Tormenta FC Signs Defender Justin Malou
Published on January 8, 2026 under United Soccer League One (USL1)
South Georgia Tormenta FC News Release
STATESBORO, Ga. - South Georgia Tormenta FC announces the signing of Senegalese defender Justin Malou to its 2026 USL League One roster, pending league and federation approval, following a successful loan spell with the Ibises last season.
The Senegalese defender was loaned out to Tormenta in September last season from North Carolina FC, adding depth and versatility to the backline. Malou made his mark in the seven matches he appeared in for the Ibises. During his loan spell, Justin recorded an 88.5% passing accuracy, 24 clearances, and 19 duels won in only 463 minutes of action.
"Justin is yet another player coming with a wealth of talent from the USL Championship," Tormenta FC Head Coach Mark McKeever said." Justin is a winner, he trains at the highest level everyday, and he is very hungry to win titles. Justin epitomizes the type of character and human being that I want in the locker room, he is a model professional with an abundance of quality as a footballer, and I couldn't be happier knowing that I am going to be working hard with this lad on the training ground everyday. His personality is great for the culture we will try to create this coming season."
Malou joined North Carolina FC as a free agent ahead of the 2024 season, where he continued to make an impact across 31 matches. Malou scored his first professional goal in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup against Phoenix Rising FC and went on to add a second later in the campaign, earning USL Championship Team of the Week honors in Week 22.
In 2023, Malou made his professional debut with FC Tulsa, appearing in 23 matches and posting standout defensive numbers, including a 61% duel success rate, a 65% tackle success rate, and more than 40 clearances.
Malou and the Tormenta FC squad will open its 2026 USL League One season on Sunday, March 8, hosting Spokane Velocity in the home opener at Tormenta Stadium. Tickets for the home opener are available for purchase here, and Season Tickets are on sale here. Fans should stay tuned for more information regarding player updates heading into the New Year.
United Soccer League One Stories from January 8, 2026
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- Griffin Garnett and Nick Simmonds Named to U.S. Soccer U-20 Men's National Team Domestic Training Camp - Richmond Kickers
- Portland Hearts of Pine Announce Signing of Senegalese Center Back, Serigne Mbacke Faye - Portland Hearts of Pine
- Richmond Kickers Sign USL League Two National Champion Owen O'Malley - Richmond Kickers
- Tormenta FC Signs Defender Justin Malou - South Georgia Tormenta FC
- Fort Wayne Football Club Partners with Concordia Theological Seminary as Official Training Grounds - Fort Wayne FC
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