USL W League News

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of goalkeeper Cora Brendle to its 2023 USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval. The Big South Conference Goalkeeper of the Year joins Tormenta FC following a historic year with the University of South Carolina Upstate.

“Cora has great positioning and is a great shot-stopper. She has soft hands and can handle shots and wide service equally as well. She is also very comfortable with the ball at her feet, and she can play with the ball on the ground. She makes great decisions in her distribution and knows when to play short via hands or feet and when to play long. She reads the game very well and knows how to manage situations.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC’s USL W League Head Coach

With USC Upstate, Brendle has totaled 34 games played, with her most productive season coming in 2022. Last year, Brendle started in all 18 matches, recording 79 saves, as well as recording six shutouts in the entire season. Brendle was named the Big South Goalkeeper of the Year, featured in the Big South All-Conference First Team and the Big South All-Tournament Team.

“I chose Tormenta FC because I love the environment. The coaches and staff have created a professional environment that helps players succeed. I also am looking forward to making relationships that will last a lifetime.”

Cora Brendle, Tormenta FC Goalkeeper

Brendle features in the USC Upstate history books, sitting in eighth for the most games started and sitting in 10th overall for most saves (79). The junior also set the record for most wins in a single season (9).

With Brendle in goal, Upstate went 9-4-4 in the regular season, while finishing with a 6-2-1 Big South Conference record. Its No. 2 seed in the Big South Conference Tournament was the highest seed in program history.

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Player Profile:

• Name: Cora Brendle
• Pronunciation: co-ra brehn-dle
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Number: 43
• Height: 5’10
• Birthdate: 10/10/2002
• Hometown: Boiling Springs, South Carolina
• Citizenship: USA
• Current University: University of South Carolina Upstate
• Instagram: @corabrendle_
• Twitter: @brendle_cora

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of forward Tess Werts and midfielder Kaylie Chambers to its 2023 USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval. The Utah State duo head to Statesboro ahead of the 2023 season and will look to compete for a starting position.

“Tess is a versatile player who can play wide on either side. She is very athletic, fast, physical, and is not afraid to do the work on both sides of the ball.  She can provide quality service from the flanks and can also create dangerous chances centrally cutting in from either side. Her pace will be a great asset as we like to overload and get in behind teams from wide positions.  I am confident she will be a dangerous player for us all season. She is an excellent addition and brings another attacking element to our team.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

Werts featured in all 21 of Utah State’s games this season, starting in eight of the matches. She scored her first and only goal of the season in Utah State’s fixture against Northern Arizona in August 2022.

Werts is a graduate of Corner Canyon High School, earning first-team all-state honors as a senior. Werts also played club for Utah Avalanche, as well as spending time with Crossfire United. Her accolades include a third-place national finish in the ECNL, three conference championships and a Surf Cup Championship.

Joining Werts, Utah State teammate Chambers will also feature for Tormenta FC this summer. 

Chambers started in seven of the 19 matches for Utah State. Chambers secured three goals and two assists in 2022. Throughout her freshman year, Chambers featured in 942 minutes. Additionally, Chambers was named the Mountain West Freshman of the week (10/02).

“Kaylie is very technical and can play either as an attacking midfielder or a forward in our system. She is great on the ball, can turn in tight spaces, and can dribble at defenders. She is quick and elusive and has the fitness to run in behind the opponent all game. She will be difficult to defend for 90 minutes, and she is the type of player who can hurt you in a variety of ways. I look forward to bringing her skill set into the team.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

Before playing with Utah State, she was named Offensive Player of the Year for the Colorado Rush. Chambers has also received invitations to the U.S. Women’s National Team ID camps in 2019 and 2021.

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced forward Taylor Golden to its 2023 USL W League roster and attacking line, pending league and federation approval. Golden attended the team’s open trial in early January and aims to turn professional following her time with Tormenta FC. The 18-year-old does not currently attend any collegiate institution.

“Taylor possesses a unique combination of size, speed, quickness, and power. She can also strike the ball with power and accuracy with either foot and will prove very difficult to defend at this level. I am confident that she will get in behind the opposition and be a lethal goalscorer for us centrally or from wide positions. She brings another dangerous goalscorer to Statesboro. I look forward to watching her play at Tormenta Stadium this summer.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

Robbins was able to watch Golden play and lead a number of the trialists. Golden was able to stand out by helping her teammates perform to the best of their abilities. 

“Tormenta became home for me as soon as I sat down with Head Coach Jim Robbins and his coaching staff at tryouts. The environment was extremely professional, and they were very knowledgeable and knew the type of players they were searching for. They conveyed a lot of interest, and that was the most important thing to me. I felt accepted for who I was as a player; that also meant I was being shown trust, loyalty and respect. I’m hoping to grow this season and continue Tormenta’s success rate with professional contracts.”

Taylor Golden, Tormenta FC Forward

In 2022, Golden featured for W League side Tampa Bay United, where she saw action in three games, scoring her lone goal of the season in Tampa Bay’s 3-0 win at Florida Elite Soccer Academy.

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota. 

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced defender Katie Phee to its 2023 USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval. Phee plays for Bishop’s University in Quebec, Canada.

“Katie’s unique combination of speed, quickness and technical ability will help her succeed as an attacking back in our system. She always wants to get forward, both with and without the ball, which is a perfect fit for the way we like to play. She can also combine and provide excellent service from wide positions or she can go straight to goal and create chances for herself. She will be fun to watch and brings another exciting attacking option to our team and our style of play.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

The Nepean, Ontario, native joined Bishop’s University women’s soccer program in 2022. Phee recently culminated her freshman season with Bishop’s University and finished the season with seven appearances and four starts, accumulating 519 minutes her first year with the Quebec-based program.

“I chose Tormenta FC because I would love to help defend a championship, and I enjoy the style of play Coach Jim promotes. Tormenta FC provides an excellent opportunity for me to develop in a professional environment and at a high level of competition in the USL W League.”

Katie Phee, Tormenta FC Defender

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota. 

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Player Profile:

• Name: Katie Phee 
• Pronunciation: kay-tea fee
• Position: Defender
• Number: 16
• Height: 5’2
• Birthdate: 02/19/2004
• Hometown: Nepean, Ontario, Canada 
• Citizenship: Canada
• Current University: Bishop’s University
• Instagram: @katie_phee13
• Twitter: N/A

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announces the addition of Carnegie Mellon  University midfielder Gemma Jefferson to its 2023 USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval. Jefferson joins a talented roster eager to win another title in 2023. 

“Gemma is a very technical player who can play the pivot, keep the ball when needed and play the penetrating ball from a deep position to help us get in behind opponents. She has great range in the midfield and can defend centrally and break up the game in front of our back four. She is strong in the air and not afraid to battle on defensive restarts. She is also dangerous on attacking restarts and can strike balls accurately from outside the box.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

Jefferson has been a regular starter for Carnegie Mellon in her first two years with the program. Jefferson has appeared in 32 games, starting 23, and has contributed with four goals and two assists. The Nashville, Tennessee, native made a commanding push for minutes played in 2022 after starting every game but one. 

“What’s better than the opportunity to join the reigning champions? After talking to returning players and Coach Jim Robbins it became clear to me that Tormenta FC offers not only high-level soccer but a professional environment, talented teammates, and a fun culture as well. I can’t wait to join the family and I’m looking forward to an amazing summer.”

Gemma Jefferson, Tormenta FC Midfielder

Jefferson previously appeared for Tennessee SC in its inaugural W League season, appearing three times and totaling 77 minutes. 

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Player Profile:

• Name: Gemma Jefferson
• Pronunciation: J-eh-m-uh J-EH-f-er-s-uh-n
• Position: Defensive Midfielder
• Number: 
• Height: 5’8
• Birthdate: 10/03/2002
• Hometown: Nashville, TN
• Previous Club: Tennessee Soccer Club ECNL, Carnegie Mellon University
• Instagram: @gemma.jeffersonn
• Twitter: @gemma.jefferson5

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of midfielder Alyssa Abbondandolo to its 2023 USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval. Abbondandolo joins the team after four years at Florida Gulf Coast University and a stint in Catalonia with C.E Llerona.

“Alyssa is another talented and exciting attacking player who can play either upfront or as an attacking midfielder in our system. Athletically, she is quick, elusive, and has great pace.  She is also very technical with great vision and can play every pass and score in a variety of different ways.  As another aspiring professional on our roster, her collegiate experience and her time training and playing in Spain after graduation will prove valuable for our team as we look to earn our place in the USL W Championship game again in 2023.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC’s USL W League Head Coach

Throughout her four years with FGCU, Abbondandolo, featured in 58 games totaling 2,008 minutes played and contributing with fifteen goals and seven assists. A native of Florida, Abbondandolo earned numerous accolades throughout her collegiate career, including being named 2nd Team All-ASUN, 2nd Team All-ASUN and ASUN Player of the Week (10/5/21.)

 “Tormenta FC has been a powerhouse in the W League and spending the summer developing in Statesboro will prepare me for my future career in Europe.”

Alyssa Abbondandolo, Tormenta FC Midfielder

Abbondandolo’s addition to the roster is expected to add depth and talent to an already strong midfield, and Tormenta FC fans can look forward to seeing her on the field in the upcoming season.

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced forward Kiana Jacobson to its USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval. 

“Kiana has the versatility to play either as a central striker, wide player or as an attacking midfielder. She has the pace and athleticism to go at players and beat them off the dribble, but she can also provide quality wide service or the final pass, and she can finish. She has a lot of experience, and she adds another diverse skill set to our team, and we will use her in a variety of ways. I look forward to watching her play in our system. I am confident she will be a dangerous player for us all summer.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC USL W League Head Coach

Jacobson’s versatility to play anywhere in the offensive line made her distinguishable to Robbins and his coaching staff. Her ability to beat defenders and finish in crucial moments will surely come in handy as Tormenta FC attempts to go all the way to the W League Final once again in 2023.

“I joined Tormenta FC because of the professional environment and opportunity the team provides to its players. Many girls from the 2022 season are now playing professionally, and I aspire to do the same one day. I know there’s going to be great competition and great training, I can’t wait to go through it all with this club!”

Kiana Jacobson, Tormenta FC Midfielder

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota.

Tormenta FC provides opportunities to local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced six professional players with Sydney Martinez joining Jenae Packard, Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Player Profile:

• Name: Kiana Jacobson 
• Pronunciation:  K-EE-ah-n-uh J-AI-k-uh-b-s-uh-n
• Position: Midfielder
• Birthdate: July 19, 1999
• Citizenship: USA
• Current University: Hamline University (previously with Highline College)
• Instagram: @kiana.1012
• Twitter: @coolsoccer12

STATESBORO, Ga. –  South Georgia Tormenta FC has announced the addition of goalkeeper Keara Fitzgerald to its 2023 USL W League roster, pending league and federation approval.

“Keara possesses all the qualities to play at this level. She has great hands and can make all the tough saves. She can also play with her feet, punt, and drop-kick for distance and accuracy. She is a strong leader at the back and is not afraid to command her team. She is a great addition to our goalkeeper group as we try to replace our three excellent goalkeepers from 2022.”

Jim Robbins, Tormenta FC’s USL W League Head Coach

Despite only playing two seasons at UC San Diego, Fitzgerald has proven to be a natural leader on the field. With a total of 27 games played, Fitzgerald has earned the starting position for UC San Diego. 

In 2022, Fitzgerald co-captained the tritons, setting a new program Division I record for most saves in a game with 10 stops against San Francisco. Fitzgerald played a total of 14 games, totaling 1,170 minutes.

Fitzgerald is set to make her W League debut with Tormenta FC in 2023, and will look to lead the team to its second W League title in one of the toughest divisions in the nation. 

In June of 2021, Tormenta FC was named a founding member of the USL W League, an elite pre-professional pathway for women looking to build their careers both on and off the pitch. Tormenta FC won its first-ever USL W League title in 2022 after defeating the Minnesota Aurora in front of 6,500 fans in Eagan, Minnesota. 

Tormenta FC provides an opportunity for local and national players to develop and start their professional careers in Statesboro, Georgia. In just one year, Tormenta FC’s USL W League team has produced five professional players with Jenae Packard joining Emily Burke, Kelly Giddes, Abigail Wolf and Jodi Medina as the latest player to sign a contract in Europe.

For additional information and scheduling interviews, email: epintor@tormentafc.com.

Player Profile:

• Name: Keara Fitzgerald
• Pronunciation: key-er-uh fits-jeh-ruld
• Position: Goalkeeper
• Height: 6’
• Birthdate: 8/11/2002
• Hometown: Ventura, California
• Citizenship: USA
• Currently University: University of California San Diego
• Instagram: kearaafitzgerald
• Twitter: @kearaafitz