CARY, N.C. — South Georgia Tormenta FC obtained its first victory of the 2023 USL League One season after defeating North Carolina FC on the road this Friday evening. Mukwelle Akale scored Tormenta FC’s first goal of the season, securing the three points for Tormenta FC. Notably, South Georgia secured its first season opening win since 2019, which was Tormenta FC’s inaugural professional season.

“They’ve just proved to themselves that they can go on the road like last year and win games against very top opponents on opening night against a team that has spent a lot of money in the offseason," Tormenta coach Ian Cameron said. "We deserved to win the game. We got the goal. The second half would have been different if it was even, but we got the goal. We controlled the game in the second half even without the ball, and we’re very proud of the team.”

Throughout the first half, South Georgia was able to play its game in front of an intense crowd, with several chances occurring for both sides. In the 35th minute, South Georgia was able to find the back of the net after John Murphy Jr. located Akale on the right side of the field. The nimble-footed winger received the ball and quickly took off down the wing. As he neared the net, Akale looked up and saw the goalkeeper out of position. With pinpoint accuracy, the low-placed shot crossed the goal line and rolled into the bottom corner of the net. 

Throughout the second half, North Carolina FC applied pressure to try and get the equalizer; however, its attempts were unsuccessful. 

Davey Mason, Preston Kilwien, Elijah Amo, Nick Akoto, Jackson Khoury, Pedro Fonseca, John Murphy Jr., Matheus Cassini and Andrew Akindele all made their Tormenta FC debuts this Saturday night.

Tormenta FC is set to open up its title-defending season at home against the Charlotte Independence next Saturday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. ET from Optim Sports Medicine Field at Tormenta Stadium in Statesboro, Georgia.