South Georgia Tormenta Signs Defender Makel Rasheed
The centerback was a 2023 MLS SuperDraft selection
South Georgia Tormenta announced the signing of defender Makel Rasheed this morning, ahead of a road match with Texoma FC tonight.
The 24 year old was a 65th overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft by Nashville SC, but did not sign with the team. He then signed with Nashville’s MLS NextPro side Huntsville City as a free agent late in the 2024 season. While there, he was on the roster for the final three matches of the season. He made just one appearance, subbing in for the final 17 minutes of the season closer, a 1-0 win over NYCFC II.
Prior to turning professional, Rasheed was a defensive standout at Xavier University and Asheville City.
Rasheed is not listed in tonight’s media report for the club’s road match against Texoma FC. However the team mentioned in the press release that he would be available for selection.
Tormenta has struggled lately, losing four consecutive regular season matches, and sit at last in the table. Three of the losses saw the squad give up two or more goals. Tormenta is averaging two goals conceded across all regular season matches this season.
Head Coach Ian Cameron said he’d been keeping an eye on Rasheed “for a few years now.”
“He has the potential to be a top central defender and needs a run of games, a period of his career where he can stay healthy, and show consistency,” said Cameron via the team’s press release, “our club has proved a fertile ground for players like Makel to find such form.”
Tormenta’s defense has also struggled with discipline this season. Centerback Jackson Kasanzu will miss tonight’s match after a first half red card in last week’s 2-0 loss to Charlotte Independence. It was the third red card of the regular season for the team, with fellow defender Anatolie Prepelita earning two. Prepelita has also not been in action since a Jägermeister Cup match against Greenville on April 26th for undisclosed reasons.
Amidst this turmoil, Rasheed should add size and depth to the corps of centerbacks. With Prepelita out, the duties have fallen to Kasanzu along with Callum Stretch and Thabo Nare. Joseph Pérez has been limited in appearances this season, bouncing in and out of the roster, and yet to make a start.
Tormenta FC will face a surging Texoma FC side in Sherman, Texas tonight at 7:30 CT. The expansion club had a slow start, but has not seen a regular season loss since May 3rd, and has wins in its last three.