Features

Aydan Singleton Named First Recipient of the Trey Blackshear Scholarship

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC and the Ibis Foundation are pleased to announce that Aydan Singleton is the first recipient of the Trey Blackshear Scholarship. The annual scholarship was established by the Ibis Foundation in memory of the late TFC Academy player.

Singleton will compete with the Tormenta FC Academy Girls 2008 team. This is Singleton’s first season with TFC Academy and says Blackshear was her inspiration for joining the academy.

“Trey Blackshear was an amazing individual in all aspects of life and that also includes his play on the soccer field,” TFC Academy Director of Operations Brad Nein said. “In memory of Trey, we are so excited to award Aydan Singleton with funding for the 2020/2021 soccer season."

Trey Blackshear, a resident of Bluffton, South Carolina, tragically passed away in December 2019 at the age of 18 due to gun violence. Blackshear was a member of TFC Academy for the previous four years and played for the U19 Academy team in 2019.

“The Ibis Foundation is honored to provide this scholarship in memory of Trey Blackshear,” Executive Director of The Ibis Foundation Mike Panter said. “We felt it was important to hear from the Blackshear family on how to make the biggest impact. At the family’s request, this scholarship will provide opportunities for Tormenta FC Academy players for years to come.”

The Ibis Foundation continues to accept donations in memory of Blackshear which will go towards funding one chosen TFC Academy player’s team and uniform fees each year.

Singleton will compete with the Tormenta FC Academy Girls 2008 team. This is Singleton’s first season with TFC Academy and says Blackshear was her inspiration for joining the academy.

The Ibis Foundation continues to accept donations in memory of Blackshear which will go towards funding one chosen TFC Academy player’s team and uniform fees each year.

Tormenta FC Academy and The Ibis Foundation work together to promote the sport of soccer throughout South Georgia and the Low Country by providing resources and training opportunities to local youth at a significantly lower cost.

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

Tormenta FC Unveils Full, Revised 2020 USL League One Schedule

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced its revised schedule for the 2020 USL League One season, with eight home matches in 16 games over 15 weeks. The club begins its campaign with three home matches in a row against the Richmond Kickers (kickoff date currently TBD), Chattanooga Red Wolves SC and Orlando City B before traveling to face off against Greenville Triumph SC on Aug. 5. Tormenta FC will conclude its 2020 season on the road versus defending league champion North Texas SC on Oct. 24.

Following Toronto FC II's withdrawal from the 2020 campaign, all League One teams will play a 16-game schedule using a single-table format. The top two teams in the regular season will advance to the 2020 League One Final, which will be played the weekend following the conclusion of the regular season.

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s 2020 Schedule:

Saturday, July 25, against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Tuesday, July 28, against Richmond Kickers
Saturday, Aug. 1, against Orlando City B
Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Greenville Triumph SC
Saturday, Aug. 8, against Fort Lauderdale CF
Friday, Aug. 14, at Forward Madison FC
Saturday, Aug. 22, at Chattanooga Red Wolves
Friday, Aug. 28, at Orlando City B
Friday, Sept. 4, against Greenville Triumph SC
Friday, Sept. 11, against Union Omaha
Saturday, Sept. 19, at Fort Lauderdale CF
Saturday, Oct. 3, at Union Omaha
Wednesday, Oct. 7, against FC Tucson
Saturday, Oct. 17, at Richmond Kickers
Wednesday, Oct. 21, against New England Revolution II
Saturday, Oct. 24, at North Texas SC

“We can’t wait to get back into play,” Tormenta FC President and Owner Darin Van Tassell said. “With this excitement, we understand the role we play in protecting the well-being of our players, coaches, parents, staff and fans in Erk Russell Park. We encourage all fans to cheer on Tormenta from your chosen safe environment. In the meantime, let’s go win a championship!”

Tormenta FC advises fans wanting to attend matches in-person to purchase 2020 tickets in advance to guarantee their spot as capacity is limited due to government regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Walk-up tickets throughout the season are not guaranteed.

Fans can watch every game of the 2020 League One season from the comfort of their 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 Partner locations across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina, where you can cheer on Tormenta FC.

Tormenta FC continues to follow the recommendations given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the United Soccer League, and local and state health officials. Fans attending matches at Erk Russell Park this season will be asked to follow Tormenta FC’s health and safety guidelines.

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

Following Toronto FC II’s withdrawal from the 2020 campaign, all League One teams will play a 16-game schedule using a single-table format. The top two teams in the regular season will advance to the 2020 League One Final, which will be played the weekend following the conclusion of the regular season.

South Georgia Tormenta FC’s 2020 Schedule:

Saturday, July 25, against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
Tuesday, July 28, against Richmond Kickers
Saturday, Aug. 1, against Orlando City B
Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Greenville Triumph SC
Saturday, Aug. 8, against Fort Lauderdale CF
Friday, Aug. 14, at Forward Madison FC
Saturday, Aug. 22, at Chattanooga Red Wolves
Friday, Aug. 28, at Orlando City B
Friday, Sept. 4, against Greenville Triumph SC
Friday, Sept. 11, against Union Omaha
Saturday, Sept. 19, at Fort Lauderdale CF
Saturday, Oct. 3, at Union Omaha
Wednesday, Oct. 7, against FC Tucson
Saturday, Oct. 17, at Richmond Kickers
Wednesday, Oct. 21, against New England Revolution II
Saturday, Oct. 24, at North Texas SC

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

USL League One Postpones Tormenta FC Home Opener

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced today that its home opener against the Richmond Kickers on July 18 has been postponed. In coordination with League One, Tormenta FC will announce a rescheduled date as soon as it is available.

The decision to postpone the match was made out of an abundance of caution following the results of a July 7 test, which produced an initial unconfirmed positive COVID-19 case for two individuals on Tormenta FC’s 40-person covered list. Under the league’s health and safety protocols, clubs are tested on a weekly basis and the individuals involved have been placed in isolation, are recovering in good spirits under the care of team physicians and infectious disease experts, and all league, local and state safety protocols are being followed.

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 in regards to upcoming games at Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, Georgia.

A Letter to Tormenta Nation

Dear Tormenta Nation,

Opening Days still matter.

Nearly four months have passed since Tormenta FC’s 2020 season was put on pause, but Opening Day is finally upon us this weekend.

Tormenta FC was proud to host the first game in USL League One history a season ago and is thrilled to share the spotlight as the league kicks off its second campaign. However, Saturday’s home opener against the Richmond Kickers will be unlike any other.

Because these are trying times, staying healthy, connected, and relevant with our players (USL League One, USL League Two and USL Academy), coaches, parents, fans and staff continue to be our first priority. We understand the responsibility we have to protect the well-being of each community in which we operate. Because this is our home, we will also continue to follow the recommendations given to us by the CDC, the United Soccer League, and local and state health officials. We ask that everyone join us in following these health and safety guidelines should you attend one of our matches this season in person. We will have an environment to keep you safe, but it will be our collective responsibility to get it right.

Dear Tormenta Nation,

Opening Days still matter.

Nearly four months have passed since Tormenta FC’s 2020 season was put on pause, but Opening Day is finally upon us this weekend.

While we are 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.

No matter where you cheer us on, the entire Tormenta FC team looks forward to a better tomorrow. With Opening Day upon us this weekend, we know you share the joy that comes with representing Tormenta Nation on the big stage once again. In the meantime, let’s go win a Championship.

Vamos Tormenta,

Darin and Netra Van Tassell

Tormenta FC Announces July 18 Home Opener Versus Richmond Kickers

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced today it will open its second professional season on Saturday, July 18, against the Richmond Kickers at Erk Russell Park, while the entire revised 2020 USL League One regular season schedule will be released in the coming days.

Fans wanting to attend matches in person should purchase 2020 tickets in advance to secure their seats as capacity will be limited due to government regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I am excited to finally get the season underway,” TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. “We have a great group of players who are eager to compete. They have been incredible during a very difficult time and need a chance to play, so July 18 can't come soon enough."

Fans wanting to attend matches in person should purchase 2020 tickets in advance to secure their seats as capacity will be limited due to government regulations surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I am excited to finally get the season underway,” TFC Head Coach John Miglarese said. “We have a great group of players who are eager to compete. They have been incredible during a very difficult time and need a chance to play, so July 18 can’t come soon enough.”

Tormenta FC claimed victory in the first game in League One history a season ago, and will kick off its second campaign with the promise that next spring it will move into its new $25 million soccer-specific stadium, currently under construction in Statesboro.

In 2019, Tormenta FC went 1-1-1 versus Richmond, with Pablo Jara recording two clean sheets and Marco Micaletto and Mikie Rowe each scoring. Mikie Rowe’s goal versus the Kickers on Aug. 31 went on to win USL League One Goal of the Year, earning 62 percent of the fan vote. Tormenta FC finished sixth in the 2019 USL League One standings with 37 points while the Richmond Kickers finished ninth with 32 points.

Every game of the 2020 League One season will be also available via ESPN+ domestically and YouTube internationally. Tormenta FC fans and followers across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina can cheer on the team from one of the club’s Watch Party Partner locations throughout the season.

All league activities for the duration of the 2020 campaign will be coordinated in compliance with both local health authorities protocols and those previously published by the USL, which were created in consultation with medical and infectious disease experts along with required government approvals.

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

Tormenta FC, USL League One Announce Revised Format for 2020 Season

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC and USL League One announced on Thursday a revised regular season and playoff structure for the 2020 season has been approved by the league’s Board of Governors. The new format for the league’s second season will see TFC and each of League One’s teams play 20 games across 15 weeks in the regular season to determine the sides that will meet in the 2020 League One Final.

The revised schedule will see each team in League One face 10 teams during the regular season. In an effort to limit air travel, Tormenta FC will not play Toronto FC II during the 2020 regular season. The team will face off against:

Seven teams twice (once at home and once the road)
Two teams once (either at home or on the road)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC four times (twice at home and twice on the road)

Seven teams twice (once at home and once the road)
Two teams once (either at home or on the road)
Chattanooga Red Wolves SC four times (twice at home and twice on the road)

The regular season will be played using a single-table format, with the schedule set to kick off on Saturday, July 18, and conclude on Saturday, Oct. 24. The top two teams in the final regular season standings will then meet the week of Oct. 31 in the 2020 League One Final.

All league activities for the duration of Tormenta FC's 2020 season will be coordinated in compliance with both local health authorities protocols and those previously published by the USL, which were created in consultation with medical and infectious disease experts along with required government approvals.

All league activities for the duration of Tormenta FC’s 2020 season will be coordinated in compliance with both local health authorities protocols and those previously published by the USL, which were created in consultation with medical and infectious disease experts along with required government approvals.

Additionally, League One’s Board of Governors approved a motion that will allow five substitutes to be used for the remainder of the 2020 season. Matchday squads will remain at 18 players, with clubs mandated to provide 23-man provisional squad lists at least 48 hours prior to kickoff, as per league rules.

The number of substitutes represents an increase from the three substitutions rule that had been in place. However, to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make all of its allotted five substitutions.

Substitutions may also be made at halftime without counting against a club’s three in-game opportunities. The decision is in line with the temporary law amendment made by the International Football Association Board in May.

All Tormenta FC USL League One matches will be broadcast on ESPN+ in 2020, while fans and followers across South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina can enjoy every game at one of the club’s restaurant and pub partner locations.

Announcements regarding Tormenta FC’s Home Opener and the full 2020 schedule will be announced in the coming days. While preparing to return to play, Tormenta FC will be following all local and state public health guidelines to prioritize the health and safety of its staff, players, coaches and guests at Erk Russell Park.

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

TFC Academy Offers Opportunities to Improve, Reach Next Level

In recent years, four talented newcomers – Myron Carter, Ryan Fondelier, Paul Aguillon and Dennis Ramirez – joined Tormenta FC Academy in an effort to improve their skills and increase their chances of being noticed by coaches at the next level.

Now, all four are reaping the rewards and preparing to play collegiate soccer.

“We have worked extremely hard at Tormenta FC Academy to provide a pathway for college participation to all members graduating from our program,” TFC Academy Director of Operations Brad Nein told www.tormentafc.com. “If you have the will, we can assist with showing you the way to continue participating at the next level. Participating at TFC Academy in high-level league play and college showcases for all of our U16 through U19 teams gives our players the advantage in finding future college success.”

The four talented players joined the ‘01/’02 Boys Magenta team and competed in the SCYSA Challenge League in the fall of 2019. In addition to competitive league play, the players also participated in college showcases during the season, giving them exclusive opportunities to be seen by numerous collegiate programs from all levels.

“Tormenta helped me progress to the next level by reaching out to college coaches and providing me with an opportunity to play in a showcase,” Ramirez told www.tormentafc.com. “I learned so much by being around the top players here in the club."

Ramirez was recruited by and will suit up for USC Salkehatchie in Allendale, South Carolina. Aguillon was recruited by and will play for Newberry College, while Fondelier and Carter were recruited by and have now committed to play for Columbia International University. The players join the esteemed list of TFC Academy Graduates, which includes countless former academy talents who moved on to the collegiate or professional levels of the sport.

“For the short time I’ve been with Tormenta FC, this club has shown me the most elite training I’ve ever had, physically and mentally,” Fondelier told www.tormentafc.com. “I felt many times that our team was more a family than just a soccer team. Tormenta has prepared me to play at the collegiate level by boosting my skill level and showing me how to be a team player. I’m very thankful for all the coaches and players I was able to connect with over the years.”

Now, all four are reaping the rewards and preparing to play collegiate soccer.

Under the tutelage of current TFC Academy Select Director, Misael Garzón, the Magenta program had significant success on the field last fall, with many players from those teams signing with college programs across Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Tennessee.

Now, Garzón is focused on helping the next batch of talented players achieve their dreams.

"We're committed to ensuring that every player in our academy that has the potential to play at the collegiate level be given that chance to not just develop their skills through our academy, but have the tools necessary to be seen by collegiate coaches,” Garzón told www.tormentafc.com. “Whether it was through the specific showcase events our teams participated in, our college symposium, and being able to help every player in reaching out to programs and giving them the resources to do so effectively, we strived to ensure players who have the desire and ability to play at the next level are able to do so through our academy, regardless of what team they may be on."

TFC Academy continues to prove its commitment to giving every player in the club an opportunity to develop their talents and a chance to showcase their ability to collegiate coaches and will continue to provide its players with countless opportunities to succeed across South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina.

Now, Garzón is focused on helping the next batch of talented players achieve their dreams.

“We’re committed to ensuring that every player in our academy that has the potential to play at the collegiate level be given that chance to not just develop their skills through our academy, but have the tools necessary to be seen by collegiate coaches,” Garzón told www.tormentafc.com. “Whether it was through the specific showcase events our teams participated in, our college symposium, and being able to help every player in reaching out to programs and giving them the resources to do so effectively, we strived to ensure players who have the desire and ability to play at the next level are able to do so through our academy, regardless of what team they may be on.”

Tormenta FC 2 Developing High-Potential Players this Summer

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced today it will host eight high-quality players on trial this summer following the cancellation of Tormenta FC 2’s USL League Two regular season. All eight trialists, having tested negative for COVID-19, will join the first team in training once the moratorium is lifted and will continue to abide by the Health and Wellness Protocols outlined by USL League One.

After announcing intention to play regional rivals in exhibition matches throughout the summer of 2020, Tormenta FC 2 will not compete in competitive matches this year.

“We have a model here that needs young talent from our academy and our USL League Two squad pushing through each year,” TFC 2 Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “Of course, we’ve had to adapt this summer, but we found a solution that serves the bigger purpose still.”

Tormenta FC fans and followers will recognize names such as Adrian Billhardt, Sawyer Gaffney, Craig Mccall and Daniel Strachan, who helped Tormenta FC 2 win Deep South Division and Southern Conference titles in 2019, while new prospects join them in an effort to earn a professional contract.

“The eight players we’ve invited in will improve our training environment and reciprocally provides them with a foundation to get better,” Cameron added. “Outside competition needs to be sacrificed to achieve our internal goals, but this is no problem, as our players and staff are in a focused frame of mind.”

Tormenta FC continues to prepare for the start of the 2020 regular season, which will kick off on July 18, pending state regulations. Additional information on competition format, scheduling, broadcast and health protocols will be released in the coming weeks. While preparing to return to play, Tormenta FC will be following all local and state public health guidelines to prioritize the health and safety of its guests in Erk Russell Park.

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

After announcing intention to play regional rivals in exhibition matches throughout the summer of 2020, Tormenta FC 2 will not compete in competitive matches this year.

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

Tormenta FC, Sack Company Donate 132 Meals to Locals

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC and the Sack Company are thrilled to announce that the club has donated 132 meals through its charity t-shirt sale to date. Tormenta FC and the Sack Company partnered on May 4 to help Statesboro locals in need of a free meal.

T-shirts from Tormenta FC’s previously scheduled March 28 home opener are still for sale through The Clubhouse and are $20 each. In turn, the club will pay for any two meals from The Clubhouse for someone in need.

"We (The Clubhouse and Tormenta FC) are delighted to team up with the Sack Company and make this special project happen,” Club Owner Netra Van Tassell said last month. “This project will allow people who need food to receive a healthy and delicious meal for free in a dignified and simple way. Giving this opportunity to both those in need and to those who want to help is a win-win. Thank you to everyone involved."

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

“We (The Clubhouse and Tormenta FC) are delighted to team up with the Sack Company and make this special project happen,” Club Owner Netra Van Tassell said last month. “This project will allow people who need food to receive a healthy and delicious meal for free in a dignified and simple way. Giving this opportunity to both those in need and to those who want to help is a win-win. Thank you to everyone involved.”

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

1. Call The Clubhouse 912-871-1000 ext 2 or 4.
2. Ask to purchase the 'Tormenta original Home Opener T-Shirt' (All sizes are XL)
3. Each shirt is $20, plus tax. This t-shirt purchase will provide two meals for someone in need locally.
4. The fan can then swing by The Clubhouse curbside pickup (anytime from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm) to receive their shirt.

1. Call The Clubhouse 912-871-1000 ext 2 or 4.
2. Ask to purchase the ‘Tormenta original Home Opener T-Shirt’ (All sizes are XL)
3. Each shirt is $20, plus tax. This t-shirt purchase will provide two meals for someone in need locally.
4. The fan can then swing by The Clubhouse curbside pickup (anytime from 11:30 am to 7:30 pm) to receive their shirt.

1. Call The Clubhouse, 912-871-1000 ext 4
2. Use code, "Sack Company Meal"
3. Order any single entree (Pizza excluded)
4. Cost is FREE
5. Drive by and Pick-Up Curbside like any Guest*
*Even when The Clubhouse opens, this promotion will stay as curbside pick up only*

1. Call The Clubhouse, 912-871-1000 ext 4
2. Use code, “Sack Company Meal”
3. Order any single entree (Pizza excluded)
4. Cost is FREE
5. Drive by and Pick-Up Curbside like any Guest*
*Even when The Clubhouse opens, this promotion will stay as curbside pick up only*

Tormenta FC Raises $2000 for Bulloch County NAACP

STATESBORO, Ga. – Following an announcement on June 2 to raise funds for the Bulloch County National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), South Georgia Tormenta FC is pleased to announce its donation of $2000 to the local chapter.

Funds were raised through a coalition of donations from staff, players and numerous fans and followers of the club. In addition to the donation, the club pledges to continue working with the organization’s local leadership for ways to engage with and support our community.

“Sometimes if you can’t take action that is seen, you can at least support things locally, and locally our NAACP chapter is filled with some really smart and bright folks,” Tormenta FC Co-Owner and President Darin Van Tassell said earlier this month. “Anytime we can make a statement and be about where we play and live and call home, it’s all the more important.”

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

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