Tormenta FC Refuses to Slow Down, Extends Win Streak to Six with 3-1 Victory over Westchester SC
Tormenta FC refuses to slow down — on the scoreboard or in the standings — as they extended their club-record winning streak to six matches, tying the longest in USL League One this season, with a commanding 3-1 win over Westchester SC. Fueled by a brace from Niall Reid-Stephen and a goal from Conor Doyle, Tormenta is peaking at just the right time in the playoff race.
First Half
It didn’t take long for Tormenta to strike. Just 11 minutes into the match, Niall Reid-Stephen opened the scoring with a clinical finish after a clever flicked header from Makel Rasheed. The assist led Reid-Stephen into the box, where he calmly slotted home his 11th goal of the USL League One season.
Westchester responded quickly. In the 20th minute, Dean Guezen took advantage of a defensive lapse, making a run up the left side and finishing past Austin Pack to level the score at 1-1.
Tormenta would reclaim the lead just before halftime. In the 42nd minute, Bazini showcased his signature footwork, weaving through defenders before sliding a perfect pass across the middle to Conor Doyle. Doyle tucked a low shot to the left side of the net just beyond a sliding defender, who screened the keeper in the process.
The half nearly ended with a stunner, as Gabriel Cabral unleashed a curling strike that narrowly missed the top corner. The chance was set up by some slick tic-tac passing between Cabral and Mason Tunbridge, highlighting the growing chemistry in Tormenta’s midfield over the past two months.
Second Half
Tormenta picked up right where they left off and wasted no time reasserting control. Just one minute into the second half, Reid-Stephen struck again. With a teammate open at the top of the box, he sold the pass, freezing the defense, before rifling a shot into the top left corner. The goal his 12th of the season brought him within two of the league lead. Meanwhile, Westchester’s own top scorer and the league’s current leader, Juan Carlos Obregón Jr., was kept quiet throughout the night.
Doyle nearly added another in the 70th minute, launching a powerful shot off a corner kick, only to be denied by a strong punch from the Westchester goalkeeper.
From there, Tormenta dictated the pace, controlled possession, and shut down any serious threats from Westchester. The defense stood firm, while the midfield continued to dominate the rhythm of the match.
As the final whistle blew, Tormenta not only celebrated another vital win but also moved one step closer to clinching a playoff spot. They now sit 7th in the standings with 38 points, six points ahead of 9th place Forward Madison, with just three matches remaining in the regular season.
Looking Ahead
Next up: a crucial road trip to face 3rd place Spokane Velocity this Saturday. A win in Spokane would go a long way in securing Tormenta’s postseason hopes.
The big question: Can Spokane find a way to stop this red-hot, goal-hungry Tormenta side?
Until next time, Vamos Tormenta!