Tormenta FC Falls to North Carolina FC

April 2, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
South Georgia Tormenta FC News Release

STATESBORO, Ga. - South Georgia Tormenta FC made its 2022 USL League One debut this evening in a fixture against North Carolina FC. The two sides played a passionate match at Erk Russell Park, and Tormenta FC ultimately fell 0-1 despite recording 72 percent of the possession and 14 shots to North Carolina's four shots.

"A disappointing result for us, but there were elements of the games that we liked, but unfortunately, a goal was unable to come for us," Head Coach Ian Cameron commented. "The first 30 minutes of the game, we didn't bring the intensity that this group has. The game just flowed away from us. As soon as they got their goal, they had something to hold onto."

The match marked the professional debut of Tormenta FC 2 alumni Gabriel Cabral and Chris Heckenberg, both appearing in the Starting XI. Notably, ten Tormenta FC players made their USL League One debut tonight.

In addition, midfielder Adrian Billhardt and defender Joshua Phelps returned to competitive play after season-ending injuries in 2021. Billhardt was named Player of the Match, presented by Galactic Comics and Games, after his strong performance back on the pitch. The German midfielder brought energy and counter-attack efforts to the match.

"We showed the quality throughout the game, and there were small details throughout the game that we will build on," Billhardt commented. "An unfortunate result, but I am very proud to return to the field for 60 minutes. It is a long season, so we will build from this. We will get it together in no time."

Tormenta FC and North Carolina FC started the game getting to know each other; The first 20 minutes of the match were a quick study of both teams and how each of them played on the field. North Carolina then upped the pressure against the home side, and a deflection in Tormenta FC's backline led to the first and only goal of the night which was headed just over Pablo Jara's head in the 21st minute.

After ending the first half down a goal, Tormenta FC came out looking like a different team in the second half. Kingsford Adjei showed his explosiveness throughout and made several close shots. Alex Morrell also stood out in the second half, making a break-a-way run before shooting the ball just wide of the net and electrifying the crowd. Jamil Roberts entered the match in the 68th minute and made an immediate impact with a rocket shot straight to the goalkeeper.

In the 74th minute, Jara made an amazing save off a free kick to deny another North Carolina goal. Soon after in the 78th minute, NCFC's Nelson Martinez was shown a double yellow, and the road team was forced to play down a man.

In the final minutes, Tormenta FC players tried fervently to tie up the match with several opportunities inside the box, but the match ended with a final score 0-1 in favor of NCFC.

Tormenta FC will now enter U.S. Open Cup play, heading to South Carolina to take on the Charleston Battery on Wednesday, April 6 at 7 p.m. ET. The winner of the matchup will enter the third round of the national tournament.

Following TFC's open cup match, the team will return home to host reigning champions Union Omaha on Saturday, April 16 at Erk Russell Park.

Post-Game Match Report:

Starting Lineup: Jara ( C ), Thorn. Dengler, Phelps, Nembhard, Cabral, Heckenberg, Billhardt, Adjei, Morrell, Bosua

Scoring Summary: 0-1

22': NC - Garrett McLaughlin

Substitutions:

45' NC Cole Frame for Oalex Anderson

47': TRM - Barry Sharifi for Adrian Billhardt

62': NC - Drew Kerr for Showkat Tahir

69': TRM - Jamil Roberts for Alex Morrell

71': TRM - Kazaiah Sterling for Kingsford Adjei

73': TRM - Josue Soto for Chris Heckenberg

93': NC - Max Flick for Garrett McLaughlin

Cautions:

1': NC - Showkat Tahir

6': TRM - Arthur Bosua

18': NC - Oalex Anderson

78': NC - Nelson Martinez (Double Yellow)

80' Josue Soto

85': NC - Head Coach John Bradford

Quote Sheet:

Head Coach Ian Cameron: "A disappointing result for us, but there were elements of the games that we liked, but unfortunately, a goal was unable to come for us. The first 30 minutes of the game, we didn't bring the intensity that this group has. The game just flowed away from us. As soon as they got their goal, they had something to hold onto."

Man of the Match, Adrian Billhardt: "We showed the quality throughout the game, and there were small details throughout the game that we will build on," Billhardt commented. "An unfortunate result, but I am very proud to return to the field for 60 minutes. It is a long season, so we will build from this. We will get it together in no time."

Tormenta FC Midfielder, Kazaiah Sterling: "I thought we deserved more from the game. We kept fighting towards the end, we just started that a bit too late. We showed the positive signs that we can rectify the end, do well and can go forward."

South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer franchise in Statesboro, Georgia that was founded in 2015. The club established itself as one of the premier USL League Two teams across the United States before joining USL League One as the founding member of the league. The club is constructing a new state-of-the-art 5,000-seat soccer-specific stadium in Statesboro. Planned to be built next to The Clubhouse on Old Register Road, the new venue will provide an exciting and authentic professional soccer experience for fans and players alike.

South Georgia Tormenta FC in action against North Carolina FC

South Georgia Tormenta FC in action against North Carolina FC

South Georgia Tormenta FC defender Jake Dengler vs. North Carolina FC

United Soccer League One Stories from April 2, 2022

• Kickers Earn Assertive 4-0 Win in Front of Record Crowd of 4,054 - Richmond Kickers
• Tormenta FC Falls to North Carolina FC - South Georgia Tormenta FC
• North Carolina FC Defeat Tormenta in First Match of the Season, 1-0 - North Carolina FC
• Triumph SC Falls 2-0 in Season Opener - Greenville Triumph SC
• FC Tucson Falls in Season Opener in Richmond - FC Tucson
• Forward Madison Scores Late to Notch Draw in Chattanooga - Forward Madison FC

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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