing his strong campaign, but Chattanooga’s Greg Hurst scored first.

Chattanooga held strong to their lead until Pato Botello-Faz earned a penalty in the 79th minute. Micaletto stepped up and converted on the spot, tying up the match 1-1. Just three minutes later, Luca Mayr found space outside the box and scored a stunning game-winner to give Tormenta FC its second win of the season.

Tormenta FC will continue its road journey next weekend, when the team travels to play Orlando City B for the second and final time this regular season on Friday, Aug. 28. Fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of your own home via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. For fans that do not have access to the ESPN family of networks, Tormenta FC has teamed up with a number of Watch Party Partners across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where fans can cheer on the club.

Tormenta FC came close numerous times throughout the first 45 minutes, with Marco Micaletto continuing his strong campaign, but Chattanooga’s Greg Hurst scored first.

MARCO MICALETTO, Midfielder: Micaletto continued his strong 2020 campaign, creating five scoring chances and recording a goal from the penalty spot. He also helped in defense, though, recording three tackles, two interceptions and one blocked shot.

Match Preview: Tormenta FC at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC takes on Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the second time this season this Saturday, Aug. 22. Coming off of three losses, Tormenta FC looks to make things right in Chattanooga and come home with all three points.

“Just two weeks ago, we were in really good form and playing well, and then, through a series of strange events, all of a sudden we’re three losses in a row,” TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. “We really want to make that right. We’ve had ambitions to be successful this year, but also more than that, we take pride in how we perform, how we carry ourselves.”

Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves played an exciting match on July 25, resulting in a 2-2 tie at Erk Russell Park. Marco Micaletto started the match off scoring a goal within the first 10 minutes and after Tormenta FC conceded two goals via Chattanooga’s Greg Hurst, Daniel Jackson helped the home side earn a point by scoring a stoppage-time goal.

“I think we performed well last meeting,” Miglarese said. “I expect it to be really tight and down to the last-minute like it was last time. I think they’ve got some dangerous attacking players, so we have to be cautious with them but also make sure that we are imposing our will in the game as well.”

Learning from their past few matches, the team looks to play more aggressively on Saturday and hopefully get an early goal to set the tone for the rest of the match.

“I think being aggressive is one of the main things that we’ve been lacking lately,” TFC forward Devyn Jambga said. “The guys have spoken about that and we need to step that up on our end because that's under our control. So we're definitely going to be more aggressive and try to impose ourselves even though we're not at home.”

Learning from their past few matches, the team looks to play more aggressively on Saturday and hopefully get an early goal to set the tone for the rest of the match.

“I think being aggressive is one of the main things that we’ve been lacking lately,” TFC forward Devyn Jambga said. “The guys have spoken about that and we need to step that up on our end because that’s under our control. So we’re definitely going to be more aggressive and try to impose ourselves even though we’re not at home.”

We highly encourage all fans to support the team from your chosen safe environment. Fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of your own home via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. For fans that do not have access to the ESPN family of networks, we teamed up with a number of Watch Party Partners across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where you can cheer on Tormenta FC.

For live updates, highlights and commentary throughout the match, fans can follow Tormenta FC on Twitter or visit the USL League One Match Center.

Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves meet again after their first match resulted in a thrilling 2-2 tie in Erk Russell Park with Marco Micaletto and Daniel Jackson both scoring.
Chattanooga is coming off a 0-1 loss versus Greenville Triumph and a 2-2 draw versus North Texas.
Marco Micaletto leads USL League One in chances created with 15.

Tormenta FC and Chattanooga Red Wolves meet again after their first match resulted in a thrilling 2-2 tie in Erk Russell Park with Marco Micaletto and Daniel Jackson both scoring.
Chattanooga is coming off a 0-1 loss versus Greenville Triumph and a 2-2 draw versus North Texas.
Marco Micaletto leads USL League One in chances created with 15.

Match Recap: Tormenta FC Falls to Madison

Wauwatosa, WI. – Forward Madison FC got the better of South Georgia Tormenta FC on Friday night, as the visitors suffered a 0-4 defeat.

Tormenta FC forced an early chance from Luca Mayr, who directed a free kick on frame in the third minute, but Madison took control of the match from there, scoring four throughout the 90 minutes to secure its first win of the year.

Tormenta FC will continue its road journey next weekend, when the team travels to play Chattanooga Red Wolves SC for the second and final time this regular season at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 22. Fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of your own home via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. For fans that do not have access to the ESPN family of networks, Tormenta FC has teamed up with a number of Watch Party Partners across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where fans can cheer on the club.

Wauwatosa, WI. – Forward Madison FC got the better of South Georgia Tormenta FC on Friday night, as the visitors suffered a 0-4 defeat.

DEVYN JAMBGA, Midfielder: In spite of a tough night for the team, Jambga was a bright spot, looking strong down the wings. In addition to his offensive effort, he recorded seven tackles and one clearance.

Lars Eckenrode to Lead Tormenta FC as Interim Coach Versus Madison

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced today that Lars Eckenrode will take over as interim coach for the club’s away match versus Forward Madison FC at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, Aug. 14.

The decision was made out of an abundance of caution following an initial unconfirmed positive COVID-19 test for two individuals on Tormenta FC’s 40-person covered list. The two individuals have been placed in isolation and are recovering in good spirits under the care of team physicians and infectious disease experts. In accordance with USL health and safety protocols, contact tracing has been conducted and those who have had close contact with the two individuals have also been placed in isolation. All league, local and state safety protocols continue to be followed by the club.

A captain for the University of Michigan’s men’s soccer team, Eckenrode earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management from the university before turning pro in 2017. Following two seasons with Toronto FC II, Eckenrode joined Tormenta FC in December 2018 and has served as a leader and captain for the club since.

The former Toronto FC II defender also serves as a head coach within Tormenta FC’s Academy and coaches private lessons throughout the region. Prior to moving to South Georgia, Eckenrode coached for Saline FC in Saline, Michigan.

Tormenta FC values the continued support of its fans and the health and safety of everyone in our community will always be our highest priority. The club will continue to follow the guidance of the local health departments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for all upcoming games at Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, Georgia.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (478-508-2604) or email: bodonnell@https://www.tormentafc.com.

Match Preview: Tormenta FC at Forward Madison FC

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC travels to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, on Friday, Aug. 14, looking to bring home a needed three points versus Forward Madison FC, which sits 10th in the USL League One standings. Tormenta FC continues to sit in the top four in the standings but needs a win tomorrow to turn its momentum around and separate itself from the pack.

"We weren't pleased with our performance in the last match, especially in the first half, and I think we’re hungry to get that right," TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. "With Madison last year, the points were equal for all three games, and I think it will be very difficult to beat them on their own ground. But our guys are in a good headspace, and we're hoping to get a good result."

In 2019, Tormenta FC played Madison three times, securing a 1-1-1 record and seeing Marco Micaletto score two goals. Tormenta FC was able to defeat Madison on the road on May 18 last season, as well as take a point home from Breese Stevens Field on Sept. 7.

Tormenta FC has shown itself to be a second-half team, often picking up the pace and scoring more shots late in the game, but starting Friday’s match off on the right foot may make the difference in securing all three points.

"That has to be our biggest focus," TFC midfielder Ricardo Gomez said. "Having a great start to a match really boosts our confidence and predicts how the whole match is going to go. We've gone into games late, and it just really shows how we get better as we go. Starting the game on the right foot could be massive for us, especially on the road."

Forward Madison has played three matches thus far, resulting in two losses versus North Texas SC and the Richmond Kickers and one draw against Greenville Triumph SC. Forward has only scored one goal this season and has recorded 22 total shots to Tormenta FC’s 71.

"It's the energy that we bring on the road," Gomez said. "I know it's going to be tough against Madison. It's on a turf field, but it's about how we approach the game, our attitude to go out there and just work and make the most out of our chances, even though we know it's going to be difficult. But we have a good group of guys, so I think it's possible to get a W on the road."

“We weren’t pleased with our performance in the last match, especially in the first half, and I think we’re hungry to get that right,” TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. “With Madison last year, the points were equal for all three games, and I think it will be very difficult to beat them on their own ground. But our guys are in a good headspace, and we’re hoping to get a good result.”

“That has to be our biggest focus,” TFC midfielder Ricardo Gomez said. “Having a great start to a match really boosts our confidence and predicts how the whole match is going to go. We’ve gone into games late, and it just really shows how we get better as we go. Starting the game on the right foot could be massive for us, especially on the road.”

“It’s the energy that we bring on the road,” Gomez said. “I know it’s going to be tough against Madison. It’s on a turf field, but it’s about how we approach the game, our attitude to go out there and just work and make the most out of our chances, even though we know it’s going to be difficult. But we have a good group of guys, so I think it’s possible to get a W on the road.”

For live updates, highlights and commentary throughout the match, fans can follow Tormenta FC on Twitter or visit the USL League One Match Center.

Tormenta FC takes its second road trip of the season and looks to bring home a needed three points versus Forward Madison FC.
Forward Madison comes into Friday with two losses and a draw in three matches played.
Forward has only scored one goal this season and has recorded 22 total shots to Tormenta FC’s 71.
Marco Micaletto and Stefan Mueller to lead USL League One in chances created with 15 and 10.
Luca Mayr and Micaletto also are league leaders in shots, coming in 2nd and 3rd with 12 and 11 shots.

Tormenta FC takes its second road trip of the season and looks to bring home a needed three points versus Forward Madison FC.
Forward Madison comes into Friday with two losses and a draw in three matches played.
Forward has only scored one goal this season and has recorded 22 total shots to Tormenta FC’s 71.
Marco Micaletto and Stefan Mueller to lead USL League One in chances created with 15 and 10.
Luca Mayr and Micaletto also are league leaders in shots, coming in 2nd and 3rd with 12 and 11 shots.

Match Recap: Tormenta FC Falls to Fort Lauderdale CF

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC fell 1-2 to Fort Lauderdale CF despite a late comeback attempt at Erk Russell Park on Saturday.

After an end-to-end match with multiple attempts on goal for Tormenta FC, Mikie Rowe finally found the breakthrough, scoring his first goal of the 2020 USL League One regular season in the 93rd minute. With that tally, Rowe has now scored a goal representing Tormenta FC four consecutive years.

"It means a lot," Mikie Rowe said when asked about scoring every season he’s been with Tormenta FC. "I love playing here and being here for four seasons and scoring in all four. I really want to do well for this club and try to take us back up the table, that’s my goal."

Tired legs and a limited roster got the best of Tormenta FC tonight, though, as Fort Lauderdale came into tonight’s match on two weeks' rest.

"Of course we’re very disappointed to lose at home," TFC Head Coach John Miglarese. "The reality is that we came out very flat and leggy in the first half. I think you can see how the compressed schedule, this being our fifth game in the last two weeks with a limited roster, all caught up with us in the first half, and we struggled to get going. We came out in the second half much improved and created plenty of chances. I’m glad we got it to 2-1, but we just ran out of time, so we have to come up better."

After going down just before halftime, Nil Vinyals almost tied up the match with a close shot to the top right corner in first-half stoppage time, but it was denied by Fort Lauderdale’s keeper. Tormenta FC picked up the pace in the second half and notched 12 shots total with several big chances from Daniel Jackson and Marco Micaletto. However, the team went down 0-2 in the 76th minute from a half-field strike by Ricky Lopez-Espin.

Tonight’s Man of the Match, Rowe, came into the match in the 68th minute, and gave it his all, managing to score in the last minutes of the game.

After a well-needed break this week, Tormenta FC will travel to battle another bird opponent, Forward Madison FC, on Friday, Aug. 14. The match is set to kick off at 7 p.m. CT. at Hart Park in Wauwatosa, WI. Fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of your own home via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. For fans that do not have access to the ESPN family of networks, Tormenta FC has teamed up with a number of Watch Party Partners across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC fell 1-2 to Fort Lauderdale CF despite a late comeback attempt at Erk Russell Park on Saturday.

“It means a lot,” Mikie Rowe said when asked about scoring every season he’s been with Tormenta FC. “I love playing here and being here for four seasons and scoring in all four. I really want to do well for this club and try to take us back up the table, that’s my goal.”

Tired legs and a limited roster got the best of Tormenta FC tonight, though, as Fort Lauderdale came into tonight’s match on two weeks’ rest.

“Of course we’re very disappointed to lose at home,” TFC Head Coach John Miglarese. “The reality is that we came out very flat and leggy in the first half. I think you can see how the compressed schedule, this being our fifth game in the last two weeks with a limited roster, all caught up with us in the first half, and we struggled to get going. We came out in the second half much improved and created plenty of chances. I’m glad we got it to 2-1, but we just ran out of time, so we have to come up better.”

Tonight’s Man of the Match, Rowe, came into the match in the 68th minute, and gave it his all, managing to score in the last minutes of the game.

MIKIE ROWE, Forward: Coming off the bench in the 68th minute, the Irishman scored his first goal of the 2020 season to spark a potential comeback.

Match Preview: Tormenta FC vs. Fort Lauderdale CF

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC’s first loss on Wednesday marks one quarter down of the 2020 USL League One season. The club looks to learn from Wednesday and turn those lessons into a home win at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 8, versus Fort Lauderdale CF.

"I give credit to Greenville, I thought they played very well," TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. "When you look at the stats, the match was very even, and we just got on the unlucky side of it. We have to make our own luck, and we have to learn to win games in situations like that, but I think we're in a good place. We can learn from it and harness that frustration, and then have a good performance tomorrow night."

Fort Lauderdale CF comes into Saturday with fresh legs and two losses in two matches played. Ricky Lopez-Espin scored the club’s historic first goal, and the club's only goal thus far, versus FC Tucson on July 25.

"They're definitely more rested than us," Miglarese said. "They have a young, vibrant team, and this will be their first road trip. It's a talented group of players, and it will be tough to get the ball off of them. So we have to stay compact and stay patient and make sure we take care of the ball when we have it."

Tormenta FC players continue to lead USL League One in chances created, but the team will need to finish its offensive opportunities and score some goals on Saturday to defeat Fort Lauderdale.

"I think we’ve been getting better each game that goes on," TFC midfielder Abuchi Obinwa said. "We're improving and developing our style of play and working on how to get into the final third to get the attack going. Now that some of the players have come back, and we've been working together as a team, I think we’re going to be all ready for tomorrow. I'm looking forward to it."

“I give credit to Greenville, I thought they played very well,” TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. “When you look at the stats, the match was very even, and we just got on the unlucky side of it. We have to make our own luck, and we have to learn to win games in situations like that, but I think we’re in a good place. We can learn from it and harness that frustration, and then have a good performance tomorrow night.”

Fort Lauderdale CF comes into Saturday with fresh legs and two losses in two matches played. Ricky Lopez-Espin scored the club’s historic first goal, and the club’s only goal thus far, versus FC Tucson on July 25.

“They’re definitely more rested than us,” Miglarese said. “They have a young, vibrant team, and this will be their first road trip. It’s a talented group of players, and it will be tough to get the ball off of them. So we have to stay compact and stay patient and make sure we take care of the ball when we have it.”

Tormenta FC players continue to lead USL League One in chances created, but the team will need to finish its offensive opportunities and score some goals on Saturday to defeat Fort Lauderdale.

“I think we’ve been getting better each game that goes on,” TFC midfielder Abuchi Obinwa said. “We’re improving and developing our style of play and working on how to get into the final third to get the attack going. Now that some of the players have come back, and we’ve been working together as a team, I think we’re going to be all ready for tomorrow. I’m looking forward to it.”

While we will be hosting a limited number of fans at Erk Russell Park to start the season, we highly encourage all fans to support the team from your chosen safe environment.

If you are unable to attend, fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of your own home via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. For fans that do not have access to the ESPN family of networks, we teamed up with a number of Watch Party Partners across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where you can cheer on Tormenta FC.

For live updates, highlights and commentary throughout the match, fans can follow Tormenta FC on Twitter or visit the USL League One Match Center.

While we will be hosting a limited number of fans at Erk Russell Park to start the season, we highly encourage all fans to support the team from your chosen safe environment.

For live updates, highlights and commentary throughout the match, fans can follow Tormenta FC on Twitter or visit the USL League One Match Center.

Fans wanting to attend the match in person should purchase tickets in advance to secure their seats as capacity will be limited due to government regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. While a limited number of student tickets are expected to be made available for walk-up purchase, walk-up tickets are not guaranteed for the 2020 season.

South Georgia Tormenta FC is excited for competitive action following the approval of USL League One's framework for returning to play in 2020, and the club and its fans should use the following protocols as we prepare to offer soccer activities.

By purchasing your ticket to any Tormenta FC game, you acknowledge the guidelines that are set forth by the club and the State of Georgia. If you choose not to follow these rules, Tormenta FC is not to be held responsible for any personal illness or injury. Please follow the link to view the complete guidelines for match day.

South Georgia Tormenta FC is excited for competitive action following the approval of USL League One’s framework for returning to play in 2020, and the club and its fans should use the following protocols as we prepare to offer soccer activities.

Tormenta FC returns to Erk Russell Park for its 4th home match and looks to defeat Fort Lauderdale, who sits 11th in the League One standings.
Fort Lauderdale comes into Saturday with two losses in two matches played, as Tormenta FC comes in with a 1-1-2 record.
Marco Micaletto, Stefan Mueller and Luca Mayr continue to lead USL League One in chances created with 13, 8 and 6.
Micaletto and Mayr also are league leaders in shots, coming in 2nd and 3rd with 12 and 10 shots.
The club will see former Tormenta FC 2 player, Chris Lue Young, who signed with Fort Lauderdale and made his pro debut on July 18.

Tormenta FC returns to Erk Russell Park for its 4th home match and looks to defeat Fort Lauderdale, who sits 11th in the League One standings.
Fort Lauderdale comes into Saturday with two losses in two matches played, as Tormenta FC comes in with a 1-1-2 record.
Marco Micaletto, Stefan Mueller and Luca Mayr continue to lead USL League One in chances created with 13, 8 and 6.
Micaletto and Mayr also are league leaders in shots, coming in 2nd and 3rd with 12 and 10 shots.
The club will see former Tormenta FC 2 player, Chris Lue Young, who signed with Fort Lauderdale and made his pro debut on July 18.

Match Recap: Tormenta FC Suffers First Loss Against Triumph SC

GREENVILLE, SC. – Two teams atop the USL League One standings met at Legacy Early College on Wednesday, and Greenville Triumph SC came out on top with a 1-0 win against South Georgia Tormenta FC.

Luca Mayr looked lively throughout the first 45 minutes and nearly created a couple goals for the away side. Meanwhile, Rhys Williams turned in an admirable shift on the back line to help lead the club to a third consecutive clean sheet.

In the second half, both sides pinged the crossbar, with Mikie Rowe thumping the woodwork with a powerful strike in the 84th minute. However, former Tormenta FC 2 forward JJ Donnelly scored in stoppage time for Greenville to see the home side secure all three points.

Tormenta FC returns to Statesboro ahead of its fourth home match of the season on Saturday, when it will host Fort Lauderdale CF at 8 p.m. ET. Fans wanting to attend the match in person should purchase tickets in advance to secure their seats as capacity will be limited due to government regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

RHYS WILLIAMS, Defender: The right back had a strong showing throughout the 90 minutes, winning seven of nine duels while also recording four tackles and two clearances.

Vinyals, Mayr, Mueller Earn USL League One Honors for Week 3

STATESBORO, Ga. – After back-to-back strong performances from South Georgia Tormenta FC in Week 3 of the 2020 regular season, USL League One has named midfielder Nil Vinyals its Player of the Week, while Luca Mayr and Stefan Mueller join the Spanish magician on the Team of the Week.

Vinyals, who performed well in the team's 0-0 draw against the Richmond Kickers on July 28, led Tormenta FC to a 2-0 victory over Orlando City B on Aug. 1. In addition to scoring incredible goals, one of which has been nominated for the League One Goal of the Week, the midfielder completed 93.3 percent of his passes and contributed on the defensive end, winning six of his eight duels and recording two tackles and one interception.

Vinyals, who performed well in the team’s 0-0 draw against the Richmond Kickers on July 28, led Tormenta FC to a 2-0 victory over Orlando City B on Aug. 1. In addition to scoring incredible goals, one of which has been nominated for the League One Goal of the Week, the midfielder completed 93.3 percent of his passes and contributed on the defensive end, winning six of his eight duels and recording two tackles and one interception.

While Mayr didn't score a goal in Week 3, he recorded one assist and was a constant menace for both the Richmond and Orlando defenses. Mayr created five scoring chances and posted 14 total shots (on target shots, off target shots and blocked shots) across the two matches. He also stepped up defensively, recording five blocked shots, four tackles and one clearance.

Mueller, who has been named Tormenta FC Player of the Month for July, played a vital role in helping the team secure its first two clean sheets of the 2020 campaign. On the defensive end, he recorded four clearances and two interceptions, while on the offensive end, he created five scoring chances and provided one assist.

Vinyals, Mayr, Mueller and the Tormenta FC squad now hit the road for the first time this Wednesday, Aug. 5, to face 2019 League One finalist, Greenville Triumph SC, at Early Legacy College. Fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of your own home via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. For fans that do not have access to the ESPN family of networks, we teamed up with a number of Watch Party Partners across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where you can cheer on Tormenta FC.

While Mayr didn’t score a goal in Week 3, he recorded one assist and was a constant menace for both the Richmond and Orlando defenses. Mayr created five scoring chances and posted 14 total shots (on target shots, off target shots and blocked shots) across the two matches. He also stepped up defensively, recording five blocked shots, four tackles and one clearance.

Mueller Voted July's Tormenta FC Player of the Month

STATESBORO, Ga. – Defender Stefan Mueller has been named the South Georgia Tormenta FC Player of the Month for July following exceptional performances in the team's first two matches of the 2020 USL League One regular season.

Mueller, who joined Tormenta FC in the offseason, shined bright in his first 180 minutes donning the blue and magenta. In addition to completing 83.3 percent of his passes and creating three scoring chances, Mueller was a rock in defense, recording seven clearances, three blocks and one interception.

The defender earned 39.4 percent of the total vote, edging out midfielder Marco Micaletto, who earned 23.6 percent. Defender Jordan Skelton collected 21.6 percent of the vote, while goalkeeper Pablo Jara ended up with 15.4 percent of the total. The winner was determined via a weighted average from the following three voting bodies:

A fan vote comprised 60 percent of the poll.
Tormenta FC staff ballots comprised 20 percent of the poll.
Media ballots comprised 20 percent of the poll.

STATESBORO, Ga. – Defender Stefan Mueller has been named the South Georgia Tormenta FC Player of the Month for July following exceptional performances in the team’s first two matches of the 2020 USL League One regular season.