Fresh off a road win, 2022’s defending champs host a Charlotte Independence side looking for their first.
Tormenta FC: What to Know
Last Result: Tormenta FC took care of business on the road in week one, dispatching North Carolina FC 1-0 on a somewhat controversial Mukwelle Akale goal. The largely defensive battle saw only two shots on target for each team.
What Tormenta FC brings from the last result: confidence after a victory on the road against a much-hyped NCFC squad, and without star striker Kazaiah Sterling, who remains injured.
Tormenta FC’s X-Factor: The squad picked up three yellow cards in week one, all in the midfield: Pedro Fonseca, Matheus Cassini, and Chris Heckenberg. This could affect how much these key midfielders can be used against an Independence side with a potent offensive attack.
Available on the bench: Coach Ian Cameron used all five substitutions in week 1, leaving only rookie right-back Collin Mocyunas and goalkeeper TJ Bush without minutes. Matheus Cassini and Kingsford Adjei came on in the second half, but the former carries a yellow card into week 2. Elijah Amo, Chris Heckenberg, and Deshawn Nembhard also came on in the second half of week 1, the latter two to help shift into a lead-maintenance defensive strategy, which worked. To put it bluntly: Cameron has options.
Not available or questionable for week 2: Kazaiah Sterling (undisclosed injury), Arthur Bosua (ACL)
Charlotte Independence: What to Know
Last Result: The Jacks hosted in the opening weekend, where they drew the Richmond Kickers 0-0.
What Charlotte Brings from the Last Result: the Jacks largely shut down what should have been a potent Richmond offense, while landing five shots on target. This should build confidence when coming into Statesboro to face another top offensive and defensive squad. They will once again face solid goaltending, with Tormenta’s choice of week 1 goalie of the week Pablo Jara or stalwart TJ Bush.
Charlotte’s X-Factor: Dane Kelly remains the ace in the hole for the Independence. The prolific forward subbed in week one in the second half and seemed to breathe life into the squad. Now they just need to figure out how to break through a tough Tormenta defense.
Available on the bench squad: Charlotte made three substitutions in week 1, leaving Avionne Flanagan, and academy products Aiden Morrison and Amin Ibrahim without minutes. Flanagan is a left midfielder who could factor in if needed in a defensive lead-holding situation.
Hector Acosta should also return after serving a red card suspension carried over from the first-round playoff loss to Torementa in 2022.
Not Available or Questionable for Week 2: Carson Talboys
2022 Head to Head
Tormenta won series 2-1-1
May 7: Tormenta 0-0 Independence
August 13: Tormenta 0-3 Independence
Independence: Dutey 16’*, Mbuyu 44’*, Bennett 86’*
August 31: Independence 0-2 Tormenta
Tormenta: Sterling 6’*, Adjei 71’*
October 22: Tormenta 2-1 Independence
Tormenta: Sterling 48′, 77′(P)*
Independence: Obertan 8’*
* Players returning in 2023