Coming off a season-opening defeat last weekend, South Georgia Tormenta could ill afford to drop a second consecutive home match to start the 2024 season.

And for the first half against Forward Madison, it appeared Tormenta was well positioned to at least get a draw as both teams entered halftime scoreless.

Midway through the second half Madison was able to take a lead that they would hold well into stoppage time.

In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Nick Akoto found himself open on the right touchline and sent a cross into the box. A diving header attempt was missed by Gabriel Rodriguez, but open behind him was Naill Watson, who was able to take a touch and then fire a shot to the back of the net to tie the score and give Tormenta a much needed point in their second game of the season.

“It was a weird one,” Watson said of his goal. “It bounced a bit funny. I’m delighted I was able to control and finish it off.”

Akoto said of his cross that it was something the team had worked on in training and was trying to put the ball in a dangerous situation.

“We’ve been working all week on one-two (passes), getting behind (the defense) quickly and then just getting the ball inside the six yard box because that’s an area where goalkeepers and defenders don’t like to defend,” Akoto said. “I know that if I put a ball there the attackers are hopefully going to be there and that’s what happened today.”

Tormenta Manager Ian Cameron said his team was a little shorthanded due to injuries, especially in the midfield, that created tactical challenges for Tormenta but they were able to fight for the draw.

“It certainly wasn’t our best game, but by the same token, it’s very, very important in this league to manage to carve back results, to score late goals and show that character and you have to give the boys credit,” Cameron said. “It’s an enormous effort to deal with that adversity and come back and get an equalizer. The fight back was certainly where we needed to be.”

After a scoreless first half, Madison was able to create several opportunities midway through the second half, testing the Tormenta defense and goalkeeper Ford Parker. Eventually Madison was able to break through when Devin Boyce was able to corral a cross from the left. He took a touch from about 15 yards out to settle and fire a shot to Parker’s right that he was unable to stop. 

Parker said the team was able to make adjustments from the first game to the second that showed improvements.

“A big thing we talked about throughout the week is just winning first and second balls,” Parker said. “No matter what system or formation you play, that’s the key to soccer. You’ve got to have that aggression to come out and want to win the ball and I think we did that a lot better than we did last week.”

Parker finished the night with seven saves, including in the 77th minute when Madison was able to use quick passing to work down the right side before working the ball back towards the middle. Madison’s shot was low and to the right, forcing Parker to make a diving save. The rebound fell to another Madison striker and Parker was able to deflect that with his foot to keep the deficit at one.

Madison outshot South Georgia on the night 19-6, including 12 shots inside the box to Tormenta’s four. 

“Obviously we want to get the shut out,” Parker said. “It’s the goalkeeper and back line’s job, and really, the whole team’s job is to get a shut out and I think we can take a step forward next week.”

Watson, who didn’t get in Tormenta’s first game, said it’s important to be ready when you’re called upon to step up and make an impact for the team.

“You’ve got to mentally prepare yourself and if you get the call to go in, you've got to work as hard as you can and don’t give any excuses and run your legs off,” he said. “You’re only on for a short spell so for the time you’re on you work your hardest. I was delighted to get the call and long may it continue.”

While disappointed to not get the win, Cameron said a tie against Madison is something the team can build on.

“Madison are a really good team,” Cameron said. “They’re a really strong team and I think they’re going to be at the top end of the league and so a draw is not the worst result in the world.”

Tormenta to host U.S. Open Cup Tuesday

It will be a quick turnaround for Tormenta as they host the first round of the U.S. Open Cup Tuesday as FC America CFL Spurs from Winter Park, Fla. come to town. The Spurs will be making their Open Cup debut after qualifying as an amateur club in the Fall. For the 2024 season, the Spurs will compete in the United Premier Soccer League.

Cameron said he expects his team to be ready to play Tuesday even with the quick turnaround. 

“If I’m a footballer, I’d rather play games than train,” he said. “So rather than training all week, I’d rather say ‘Great, I get to sleep a couple of nights and I get to play again on Tuesday. Then i get to sleep a few more nights and then play again on Saturday,’” he said. “That’s what the boys want to do, it’s what they’re paid to do. So less training, more games. Perfect. Bring it on.”

Akoto said it’ll be important for the team to rest and recover as they prepare for Tuesday.

“We want to make sure we prepare well for the game on Tuesday and hopefully go in there and get the win,” he said.

Kickoff is set for Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at Tormenta Stadium.