New Faces at Tormenta FC and 1st Round of Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Opponent
South Georgia Tormenta FC is gearing up for their 2025 campaign as they have begun preseason matches. Fan favorites Aaron Walker, Sebastian Vivas, and Sam Jones are returning to the Ibis roster. In addition to them there are many new faces joining the club for the upcoming season, including Defender Thabo Nare, Midfielder Alon Drey, and goalkeeper Austin Pack.
Credit Jocelyne Garcia
There is one player though that is going to be an intriguing add, and that is Barbadian national team Forward Niall Reid-Stephen. Niall begun his collegiate career with Chicago State University before joining Florida Gulf Coast University. After college he joined Appalachian FC of the National Premier Soccer League, helping them to a conference championship appearance. After that season he joined USL2 side Asheville City FC where he would help them to a National Semifinals match. They would go on to lose 1-0 to eventual National Champions Seacoast United. However, what has been most impressive with him is his form as of late. With his national team, Barbados, he has 10 goals over 8 games including a hat trick against US Virgin Islands in the CONCACAF Nations League. His dynamic play will be one of the most exciting things to watch when Tormenta opens the USL1 season on March 8th against the Richmond Kickers.
Last week, the USSF released the Lamar Hunt US Open 1st round schedule. Tormenta has a bit of a reputation among USL1 teams who are known for creating drama, just as they did in 2022 when they were able to beat two USL Championship teams before falling to MLS side Inter Miami. This year they will begin play against United Premier Soccer League side Harbor City FC. Harbor City qualified by beating FC America CFL Spurs by way of penalties. This will surely be a tough matchup for Harbor City but one that they look forward to, as will Tormenta as they will be determined to start the road back to the round of 32 for what would be the 3rd time in 4 years. The match is scheduled for 20th of March at Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro GA.