Hat Trick Sees Tormenta Past Northern Colorado
September 11, 2022 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC News Release
STATESBORO, Ga. – Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC (8W-10L-8D, 32 points) fall to South Georgia Tormenta FC (10W-8L-6D, 36 points) 3-1 at Erk Russell Athletic Park. South Georgia’s Kazaiah Sterling scores all three in a hat trick performance.
The Tormenta started early, opening the scoring in the third minute. Tobias Otieno found space on the end line, cutting the ball back for Sterling. Goalkeeper Johan Peñaranda got a glove on Sterling’s shot, but it wasn’t enough to deny the Englishman the goal.
After 28 minutes, Northern Colorado evened the scoring. A cross from Wolfgang Prentice bounced around in the box, landing for Jerry Desdunes. The Haitian took the shot first time, burying the ball in the back of the net. He now has two goals in the last three games.
Minutes before halftime, a bounce broke South Georgia’s way. As Peñaranda and Tormenta’s Ryan Sierakowski raced for a ball in the 18-yard box, the ball took a deflection off Peñaranda straight to Sterling. Sterling secured his brace and the lead for his side.
The referee pointed to the penalty spot after 75 minutes. Deeming that Brecc Evans had brought Sterling down in the box. Sterling stepped up and put the shot down the middle, with Peñaranda diving to his right. It was the first hat trick this season for Tormenta.
Next week the Hailstorm go on their first bye week since the beginning of June. With a chance to rest players and gear up for the final four matches of the season. They will conclude Week 24 in seventh place, just one point outside the playoff spots.
Northern Colorado is back in action on September 21 when they host Union Omaha. The match is at 8 p.m. MDT, at Severance High School.
Match Quotes:
Head Coach Éamon Zayed
On the match…
“We were very poor tonight. Probably the worst performance since the Chattanooga game. After Tormenta’s lost to Richmond, they wanted it more.”
Head Coach Éamon Zayed
On missing players…
“It wasn’t ideal with Trevor Amann coming off the back of having a hat trick and Player of the Week, unfortunately he couldn’t make the trip, so we missed him. Irvin Parra, without our top goal scorer. Not having the likes of Trevor and Irvin hurt tonight.”
Defender Rob Cornwall
On the bye week coming up…
“It’s coming a good point in the season. It’ll be good to get some days off going into the final stretch of games.”
Midfielder Jerry Desdunes
On his scoring form in the last three games…
“Every time I score goals it gives me confidence towards the next game. It motivates me to be more hungry and get another one.”
Midfielder Jerry Desdunes
On tonight’s match…
“Unfortunately, we lost the game, we have four games left, so we just need to keep our heads up. That’s all we can do, and move on to the next game.”
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