The 2023 USL League One season kicked off in Cary, North Carolina on Friday night as defending champions South Georgia Tormenta FC traveled to take on North Carolina FC.

The rain-soaked match saw Tormenta FC depart with the first three points of the year on a 1-0 victory over the hosts.

The lone goal came from a left-foot shot by left-winger Mukwelle Akale at the 35th minute that just missed the outstretched arms of NCFC goalkeeper Nick Holiday. There were questions from players on the field as Akale appeared offside, but the linesman did not make a call.

It was a chippy first half, with two yellow cards handed out, one for Tomenta’s Pedro Fonseca in the 18th minute and another for NCFC’s Oalex Anderson in the 44th minute.

As the second half started, so did the heavy rain. NCFC manager John Bradford quickly subbed in Garrett McLaughlin, the club’s 2022 goals leader for Preston Popp at the 56th minute. This led to some bursts of energy on the NCFC front line, as Oalex Anderson took a pair of shots, one saved by Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara, the other stymied by the Tormenta defense. NCFC midfielder Jaden Sevania had another shot saved by Jara during this burst.

NCFC’s only other chance came on a DJ Benton cross nearly headed in by Luis Arriaga in the 75th minute. The shot went just high, leaving a stunned Arriaga to lie on the pitch for a few seconds in disbelief.

As the second half progressed, Tormenta FC manager Ian Cameron countered McLaughlin’s sub in with his own sub of Kingsford Adjei for starting striker Andrew Akindele. Adjei was second in club goals in the 2022 season. Cameron also subbed in midfielders Matheus Cassini for Pedro Fonseca and Chris Heckenberg for John Murphy in the 66th minute.

The defensive battles of the second half also became contentious at times, with yellow cards handed out to Tormenta’s Heckenberg and Cassini and another late yellow to NCFC’s Nico Rincon, who subbed in for Navarro at the 89th minute.

Tormenta FC Highlights

Tobias Otieno and Jake Dengler continued their defensive dominance from 2022. Otieno was 11 for 11 on duels and 6 for 7 on tackles, while Dengler had a team-leading 9 clearances.

Preston Kilwien also stood out in his debut, indicating that this may be a tough defense to crack in 2023. Subsequently Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara only saw two shots on target, both of which he saved.

North Carolina FC Highlights

Despite the loss, the club looked much better than 2022’s last-place squad already.

Rafa Mentzingen looks to be shaping up as the offensive leader, taking set-pieces and corners, and with several bursts of breaking through the defense.

Despite allowing in one (questionable) goal, the defense was solid and dynamic, with Navarro, Benton, and Gustavo Fernandes showcasing incredibly high pass accuracy, keeping the ball out of the defensive zone and contributing to offensive chances.

It was a disappointing opening night home loss for sure, but this club still looks like a season favorite.

Match Notes

Defense ruled the day, with both clubs limited to two shots on target apiece, and Tormenta FC to only three shots overall.

2022 goals leader and playoff MVP Kazaiah Sterling was absent from the roster for undisclosed reasons. The striker had appeared in a pair of pre-season matches.

Forward Arthur Bosua was not in the lineup, continuing his recovery from a season-ending injury in 2022.

Missing from the NCFC roster included defender Luke Croll, forwards Cole Frame and Marvin Mariche, and midfielders Louis Perez and Pecka.

NCFC newcomer Daniel Navarro got the captain’s armband in his debut with the club. Tormenta goalkeeper Pablo Jara captained his squad.

NCFC started a mix of newcomers and 2022 veterans. Making their debuts as starters: Daniel Navarro, DJ Benton, Rafa Mentzingen, and Mikey Maldonado. Nelson Flores Blanco, Gustavo Fernandes, Luis Arriaga, Jayden Servania, Preston Popp, Oalex Anderson, and Nick Holiday were the returning players in the starting 11.

Notable on the bench for NCFC was 2022 goals leader Garrett McLaughlin, who subbed in for Popp in the second half.

Tormenta FC started a majority of newcomers. Making their Tormenta FC debuts in the starting 11 were Andrew Akindele, Jackson Khoury, Pedro Fonseca, John Murphy, Nick Akoto, Preston Kilwien, and Davey Mason. Returning starters were Mukwelle Akale, Tobias Otieno, Jake Dengler, and Pablo Jara.

Notable on the bench for Tormenta FC were Kingsford Adjei and off-season acquisition Matheus Cassini, both of whom subbed in the second half.

Match Details

Location: WakeMed Soccer Park, Cary, NC
Attendance: 3,429
Weather: 62F, windy, rainy