Tormenta begins championship defense with season-opening win

Published: Mar 18, 2023, 3:39 AM

CARY, N.C. — South Georgia Tormenta FC obtained its first victory of the 2023 USL League One season after defeating North Carolina FC on the road this Friday evening. Mukwelle Akale scored Tormenta FC’s first goal of the season, securing the three points for Tormenta FC. Notably, South Georgia secured its first season opening win since 2019, which was Tormenta FC’s inaugural professional season.

“They’ve just proved to themselves that they can go on the road like last year and win games against very top opponents on opening night against a team that has spent a lot of money in the offseason," Tormenta coach Ian Cameron said. "We deserved to win the game. We got the goal. The second half would have been different if it was even, but we got the goal. We controlled the game in the second half even without the ball, and we’re very proud of the team.”

Throughout the first half, South Georgia was able to play its game in front of an intense crowd, with several chances occurring for both sides. In the 35th minute, South Georgia was able to find the back of the net after John Murphy Jr. located Akale on the right side of the field. The nimble-footed winger received the ball and quickly took off down the wing. As he neared the net, Akale looked up and saw the goalkeeper out of position. With pinpoint accuracy, the low-placed shot crossed the goal line and rolled into the bottom corner of the net.

Throughout the second half, North Carolina FC applied pressure to try and get the equalizer; however, its attempts were unsuccessful.

Davey Mason, Preston Kilwien, Elijah Amo, Nick Akoto, Jackson Khoury, Pedro Fonseca, John Murphy Jr., Matheus Cassini and Andrew Akindele all made their Tormenta FC debuts this Saturday night.

Tormenta FC is set to open up its title-defending season at home against the Charlotte Independence next Saturday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia.

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Southeast Bulloch girls tennis plays Friday in Brooklet for state AAA championship

Yellow Jackets defeat Bainbridge in Final Four match; face Oconee County for title at 4 p.m.

Southeast Bulloch tennis player Sydney Kate Aaron returns a shot in Wednesday's Final Four match against Bainbridge in Brooklet.

SEB Tennis — Southeast Bulloch tennis player Sydney Kate Aaron returns a shot in Wednesday's Final Four match against Bainbridge in Brooklet.

JOSH AUBREY/staff

jaubrey@statesboroherald.com

Updated: May 15, 2025, 2:50 PM

Published: May 15, 2025, 2:14 PM

Last season the Southeast Bulloch tennis team advanced to the state Final-4. Playing in their own backyard the Jackets were unable to win and set out to make it one step farther. Wednesday evening the Jackets completed that goal defeating Bainbridge to earn a spot in the state Class-AAA championship.

Southeast Bulloch will face Oconee County for the state title at 4 p.m. Friday on their home courts in Brooklet.

It is a very surreal moment,” said coach Tom Lieu. “I am honestly at a loss for words. We just worked so hard all year and the girls are finally starting to see it and figure things out. I think it's a lot of college football the girls just got hot at the right time and now they are playing incredibly. I can't tell you how proud I am to see them hang in there staying in the grind and just staying focused. They've just done a fantastic job just staying in the moment.”

Lieu felt that things actually began going in the Jackets favor even before the matches were played.

“We didn't get to see the other girls warm up, which is probably better for us,” Bainbridge did see us warm up and I could see the intimidation factor and I could see them saying oh these girls are good. They watched the girls’ hit balls and we were doing such a good job I think it may have gotten into their heads.”

The Jackets No. 2 doubles team of Laina Erickson and Addie Smith was the first team to win, followed by their No. 1 singles player Rylee Veland, and then the No. 1 doubles team victory of Sydney Kate Aaron and Lydia Fowler clinched it for the Jackets.

Lieu felt playing at home in Brooklet was a huge advantage and he’s excited they get to play the state championship at home as well this Friday.

“Our home court is such an advantage,” Lieu said. “I know we will have a great crowd and not having to travel is so great. We are so excited and just can’t wait for the opportunity.”

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