The Crazy Week that Was for Tormenta FC
From a first half stoppage heartbreak to the loss of a beloved manager to a crazy draw
To start a short week of games Tormenta travelled to Naples, FL to take on FC Naples. In a match that saw Tormenta really control the ball well, it also left a lot to be desired throughout the match. Tormenta was able to get possession throughout by taking away opportunities all game long and find ways to enter the final third more often than that of Naples. However, the struggle came to finding a way to finish off the chances. Tormenta’s shots were not on target for the most part as they were trying to build off the play instead of settling the play.
Naples got the scoring starting in the 36th minute by Karsen Henderlong from the top of the box just out of reach of Austin Pack. Tormenta though would answer back quickly in the 41st with Niall Reid-Stephen getting his 4th of the season. However, the tie would be short lived as in the 4th minute of stoppage time Lika Prpa would put one in off the corner kick. The second half would be controlled by Naples just doing what they could to keep the chances by Tormenta low and keep possession of the ball. In the end they would hold on giving Tormenta a 2-1 defeat.
As we all learned, Ian Cameron would step down effective immediately, catching everyone off guard. Mark McKeever who was brought in to be an assistant would take over the helm as the interim coach. Some fans have shown disgust in this move thinking Tormenta purposely brought him in to replace Ian, but that wasn’t the case. None the less he has stepped into the role and knows there is work to be done for the team.
Tormenta would head to NY where they would take on Westchester SC, their second match against each other. Westchester SC would control the ball much of the game while seemingly having the green light to shoot as much as possible. Tormenta’s defense, though, would make it hard for them to get clean shots, forcing 7 off target and blocking another 4 shots.
Mason Tunbridge, who would be nominated as part of the team of the week, would get the scoring started in the 27th minute off a free kick that he would kick low and have it bounce past Hammersley. It was the first USL1 goal for Mason since April 20th, but his second in the past 3 weeks as he had a goal against Miami FC in the Jagermeister Cup. Westchester would answer in the 33rd minute as Noah Pwder would find the back of the net off a header. At halftime, it would be 1-1 after the 4 additional minutes.
We would see 3 goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half with Guezen getting a goal for Westchester in the 50th minute. Not to be outdone, Tunbridge would find himself on the score board for the second time of the game, as he would get the assist and float the ball into the box for Bazini to head it home. For Bazini it was his 5th goal of the season and 1st since his 2 goal game against Omaha. Four minutes later Bazini would be brought down hard and late in the box from behind, leading to a penalty shot in which Tunbridge(again) would get on the board with as he drove it low and right to net himself a brace. Just 3 minutes later, Austin Pack would make a great reaching save on a shot coming off a corner, keeping the game in Tormenta’s favor 3-2.
Westchester would continue to dominate the half pressing, but each time Tormenta would be seemingly ready to stop them. That was until the 89th minute. when Prince Saydee would go down in the box, off what looked to be a very suspect call, leading to a PK. Westchester would capitalize on the PK, scoring to tie the game at 3 a piece. Austin would choose the right direction to go on the shot getting a hand to it, but it would roll off his fingers into the goal. Even in the stoppage time Austin was constantly tested, none more important the stop in the 6th minute of stoppage off a shot by Obregon that he would push aside. After 11 minutes of what was supposed to be 8 minutes of stoppage time, the game ended in a 3-3 draw.
Tormenta travels to Richmond, Virginia for the their next match up against the Kickers where they hope to move up at least 1 spot if not 2 in the standings with a win. With a week to work with the team it will be interesting to see what Mark will come up with to get them ready to play on Saturday, August 16th. They will have 1 more game away after that one before returning home on August 30th to face Forward Madison FC.
Until next time, Vamos Tormenta!