April 5, 2023 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – South Georgia Tormenta FC News Release
South Georgia Tormenta FC celebrates win
(South Georgia Tormenta FC)
STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC secured a 2-1 Second Round victory in the 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after defeating Rio Grande Valley Toros FC of the USL Championship at Optim Sports Medicine Field from Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia. John Murphy Jr. scored the first goal of the night for South Georgia, and midfielder Kingsford Adjei secured the game-winner in the dying moments of the second half. Pablo Jara secured the save of the night following a penalty save in the 69th minute of the match. Tonight’s result sees South Georgia’s professional side win its first home U.S. Open Cup game ever at Tormenta Stadium. South Georgia now awaits its Third-Round opponent.
“This was a difficult game. Rio Grande is a talented USL Championship team that never quit and were able to score a goal in the dying moments of the game,” Pablo Jara commented. “Despite this, we remained concentrated and were able to pull off our first home win of the season. A win today was massive, but we are moving on and now shift our focus to Greenville. We are glad to get a win in the Open Cup, but we need to get back on track in league play.”
Tormenta FC’s performance showed the importance the club gives to the Open Cup. With a very competitive starting XI and high energy throughout, Cameron showed that a win was necessary to make a statement. Cameron and his squad remain unbeaten against USL Championship sides in the Open Cup competition following tonight’s win against Rio Grande and wins against the Charleston Battery and the Birmingham Legion in 2022.
In a sturdy first half, Tormenta FC was able to retain possession of the ball despite Rio Grande being productive on the offensive side. In the 39th minute of the match, South Georgia’s offensive line coordinated a tactical play that ended up in Tormenta FC’s first goal of the night. Andrew Akindele and Mukwelle Akale played a give-and-go pass to each other leaving Akale clear to center into the box. Murphy Jr. was able to shoot the ball first time to the keeper’s opposite corner.
Despite a strong second half start for the visiting team, Rio Grnade was unable to finish its chances. About 82 minutes into the match, South Georgia found its game-winner following a great play starting with Matheus Cassini backheeling a pass to the pacey fullback Nick Akoto,…