February 24, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – South Georgia Tormenta FC News Release
STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC defeated Jacksonville University 1-0 at Tormenta Stadium Saturday afternoon. The match marks Tormenta FC’s first clean sheet and first home goal of the 2024 preseason.
Head Coach Ian Cameron spoke on the growth of the team between the opening match against Mercer and now saying, “I think it’s the application of the boys. The trust of each other grew a little bit there. Look, Mercer is a really strong side and Jacksonville are strong sides. College kids are always tough to play just mentally in the levels, but I think last weekend we learned a lot of things of how to coordinate and have a deeper understanding of the tactics. I think what you saw was a less robotic performance. More guys thinking about what they want to do with the ball as opposed to where they’re supposed to be, and that is a natural byproduct of their time together.”
Players fought for the ball with intensity, totaling five yellow cards between the two teams. The high pressure led to multiple opportunities for both sides throughout the 90 minutes, including a moment that called for Jake Dengler to make a successful one-on-one tackle in the first half.
Dengler, who was out with an injury in the previous three matches, made his 2024 debut for South Georgia, starting in the first half of the game. Dengler played fiercely and was substituted in the 45th minute by Callum Stretch.
As desired by Head Coach Ian Cameron, Tormenta FC had a roaring start to the second half, maintaining a careful tempo of play. Tormenta’s commitment to strategic play allowed Sebastian Vivas to receive the ball in the middle of the box, firing a shot saved by the Jacksonville goalkeeper in the 50th minute.
Immediately following, keeper Ford Parker was called into action in the 51st minute, diving to his right to make a crucial save to keep the clean sheet intact for South Georgia.
Moments later, Trialist Eight found himself with space in the box to dispatch a low driven shot with his left foot, giving Tormenta FC a 1-0 lead over the visitors.
Tormenta FC nearly doubled their lead two minutes later after a Jackson Khoury left-footed cross skipped past the face of the Jacksonville goal but was unable to find the feet of two attackers for a shot.
Collin Mocyunas had the final chance of the match when he got his head on the end of a Khoury free kick sending it just over the crossbar.