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, who sped through the entire field to place a cross to the opposite side of the box, finding Adjei. Adjei was able to place the ball into the opposite side of the keeper's net, giving Tormenta FC a 2-0 lead.
Rio Grande was not going to go down without a fight, in stoppage time, the visitor secured a goal and was pressing for the equalizer. Despite its strong efforts, the referee blew the whistle, which meant South Georgia had placed itself in the Third Round of the national competition.
South Georgia’s Pablo Jara had a night to remember. His three saves were crucial to Tormenta FC’s victory today.
South Georgia is poised to make a strong push for the championship title in the upcoming season. Fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.
Tormenta FC will await its destiny in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup, with the draw being on April 6.
Following today’s Open Cup match, the team returns home to host regional rivals the Greenville Triumph SC this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium.
