Match Preview: Rivals MOBA, Tormenta FC Set to Clash in Statesboro

Ask anybody, bouncing back is never easy. After four straight crushing defeats in the Super Bowl, the Buffalo Bills still failed to capture the elusive trophy, as Buffalo couldn't make it back to the big game in 1994. After falling apart at the end of the 2000-01 season, Leeds United saw themselves fall from the Premier League to the English Football League One, the third tier of English football in just four years, the fastest fall in English history. Bouncing back is a challenge within itself, and following MOBA's surprise loss to Nashville SC U23 on Saturday, they will need to put their misfortunes behind them and look forward to Statesboro.

Entering Saturday's matchup, MOBA had high hopes after going 3-0-0 in the pre-season, however those hopes were shattered early and quick, as Nashville thrashed the MOBA defense for six goals, including three in the first thirty minutes, showing great resemblance to Atlanta United's victory over Minnesota United in MLS match week two. Right from the first whistle, MOBA was pushed on the back foot by Nashville and never found their footing as five different men from Nashville put the ball past keeper Nick Nelson. Despite the defensive struggles, Nelson still recorded nine saves on the day, which is tied for the most in a single game in Peachtree City's brief history. Matthew Wooling opened up his MOBA scoring account with an easy goal off a rebound in the fiftieth minute, however the U23's just kept attacking, and the score line finished at 6-1. Coming home, Peachtree City and coach Volker Harms saw what the team lacked in the opener: energy. The whole night MOBA seemed weak, missing tackles and falling out of position, leading to easy runs for the home side and open shots on goal. Heading into Statesboro, defense will be crucial and energy will be key to stealing three points and getting back into winning form.

South Georgia Tormenta FC, as promising as they looked early on, were a team that MOBA played well against in 2016, going 1-0-1 overall with a 1-0 win on the road and a 3-3 tie at home. Tormenta will surely not have forgotten what happened last year, as the team that finished one spot above Peachtree City in the division table will be looking to get their first win in the in-state rivalry. Opening the year against expansion side Myrtle Beach Mutiny FC at home, Tormenta started slow, and the Mutiny made them pay, as Richard Aksel Juul slotted home Myrtle Beach's first PDL goal early to put the away side up 1-0. The game remained 1-0 for a large remainder of the ninety minutes, before Reed Norton placed a corner perfectly for Charlie Dennis who headed it far post and in, as Tormenta tied the game at one a-piece. The final whistle blew and the match finished 1-1 in Statesboro. Heading into Thursday, South Georgia will be looking to build off the momentum that they closed Saturday's match with and finally get their name into the win column in the overall series with Peachtree City MOBA.

Keys to Victory

  • Keep Your Form: One of the issues that plagued Peachtree City in Nashville was keeping shape. Formations are there for a reason, and if you stay in your shape, with only one or two men coming off their line to apply pressure then returning and resetting, opposing attackers and defenders will struggle to combat it. Shift up and down, side to side, and allow your defenders to set up a wall and catch the attackers offside, or stay in front of the runs and make the backline impenetrable.
  • Pressure: Nashville had MOBA on the back foot the whole night, and a lack of pressure is what led to a 6-1 loss. Pressure is what won games in the pre-season, and that will not change. Put pressure on the opposition to beat you, then when they don't, play the ball off and start your runs. Goals come off attacks, and if you never attack, you will never score.
Rivalry games are always exciting, and the matchups between Peachtree City and South Georgia have been no exception. The 2017 season features three matchups between the two clubs, and Tormenta hosts the only Statesboro leg of the season Thursday at 8 PM. Following the matchup, MOBA heads back to Peachtree City to take on Mississippi Brilla FC in their first home match of the season. Tickets for Saturday's home game are on sale NOW at MOBASoccer.com/tickets for just $15, and season tickets are still on sale starting at $80 for adults. Get your tickets today to support your hometown Peachtree City MOBA at MOBA Soccer Academy!

#MOBAProud

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