Charlotte FC US Open Cup Round 3 - Tormenta FC Preview

By Brian Maurer

Tormenta FC's starting lineup at a recent game (Photo courtesy of Tormenta FC)

Tormenta FC’s History

Tormenta FC has had a USL League One team since 2019, making them one of the founding members of the league. This past season they won the USL League One championship by beating Chattanooga 2-1 in the final. This was their first USL League One championship win. Tormenta FC also had a successful run in the US Open Cup last season, making it to the fourth round before falling to Inter Miami 3-1. The team has never beaten an MLS club in a competitive match.

Tormenta FC’s 2023 Season

So far this season Tormenta FC are 3-0-3. Their most recent result was a 2-0 win against One Knoxville SC on the road. They are struggling to score goals at times as they have only seven goals through their first six games. However, they have been able to keep three clean sheets.

Torment FC currently sits third in the USL League One table as they look to defend their 2022 title.

Player’s To Watch

Tobias Otieno - Charlotte FC should expect to have a lot of control of this game. In order to do that they will need to break down Tormenta FC’s midfield. Otieno has been one of the key players in the midfield to start this season, having started all six of their games. Dominating in the midfield will be a key for Charlotte FC, and it starts with outwitting Otieno.

Nicholas Akoto - Akoto is another key piece to Tormenta FC’s defense. He, like Otieno, has started in every game so far this season. The full back also gets forward and looks for shots in the attack, something that was seen in the team’s most recent match against One Knoxville. Pinning Akoto and the rest of Tormenta FC back will be key for Charlotte FC as they look to dominate this game by maintaining lots of possession in Tormenta FC’s half.

Jackson Khoury - Khoury is currently Tormenta FC’s leading goal scorer. He put his third goal of the season away this past weekend against One Knoxville to help seal the game for them. Charlotte FC’s rotated squad will need to make sure they contain Khoury to snuff the light out on this game early.

Tormenta FC’s Starting XI

Tormenta has been regularly running a back four in their USL League One matches, but they could end up looking different against an MLS opponent as their tactics are likely to be altered drastically compared to their league play set up.

In goal, Tormenta FC most often use Pablo Jara, who regularly steps up as their captain. However, he was subbed off during the weekend as a precaution because of a head injury. Whether he is able to go tonight will likely come down to a last minute decision.

Defensively they are likely to include fullbacks David Mason and Akoto as they have been their most used starting defenders.

Tobias Otieno has been the most consistent mainstay in the Tormenta FC midfield. He is likely to feature as a key part of their midfield tonight.

Mukwelle Akale and Khoury are likely to feature in the attack as they have been their most used attackers. Tormenta FC also signed striker Ryan Sierakowski and he featured in the starting lineup immediately this past weekend so there is a chance he could get a run out this weekend as well.

What To Expect

This should be a game where Charlotte FC dominate possession and impose their will regardless of the lineup Christian Lattanzio puts out. However, this is also a cup match so things can play out unexpectedly. This is more likely if Lattanzio opts for a heavily rotated lineup.

Last season Charlotte FC struggled to put away the Greenville Triumph in the third round, requiring stoppage time before eventually going on to win 3-1. Tormenta FC have proven that they are able to put up a fit regardless of the opponent they are facing so while they are two tiers below MLS Charlotte FC should not take them lightly.