STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC and Greenville Triumph SC have officially announced its new rivalry name the “Peach States Derby,” highlighting the rich history of peaches in both states. The Peach States Derby honors the legacy of the iconic fruit by bringing together the two teams from Georgia and South Carolina to compete throughout the regular season for a trophy that will be presented on a later date.
Peaches have long been a beloved fruit in both Georgia and South Carolina, with each state laying claim to their own unique variety. In Georgia — also known as “The Peach State” across the United States — the peach industry dates back to the 1800s and has become a significant contributor to the state’s economy, with over 1.6 million trees producing millions of pounds of peaches each year. Similarly, South Carolina has a rich peach-growing history that dates back to the late 1800s, with the state producing more than three times the amount (in pounds) of peaches harvested in Georgia in a typical season.
Through the years the rivalry has continued to grow. From the beginning, South Georgia pulled a statement win in the first-ever USL League One game in 2019. South Georgia has gone on to score 25 goals compared to Greenville’s 17 and currently holds a 8-5-2 (W-L-D) record across all competitions against Greenville. In three games, current TFC forward Kazaiah Sterling has become the top goalscorer of the League One Classic with four goals scored.
In 2022, South Georgia pulled off its best year against the Greenville side after securing seven out of nine regular-season points. The road to the USL League One and W League Final’s also had to go through Greenville after a 1-4 win against the Greenville Liberty and a 0-1 in the League One semifinal secured both teams an opportunity to fight for trophies.
The rivalry name was chosen after much discussion and consideration with the club’s supporters’ groups and fans across the region. Following an initial poll to determine interest in rivalry name options, South Georgia and Greenville ultimately decided that the four poll names did not fully align with the teams’ vision for the iconic rivalry. Overall, supporters from both clubs supported the peach-themed rivalry name options, which ultimately led to Peach States Derby being selected.
How it Works:
The team with the most points from the regular season matches between the two teams will be awarded the Peach States Derby Trophy. To note, the trophy is based only on the regular season. Playoff matches, Open Cup matches and exhibition matches are not included in the decision of awarding the trophy. If both teams are tied in points come the end of the season, the first tie breaker will be total goals scored in the series, and the second tie breaker will be away goals scored.
The Peach States Derby is set to become the most anticipated rivalry series in all of USL League One, and its purpose is to continue growing the oldest rivalry in League One. For South Georgia, having a rival in Greenville has only helped the passion for soccer grow around the region.
Saturday, April 8, will mark the 16th meeting between the two League One sides that began with the inaugural League One match, resulting in a 1-0 Tormenta FC win on March 30, 2019, at Erk Russell Park in Statesboro, Georgia. South Georgia will be playing Greenville for the first time since eliminating them in the League One Semifinals in October of 2022.
South Georgia is poised to make a strong push for the championship title in the upcoming season. Fans can secure their seats at the new Tormenta Stadium ahead of 2023, with Season Tickets now available for purchase.
For additional information and scheduling interviews, call (301-237-0539) or email epintor@tormentafc.com.
