STATESBORO – USL League One’s smallest market club is now the champion.
South Georgia Tormenta FC defeated Chattanooga Red Wolves SC 2-1 to win their first ever USL League One championship on Sunday night in front of a record 3,045 fans at Tormenta Stadium.
After finishing third in the table to clinch their first appearance in the USL League One playoffs, Tormenta FC fought their way through Charlotte and Greenville for a shot at the championship. The Red Wolves finished fourth, and defeated defending champions Union Omaha and regular season points leader Richmond Kickers to earn their place in the final.
Tormenta’s goals leader Kazaiah Sterling notched his fourth goal of the playoffs with a penalty kick conversion early on.
The Red Wolves bounced back as the half came to a close, on an Alex Tejera header from Jose Carrera’s free kick at 45+3′.
Tormenta sealed the match when Jamil Roberts came off the bench in the 78th minute and scored the game winner just minutes later, assisted by Sterling.
Sterling was named MVP of the match. The forward scored or assisted on all five Tormenta goals during the 2022 playoffs.
This was the first USL League One Championship appearance for either side, both founding members of the league.
Red Wolves will head into the off season with major questions surrounding the status of their head coach. They are currently led by assistant Jimmy Weekley, after previous head coach Jimmy Obleda was suspended in July.