The Red Wolves head to Statesboro, GA to take on Tormenta FC on Saturday for the first of two back-to-back away games after completing the two-game home stand at CHI Memorial Stadium. Coach Obleda’s side once again found success at home against the Richmond Kickers, as Juan Galindrez netted his first goal of the season in the 84th minute to seal three more points making it 10 from a possible 12. In addition to Juan Galindrez netting his first of the year, Jose Carrera-García and Ricky Ruiz were named to USL League One’s official Team of the Week.
Sensational performances from the likes of homegrown talent Jonathan Ricketts and Sebastian Mora-Mora once again proved critical against Richmond. Defender Jonathan Esparza took the long throw leading to the first goal, and Jason Ramos was his usual solidifying presence in the center of the Red Wolves’ backline.
The last time out against the Kickers, Obleda’s side boasted 60% of the possession, doubled Richmond’s 7 shots, and boasted an outstanding 80% pass accuracy while impressively limiting Richmond to 60%. The Red Wolves will be looking to take advantage of what has been a leaky Tormenta defense, with a suffocating press and lightning-fast counter attacking play to the likes of Galindrez and last weekend’s man of the match Ricky Ruiz.
Tormenta hosts the Red Wolves looking to snap a poor run of form to start the campaign. Ian Cameron’s side looks to find success playing on their home pitch at ERK Russell Park where Tormenta beat FC Tucson 3-1 for their solitary victory in seven matches. Even after a rough start to the 2021 campaign, a Tormenta victory would see them jump to within 4 points of Obleda’s Red Wolves who currently sit 4th in the league.
Tormenta has struggled at the back so far this season, contributing heavily to the side’s struggles. Even as longstanding GK Pablo Jara leads the league in saves with 22, Tormenta has conceded an average of 3 goals a game compared to the Red Wolves 1 goal a game concession rate.
In addition, Tormenta has struggled to put away chances efficiently, with only 9% of shots on target leading to a goal compared to the Red Wolves’ conversion rate of 20%. Mainstay in the side Marco Micaletto leads Tormenta with 2 goals so far, and will look to contribute in breaking down a resolute Red Wolves backline.
Thursday the Red Wolves announced the acquisition of Rey Ortiz, FC Cincinnati’s selection in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. Taken with the 29th pick, Ortiz spent the 2020 season on loan with the Charlotte Independence in the USL Championship. A former LA Galaxy Academy product and All-West Coast Conference First team player at the University of Portland, Coach Obleda and his staff are thrilled with the club’s new signing.
Sean McDaniel, Red Wolves president and GM, said this regarding the signing, “The second he became available we made our move quickly… with Rey’s MLS and Championship experience he will give us a level of professionalism both on and off the field.” With Coach Obleda adding, “His mentality and attitude fits in our DNA, we hope for big things from Rey.”
Meanwhile, Tormenta’s new additions in the midfield Raheem Somersall and Vincent Candela have adjusted well to life in Statesboro, GA and look to make life difficult for the Red Wolves’ own star-studded cast of midfielders.
The Red Wolves look to make it five unbeaten at ERK Russell Park against Tormenta FC on Saturday, June 5, at 8 PM EST.
