Tormenta FC 2 News

Better Fresh Farms: A Dynamic Food Supplier in Innovation, Sustainability for Tormenta FC

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has consistently shown a deep commitment to the well-being and development of its players. With an unwavering dedication and passion for innovation and sustainability, Tormenta FC has found a like-minded food supplier in Better Fresh Farms. Better Fresh Farms is a local food supplier rooted in nearby Metter, Georgia.

“Since 2016, we have made it our mission to provide better quality food for our neighbors and local businesses here in South Georgia. Better Fresh Farms’ partnership with Tormenta FC and The Clubhouse is a perfect representation of that. We’re excited to now make the freshest, tastiest produce available to both the team and the Statesboro/Bulloch County community.”
Grant Anderson, Better Fresh Farms

One standout practice that has caught the attention of Tormenta FC is its hydroponic lettuce production. By utilizing this method, Better Fresh Farms has revolutionized the way lettuce is grown, resulting in a higher quality product that is free from harmful pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals.

Hydroponics, a soilless cultivation technique, allows plants to grow in nutrient-rich water solutions. This approach maximizes crop yield while minimizing the environmental impact associated with traditional soil-based farming. Better Fresh Farms’ hydroponic lettuce production has captivated Tormenta FC, not only due to its superior quality and taste but also because it aligns perfectly with the team’s commitment to sustainable practices.

Tormenta FC’s partnership with Better Fresh Farms exemplifies the team’s proactive approach to player development and community engagement. Tormenta FC remains committed to caring for their community, promoting innovation, and embracing sustainable practices. Better Fresh Farms serves as a testament to Tormenta FC’s ongoing efforts, not only to achieve success on the soccer field but also to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta FC Raises Over $10,000 in Carter Payne Bowling Fundraiser

STATESBORO, Ga. – Today and every day, South Georgia Tormenta FC honors the life of Carter Payne, who tragically passed away in July 2022. On Monday, the club hosted the Carter Payne Memorial Bowling Fundraiser, raising over $10,000 for The Ibis Foundation’s Carter Payne Fund, which was created to help cover Tormenta FC Academy players’ team and uniform fees each year, starting with Tormenta FC’s 2023 Academy season.

The fundraiser, held on Monday, June 5, at The Clubhouse in Statesboro, Georgia, brought together the local Statesboro community and Tormenta FC’s USL League One and USL W League players alike in support of the cause.

The event saw over 100 participants feature in the fundraiser. Local businesses generously contributed raffle prizes, further bolstering the fundraising efforts.

“Looking back on the event, I’m extremely grateful for everybody that came out and participated in the event and supported a cause that means so much to me and means so much to everybody here at Tormenta. It was amazing to witness the community coming together and engaging with one another and everybody having such a great time all while remembering a great friend of ours who passed away too soon.”
Lars Eckenrode, former professional player for Tormenta FC, now serves as the Coordinator of Special Projects for the TFC Front Office

Tormenta FC aims to create a lasting legacy in honor of Carter Payne, inspiring future generations of soccer enthusiasts.

Tormenta FC and The Ibis Foundation extend their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.

The Ibis Foundation will continue to accept donations in memory of Carter, which will go to the Carter Payne Scholarship.

THE CARTER PAYNE FUND

Tormenta FC Announces Front Office Updates

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced Lindsey Cagle as its new Social Media Coordinator and Colby Beard as the Coordinator of Ticket Sales & Service. Kian Brownlee has been promoted to Director of Coaching for Tormenta FC Academy.

Tormenta FC also welcomes Cagle to its Digital department. Cagle will serve as the Coordinator of Social Media effective immediately.

Cagle is a graduate of Samford University where she majored in Journalism and Sport Media. The Georgia native grew up playing soccer and knew her future was in sports. Cagle brings a strong broadcast background, which she hopes will help her bring a new viewpoint to the Tormenta FC Academy social media channels and show the importance of the work that is happening within the Academy.

“Having grown up in Georgia, I have known about Tormenta FC and its impact on South Georgia for a while now. It is an incredible feeling to be welcomed to the front office and be able to contribute my skill set to furthering the program. The future of this program is bright, and I am thrilled to help share that with others and say that I am a part of the team now.”
Lindsey Cagle, Social Media Coordinator

Beard joined the staff in 2022 as a sales intern. Following a productive year, Beard was promoted to the Coordinator of Ticket Sales and Services.

Beard is a graduate of Effingham County High School and earned a Bachelors in Science in Sports Management from Georgia Southern University. Outside of work, Colby enjoys watching the beautiful game and is an avid beach/lake goer, where he enjoys to nap in a hammock.

“My first time ever attending a Tormenta FC event was the ground-breaking ceremony my freshman year of college. Since then, I knew that Tormenta was special to this community, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of this family. I feel honored to be joining Tormenta and to have the chance to work with the amazing staff to bring more trophies and memories to the community of Statesboro!”
Colby Beard, Ticket Sales and Services Coordinator

Tormenta FC Academy coach Kian Brownlee has been promoted to Director of Coaching. Brownlee has over 21 years of experience in youth soccer and will provide quality leadership and coaching to young players in the Academy.

Under this new role, Brownlee will now oversee directors of Junior Academy, Select, MLS NEXT, and DPL, help Influence the periodization and curriculum design for each competitive program as well as hire and assign coaches within the competitive program.

“Kian is a master coach and leader that has demonstrated a proficiency for creating exceptional experiences for players, families, and other coaches. He is the ideal person to oversee the competitive programs at Tormenta FC Academy and continue to raise the bar for youth soccer players in South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.”
Brad Nein, Vice President Tormenta FC Academy

Tormenta FC to Host Annual Carter Payne (CP2) Bowling Fundraiser on June 5th

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC in collaboration with The Ibis Foundation is set to host the Carter Payne Bowling Fundraiser at The Clubhouse from 4-7 p.m. ET on June 5th. The Carter Payne (CP2) Bowling Fundraiser will raise money for The Carter Payne Fund & Scholarship via the Ibis Foundation. The Carter Payne Scholarship helps cover Tormenta FC Academy player’s team and uniform fees each year, starting with Tormenta FC’s 2023 Academy season.

Tormenta FC player Carter David Payne passed away in 2022 and The Ibis Foundation created The Carter Payne Fund to honor his memory. This event will raise money for The Carter Payne Fund & Scholarship via the Ibis Foundation. The Ibis Foundation will be accepting donations. These donations will directly support youth in our community to help grow, enjoy, play, and learn about soccer without financial burden.

SUPPORT THE IBIS FOUNDATION

The bowling fundraiser will feature the brand new HyperBowling game that will level the playing field and make it fun, exciting and competitive for all to participate together. Bowling start times will begin at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Teams of four will be paired with a USL League One or a USL W League player for the competition. Cumulative team scores will be tallied following the three waves of play and prizes will be awarded to the three highest scores.

The event will also feature a raffle ticket drawing with various prizes to be won from national and local businesses. Over $2500 worth of prizes have already been donated.

PURCHASE RAFFLE TICKETS

For more information contact Lars Eckenrode by phone, 703-626-7238 or by email at LEckenrode@TormentaFC.com

Tormenta Made: Aidan Miller, Renzo Andreucetti, Esteban Quintero Sign Academy Contracts with Tormenta FC’s USL League One Team

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC continues to create a proven path to the professional ranks for its youth players. Tormenta FC Academy players, as well as South Georgia and Lowcountry of South Carolina natives, Aidan Miller, Renzo Andreucetti and Esteban Quintero have signed academy contracts with Tormenta FC’s USL League One team, pending league and federation approval. Miller, Andreucetti and Quintero made their first team debuts after entering in the 75th minute in Tormenta FC’s pre season friendly against the Tampa Bay Rowdies of the USL Championship.

USL Academy contracts allow Academy products at USL clubs to sign, train and compete in matches with professional senior teams without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

“We are so proud of Renzo, Aidan, and Esteban as they get this opportunity of a lifetime to be a member of the Tormenta FC professional team on an Academy Contract. The hard work these boys put in at the Academy level over the course of numerous years has allowed each one of them to acquire the skills on and off the field that they can compete at the professional soccer level. We look forward to watching the impact the boys will have with the group over the course of the season.”
Brad Nein, Tormenta FC Academy Vice President

In the latest USL Academy Cup, Miller was featured as one of the top players to watch throughout the tournament. Captaining the Academy side, Miller played a crucial part in Tormenta FC’s victory against Louisville City FC, one of the most decorated academy teams in the USL. Miller recently graduated from Richmond Hill High School and is now taking time off to experience the professional atmosphere that Tormenta FC offers.

“Signing an Academy contract with Tormenta FC is something I have been working on for a long time; it is a dream come true. I thank the organization for this opportunity of growth. I am hoping to learn how to play the game better and learn from some of the best professional players in the league.”
Aidan Miller, Tormenta FC Midfielder

Andreucetti graduated from Hilton Head High School and has spent eight years playing and developing his skills through the Tormenta FC Academy. Last season, Andreucetti appeared for Tormenta FC 2, helping the team end the 2022 USL league Two season and gaining valuable minutes with one of the best League Two teams in the nation. Andreucetti’s work ethic, passing and finishing skills make him an attacking threat in the final third of the field. Andreucetti is of Argentine and Colombian descent, making him one of two players of Latino descent to sign on Academy contracts with Tormenta FC.

“I have been with Tormenta FC since I was 10 years old, so to me, signing an academy contract is something that has been in the works for eight years. To see Brittain Gottlieb, Tristan DeLoach and all my other teammates go through this process inspired me even more to get to this stage in my life. I hope to inspire those in the youth academy to continue helping grow the brand around South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.”
Renzo Andreucetti, Tormenta FC Midfielder

Graduating from Hilton Head High School, Quintero joins the League One team as a top prospect hoping to learn from experienced center backs in Preston Kilwien and Jake Dengler. Quintero is of Colombian descent making him one of two players of Latino descent to sign Academy contracts with Tormenta FC.

“It is a great opportunity to grow as a player and as a person. I thank Tormenta FC for the opportunity. I am eager to learn from established players. It has been a fun experience to transition from the USL Academy team to the USL League One team. Aidan, Renzo and I push each other everyday to continue to grow and motivate ourselves.”
Esteban Quintero, Tormenta FC Defender

All three players featured for Tormenta FC’s USL Academy team, which helped the players develop and prepare for the opportunity to play with Tormenta FC’s League One team. The Tormenta FC coaching staff aims to emphasize development for the local USL Academy talent around South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina while also allowing them to experience a professional soccer setting.

“Since moving to center back, Esteban has made great strides and has the attributes to be a well-rounded defender. He excelled last summer with our USLA team and has continued on that positive trajectory since. Renzo has been one of the top players in our Academy for a couple of years now. He is technically very sound, has a good understanding of the game and has a personality that has helped him seamlessly fit into the group. Aidan has performed excellently for our Academy, he has tremendous mobility and ground coverage as a central midfielder and has shown great maturity with his leadership skills within his own age group. We are excited to welcome these players into our USL League One group and help enhance our first team environment.”
Jordan Melia, Tormenta FC USL League One assistant coach and USL Academy Head Coach

Andreucetti, Miller, and Quintero join the likes of Tristan Deloach, Brittain Gottlieb, Stephen O’Hearn, and Grant Hampton in representing Tormenta FC on the pitch in either USL League One play or during the preseason. USL Academy contracts allow Academy products at USL clubs to sign, train and compete in matches with professional senior teams without affecting their eligibility to play college soccer.

Tormenta FC fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.

Lars Eckenrode Joins Tormenta FC Front Office

STATESBORO, Ga. – Lars Eckenrode has joined the South Georgia Tormenta FC Front Office as the Coordinator of Special Projects. To note, Eckenrode becomes the first player in Tormenta FC history to join the front office after retirement.

Eckenrode will seek to put on community events, and camps and clinics on behalf of the Tormenta FC organization. Additionally, Eckenrode will be an avid advocator for Tormenta FC and his local Statesboro community. He will proactively be seeking to strengthen relationships and partnerships with local youth soccer clubs, organizations and schools.

“I am extremely excited to embark on this new chapter of my life working with Tormenta. I have been with the club from the beginning and although I am no longer able to help by contributing on the field, I am really looking forward to growing the club with the amazing front office staff that I have come to know throughout my four years as a player. I am very grateful to the organization for having created this role for me in which I can channel the same work ethic, hunger and passion I had as a player into a new direction.”
Lars Eckenrode, Tormenta FC Front Office

Eckenrode spent four years playing with South Georgia’s USL League One team, where he quickly became a fan-favorite and a leader on and off the field. Eckenrode is one of four players in Tormenta FC history to wear the captain’s armband after wearing it for four games in 2019.

Overall, Eckenrode featured in 21 games for Tormenta FC, scoring the equalizer against Orlando City B on April 14, 2019, and the first goal in South Georgia’s 3-1 win against Greenville Triumph on June 20, 2021.

In the game against Orlando City B, Eckenrode suffered a concussion and neck whiplash that kept him out for six months. The following year, Eckenrode had a double fracture of my tibial plateau and was ruled out for three months. In 2021, the defender suffered from a torn meniscus which required surgery, sidelining him for three months. In his final season as a professional, Eckenrode tore his meniscus again, requiring surgery and is still recovering from it.

A University of Michigan alumnus, Eckenrode spent four seasons with the Wolverines men’s soccer team, which he captained in 2016. During his collegiate career, Eckenrode appeared on the Big Ten All-Rookie Team in 2013 and the College Sports Madness Preseason All-Big Ten Team in 2014. Eckenrode was drafted in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, where he was picked up in the fourth round by the Toronto FC organization.

Welcome to the TFC Front Office, Lars!

Lily Gibbons Named Tormenta FC’s First-Ever Recruiting Coordinator

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of Lily Gibbons to the Tormenta FC Front Office, where she will serve as the first-ever Recruiting Coordinator for the Tormenta FC Academy.

“During this exciting new time in soccer and Tormenta FC, I’m ecstatic to have an opportunity to see the expansion of the Academy and bring in new players to expand and further the reach of our Academy in South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina.”
Lily Gibbons, Tormenta FC Academy’s Recruiting Coordinator

Gibbons returns to Tormenta FC after interning with the TFC Sales Department in 2020 while enrolled at Georgia Southern University.

The newest addition to the Tormenta FC Front Office is a graduate of Greenbrier High School and earned a B.S. in Communications from Georgia Southern University in 2022.

Gibbons will play a crucial role in the growth of the Tormenta FC Academy through the area and will help grow the reach of Tormenta FC to more audiences. In this role, Gibbons will provide a plethora of information to families all over the area interested in joining the Tormenta FC Academy.

TFC’s newest front office addition describes herself as a “chronic hobbyist” and names film photography, sports, surfing, working out and loving her pet cat as some of her favorite hobbies. In addition, Gibbons enjoys creating the sound of music and is a guitarist and a bassist.

Contact Gibbons for any questions regarding the latest Tormenta FC Academy news or events at lgibbons@tormentafc.com.

Tormenta FC to Elevate USL Academy Team

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced today that Tormenta FC 2 will take a one-year hiatus from USL League Two play, as the club aims to elevate Tormenta FC’s USL Academy team throughout the 2023 season, continuing the club’s commitment to making Tormenta FC Academy a gold standard for USL.

With this shift, the USL Academy team in Statesboro will provide a better stepping stone for local players to interact, train and compete with the USL League One professional team. Additionally, the Tormenta FC coaching staff will emphasize developing the local USL Academy talent around South Georgia and the Low Country of South Carolina while also allowing them to experience a professional soccer setting.

“Our club and USL League Two have enjoyed a fruitful bond over the last decade,” Tormenta FC Technical Director and USL League One Head Coach Ian Cameron said. “It’s a model we remain big advocates of and will recruit heavily from for the purpose of our USL League One team. Indeed, our USL League One Championship-winning team last year was littered with players unearthed from this system. Likewise, our club and fan base have also enjoyed watching Tormenta FC 2 alums get drafted or apply their trade within the USL pro ecosystem.

“Now, it’s time for our club to evolve and forge an even closer partnership between our USL Academy team and our USL League One team. We’re energized by the idea of developing first-team players in-house with a year-round model, and that’s what USL Academy affords us, in conjunction with MLS NEXT program. This alignment is with a view to even greater integration between our Academy and USL League One teams. Our coaches across all platforms believe that in the next five-to-ten years, Tormenta FC can be at the forefront of player development in this country.”
Tormenta FC Head Coach & Technical Director, Ian Cameron

For Tormenta FC, it is crucial to always be at the forefront of the growth of soccer in this part of the world. From being the first USL team to be announced in League One and W League to being the first club in modern U.S. Soccer history to win a women’s (USL W League) and men’s (USL League One) title in the same season (2022), Tormenta FC now aims to have its USL Academy team be competitive and develop high-level talent year in, year out.

In addition to having a USL Academy Boys team, Tormenta FC is delighted to announce that a USL Academy Girls team will also be competing in the summer of 2023, which will provide Tormenta FC Academy talents an opportunity to compete and learn with the best women’s collegiate soccer athletes in the nation.

Tormenta Nation will be able to watch all of the USL Academy talents compete live from Tormenta Stadium throughout the 2023 season; USL Academy matches will now be included in the season ticket package in replace of USL League Two matches.

The 2023 Tormenta FC Season Ticket Special ends on Jan. 18. To make sure to take advantage of the special, contact your account representative today to learn more.

PURCHASE SEASON TICKETS HERE!

United, We Conquered: How Difficult Situations Kept Tormenta FC Together

Tragedy can strike at any given moment. For South Georgia Tormenta FC, one of the most devastating chapters of our history occurred during the summer of 2022, when Tormenta FC 2 talent Carter David Payne tragically passed away. Payne will live on through his teammates and those who spent time with him. From the USL W League Final to the USL League One Final to the days where everything seemed normal; Payne has been present with Tormenta Nation.

From the Inside

That Saturday, the League One team had a home game against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC. As the morning came, so did news of Payne’s accident. Not much was known; however, someone was always with him, by his side. Payne passed away that same afternoon after spending time with his family. After the conclusion of the game, everyone involved at the club, from players to coaching staff members to club interns and club staff, was asked to meet together around 11 p.m. ET that night. Club leadership informed the team about Payne’s passing. From that moment on, unity took over Tormenta FC.

Forever Carter

The importance to keep moving forward helped the Tormenta FC organization continue its journey in all three competitions. As a team, Tormenta FC 2 decided to compete in one more League Two match, coming together in a difficult moment to play the sport Payne so dearly loved. Despite not getting the results needed to pursue a playoff push, Tormenta FC 2 did everything asked of the organization; the team finished the season proudly representing the “Tormenta Way.”

Despite only being in Statesboro for the summer, Payne had a significant impact in the development of the USL Academy team since some of the members of the academy had the opportunity to train with the League Two and League One teams during the week. Following Payne’s passing, the USL Academy team warmed up during USL Academy fixtures in a Payne shirt made by team members to honor Payne’s life and legacy.

Meanwhile, the W League team went on to win the title against the Minnesota Aurora. Before getting to the final, Payne’s “2” jersey traveled with the team everywhere they went, from Starting XI pictures to goal celebrations, Payne’s memory lived through the W League champions. When it was time to lift the trophy in Minnesota, the iconic “2” jersey came out to celebrate with the team, making sure he was present through the moment.

Not only was Payne a member of the Tormenta FC 2 team, he was also a member of Tormenta Nation. In Tormenta FC’s first-ever USL League One Final, Payne was with the team, from start to finish. After the final whistle blew with the score line favoring the Statesboro side, the League One Final MVP, Kazaiah Sterling, asked to wear Payne’s jersey during the final interview, broadcasting live on ESPN2. Sterling received the MVP award and celebrated the night in Payne’s jersey; when lifting the trophy, team captain Gabriel Cabral also wore a shirt to commemorate Payne’s time in Statesboro.

Payne will forever be a part of Tormenta Nation, and as he told me the day he came out of Savannah International Airport with his University of Michigan luggage, “I am here to stay.” Carter, you are here to stay, and will live through the lives of those who spent time with you forever and always.

The Top Ten Tormenta FC Storylines From 2022

In 2022, South Georgia Tormenta FC conquered the United States by storm. From winning the inaugural USL W League title to opening Tormenta Stadium in early October, to winning the organization’s first-ever USL League One title on Nov. 6, 2022 in Statesboro, Georgia.

Over the next ten days, the staff at Tormenta FC will share what we thought were 10 of the best storylines of 2022. In these stories, you will find a little bit of everything, the good and the bad.

Below are the 10 storyline titles in the order they will be released.

Dec. 22: A Cup Run to Remember Culminates in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Dec. 23: From a Rocky Start in May to Glory in July; Why Tormenta FC’s W League Team Won

Dec. 24: United, We Conquered: How Difficult Situations Kept Tormenta FC Together

Dec. 25: Fourth Time’s the Charm: How the Smallest Market in the United States Obtained Its First Professional Title

Dec. 26: Lifelong Memories Made in Two Months: The Power of Making Our Home a Fortress

Dec. 27: That Penalty Save in Minnesota

December 28: How to Host a USL League One Final on ESPN 2

December 29: Pro’s Start Here. The Tormenta FC Academy is on the Rise.

December 30: 591 Days

December 31: The Tormenta Way. What’s Next?

Tormenta Nation, thank you for an amazing 2022 season. From the best moments to the worst moments, you were there for it all. As Statesboro continues to grow, so do we. 2023 and years to come will be special. Let’s grow together for the better of our community.

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Forever Carter

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