In a landmark moment, South Georgia Tormenta FC is poised to face USL Championship team Miami FC in the third round of the 109th edition of the U.S. Open Cup at 7:30 p.m. on April 17 at the FIU Soccer Stadium on the Florida International University campus.
Following a 4-0 shutout of the Savannah Clovers, South Georgia Tormenta FC carries a wave of momentum into this historic first-time meeting. Miami FC enters the U.S. Open Cup for the first time this season. Since the team’s ascent to the professional ranks of USL League One in 2019, South Georgia Tormenta FC has never lost a round of the Open Cup to a Championship team.
“The lads have earned the right with two strong performances to advance and set themselves up for a showdown in Miami,” Head Coach Ian Cameron explained. “From what I’ve seen both groups are in the infancy of a rebuild, of course, Miami has the advantage of being a USLC organization and all that comes with that; however, our group is growing in confidence and will arrive with the intention of advancing. Let’s see what we can do against a superior opposition on paper.”
The winner of this knockout-style match-up may go on to face an MLS division team, the highest playing division in America. No stranger to high-stakes environments, South Georgia Tormenta FC has played against two MLS teams in prior Open Cup matches, Inter Miami CF and Charlotte FC.
“The beauty of The Cup is that we get the opportunity to play such a wide range of teams and players,” Co-Owner and President of South Georgia Tormenta FC Darin Van Tassell said. “We have a unique opportunity here to get out of our typical environments and face new opponents as a team.”
Captain of South Georgia Tormenta FC Conor Doyle experienced an Open Cup win first-hand. While playing for MLS team D.C. United in 2013, Doyle had the opportunity to play in the final round of the Open Cup when his team beat Real Salt Lake.
Tormenta has made it to the fourth round of the Open Cup only once prior in 2022, the same year the team won the regular season USL League One Championship, meaning this third round will be pivotal for the club. As players hit the road to face Miami FC, Tormenta FC is beaming with pride to represent South Georgia in this historic battle of skill and gameplay.
Fans can follow along with the lads and stream the match here.
