U.S. Open Cup Preview: Charlotte FC vs Tormenta FC

When: April 25th, 7:30 PM ET | How to Watch: Will be streamed live on CBS Sports Golazo Network, the free 24-hour soccer streaming network.

The 2023 U.S. Open Cup is entering the 3rd round which means MLS teams begin to participate including Charlotte FC. The Crown will host a U.S. Open Cup match for the first time their short history against South Georgia Tormenta FC. The match will be held at Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews on April 25th at 7:30 pm.

What’s At Stake?

America’s oldest and longest-running soccer tournament is back. The U.S. Open Cup was first held way back in 1913 when it was known as the National Challenge Cup. Unlike any other competition in the American soccer pyramid, this is the only tournament where at least 80 professional, semi-pro, and amateur teams alike all compete for the same trophy.

This is an opportunity for fans to watch their teams play against opponents they normally wouldn’t. It’s also a chance for clubs to win a trophy outside of their respective leagues. Not only is a trophy on the line, but the winner of the U.S. Open Cup also is granted a spot in the following year’s CONCACAF Champions League. The CCL is the premier continental tournament where teams from North and Central America compete against each other for the title of the best team in the region.

"We want to do well and go as far as possible. I have full belief in the squad and so I think it will be an opportunity for some players to get some minutes. But I want to play the most competitive squad that I can in every single match that I can. U.S. Open Cup is not an exception to that," said CLTFC Head Coach Christian Lattanzio back when the Crown's U.S. Open Cup draw was announced.

Tormenta FC

The South Georgian club a part of USL League 1, the third division of the U.S. Soccer pyramid, and the same league that North Carolinian teams Charlotte Independence and North Carolina FC play in as well. In fact the club was the first founding member the relatively new league that began play in 2019. They hosted the inaugural match of League One setting an attendance record of 3,519.

They are the reigning champions of League One beating Chattanooga Red Wolves FC in the 2022 final. They currently sit third in the standings early on in their 2023 campaign from winning three games and losing three through their first six matches.

At the helm is Head Coach Ian Cameron who deservedly signed an extension with the club in December of 2022 after taking a Tormenta side that couldn't make playoffs to League One champions. The player to watch for is 20-year-old Australian midfielder Jackson Khoury who leads the team with three goals and contributing an assist for another quickly contributing to his new club after signing earlier this year. Other notable players are midfielder Mukwelle Akale who was a part of U.S. Youth National Teams and Tottenham academy product forward Kazaiah Sterling who led the team in scoring in their championship year.

"We know they are a very direct team," Lattanzio describes the opponents. "A team that has some good individuals, is a solid team, and that they have done well in the last round the Cup. It's a game that we have to play with a lot of mental toughness and seriousness like we want to approach every game. Also with a lot of intensity both mentally and physically."

The Open Cup provides a rare opportunity for lower league teams to test their mettle against MLS teams. Tormenta will be coming into this match as motivated as ever and will be look to upset the hosts.

How to Attend

The match will be played at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews on April 25th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are now on sale and are $15 for Charlotte FC Season Ticket Members and $25 for the general public. Season Ticket Members will receive an exclusive code via email for the discounted rate.