Tormenta FC Finalizes Roster With Veteran, NCAA Star and Academy Signings

Oscar Jimenez joins from Memphis and Yaniv Bazini from the University of Vermont

South Georgia Tormenta announced the signing of two professionals and three academy players this morning, ahead of the club’s season opener this Friday.

Oscar Jimenez, a 35 year old wingback, joins from Memphis 901. Jimenez previously spent seven seasons with Louisville City, where he remains the club’s all-time assist leader. He was also a part of Louisville’s 2017 and 2018 title winning squads.

With Memphis in 2024, Jimenez made 21 appearances with a goal and an assist.

Image credit USL

Said Tormenta FC Head Coach Ian Cameron, in the team’s press release:

"Oscar is an excellent outside back and a great character to have in any squad. To play 150 plus games for an organization like Louisville, you must have quality and good character, and we will look to lean on both characteristics this season. In our chats, it became evident that we share a vision of how a USL team can express themselves on the field and the environment that must be created to do so. Our up-and-coming defenders can learn from Oscar, and our forwards will enjoy the supply he'll help provide."

Yaniv Bazini joins on his first professional contract after an NCAA Division I title with the University of Vermont. The striker scored 14 during the regular season, then six more in the playoff run. Bazini also spent his USL League Two career with Vermont Green, and was part of the squad that upset Lexington SC in the 2024 US Open Cup. Bazini also scored in a second round loss to Carolina Core.

Image credit University of Vermont/South Georgia Tormenta

Cameron stated on Bazini in the team’s press release:

"Yaniv brings a winning mentality and a new dynamic to our forward line. We have an out-and-out striker and some out-and-out wingers, but for the journey ahead, we need a few players who can operate anywhere across the front three, and Bazini can do just that. He scores in big moments and rises to the occasion, as evidenced by his title charge with Vermont this past fall. Our club is excited to help launch his professional career in the U.S."

Tormenta also announced the return of three academy players from the 2024 season: midfielder Dodge Brooks, defender Shafer Gottlieb and forward Liam Healy.

All three players have a background with significant contributions in Tormenta’s MLS NEXT and USL Academy programs.

Gottlieb is a native of Savannah, and has been with the club since its inception. He was named in the 2023 USL Academy Cup Boys Best XI, and competed in the 2022 2022 MLS NEXT Fest Best U16 Showcase.

Brooks is also a native of Savannah, and has been with the Tormenta FC Academy for 12 years. He was previously featured in the U17 MLS NEXT Fest Best of Game in 2022, and made one appearance with the first team in 2024.

Healy is a native of Hilton Head, and has spent 10 years developing with the Tormenta Academy.

Said Cameron:

“It's been a privilege to witness the continued growth of Shafer, Liam, and Dodge within our professional environment. Their dedication and integration into the first team exemplify the success of our Academy pathway, and we're excited to bring them back on for the 2025 season."

Tormenta will open the 2025 USL League One regular season at home on Friday, March 7th against the Richmond Kickers.