Tormenta FC tries to regroup against a Hailstorm FC side with a potent attack.
Tormenta FC: What to Know
Last Result: Tormenta FC hosted Charlotte Independence with an ugly 3-1 loss
What Tormenta FC Brings from the Last Result: an unfortunate number of injuries and a suspension. Striker Kazaiah Sterling is expected to miss at least this match before returning. Center back Jake Dengler exited week 2 with an injury, and fellow center back Preston Kilwien with a second yellow card. To stop the bleeding, Tormenta snapped up former Union Omaha (and one-time Tormenta FC) center back Daltyn Knutson, who was probably the top remaining defensive free agent from the 2022 season.
Tormenta FC’s X-Factor: the ability to overcome adversity. Despite the adversity, they’re still the defending champions for a reason. Mukwelle Akale has been providing just enough offense, with two goals in two matches, if the defense can regroup. And against Hailstorm FC, they’re going to have to, otherwise, this could get ugly fast.
Available on the bench squad:
- Elijah Amo remains a bench option in relief to Akale, who tends to strike in the first half.
- Midfielders Chris Heckenberg and John Murphy came off the bench in week 2 for Kingsford Adjei and Pedro Fonseca. Adjei did not start week 1.
- Derek Nembhard replaced Jake Dengler, and will likely get the start at center back alongside Knutson, assuming the latter is in Statesboro in time and ready to play
- Collin Mocyunas did not appear in weeks 1 or 2.
- TJ Bush backed up Pablo Jara, but given the performance in week 2, this may change.
Not Available or Questionable for Week 3: Arthur Bosua (ACL), Jake Dengler (injury), Preston Kilwien (suspension), Kazaiah Sterling (head injury)
Matheus Cassini was unavailable in week 2 but has been spotted in regular practice this week.
Tormenta FC Previous Week Setup
Opponent: Charlotte Independence
Result: LOSS 3-1
Hailstorm FC: What to Know
Last Result: 0-0 draw at Chattanooga Red Wolves SC
What Hailstorm FC Brings from the Last Result: a potent attack that came and went, but should be more honed and ready to exploit Tormenta’s weaknesses this week.
Hailstorm FC’s X-Factor: converting those chances into goals. The squad rained down nine shots against Red Wolves SC in the first 30 minutes. Eight different players took shots, with five having shots on target for a total of eight. Something’s gotta give.
Available on the bench squad:
- Coach Zayed used all five substitutions in week 2, bringing on Stefan Lukic, Marky Hernández, Destan Norman, Nortei Nortey and Valentín Sabella in the second half.
- Leo Folla was on the bench, but did not feature.
- Joel Chavez backed up Edward Delgado, while Johan Penaranda served a one-match suspension.
- Donald Benemna was out on international duty, but should return to the roster for week 3.
Not Available or Questionable for Week 3: Brandon Rosas, Ryan Wittenbrink
Hailstorm FC’s Previous Week Setup
Opponent: Red Wolves SC
Result: DRAW 0-0
2022 Head to Head
Series draw 1-1-1
June 11: Hailstorm 1-1 Tormenta
Hailstorm goal: Nortey*
Tormenta goal: Adjei*
August 6: Hailstorm 2-0 Tormenta
Hailstorm goals: Rogers,* Evans*
September 10: Tormenta 3-1 Hailstom
Tormenta goals: Sterling (3)*
Hailstorm goal: Desdunes
* Returns to 2023 squad