EAGAN, Mn. – South Georgia Tormenta FC earned the right to call themselves the inaugural USL W League Champions after defeating the Minnesota Aurora 1-2 in extra time in front of more than 6,000 fans.
Nyby’s brace secured tonight’s goals meanwhile Sydney Martinez’s saved penalty kick in the 110th minute of extra time helped South Georgia stay alive. Nyby’s brace proved to be the game winning goal, bringing to an end Aurora FC’s undefeated season in front of its fans.
Six thousand fans seemed to have not been an issue for South Georgia, as in the seventh minute Nyby was able to find the first goal of the game after an out of position Sarah Fuller was not able to get to a ball. Nyby smartly placed the ball out of the keeper’s reach to score.
The Aurora FC found the equalizer after a thriller of a strike beat Sydney Martinez, the shot from afar saw Martinez unable to get a hand to it. Aurora FC were able to regain possession and momentum of play through the end of the first half, as they limited South Georgia’s offensive presence.
An intense second half battle followed which saw neither side get an opportunity to get a lead, Isabella Gutierrez impact throughout the second half helped build confidence and solidify team play throughout the second half, however, after 90 minutes of play, the score was tied 1-1 which signified extra time.
Thirty minutes of extra time saw both teams create opportunities, Aurora consistently threatened Martinez with shots from afar, meanwhile Amy Andrews continued to be an offensive threat with several shots on target.
In the 110th minute of extra time, a penalty was called in favor of the home side after a handball in the inside of the box. With only ten minutes left, a goal for the Aurora FC would have been detrimental to Tormenta FC. However, Martinez was able to block the kick, rebound and second rebound, and kept the score line level.
With only five minutes left of play time, penalty kicks seemed closer than ever. In one of the final corner kicks for Tormenta FC, several shots came on target with Fuller getting several saves, however, a shot from outside the from Nyby found the opposing side of the keepers net, making it impossible for her to get to it, and adding the second and final goal of the year for South georgia Tormenta FC.
In a memorable season, South Georgia Tormenta FC were able to close out its season with its first title in club history.
