STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC announced on Tuesday that the club signed former Orlando City B defender Nick O’Callaghan. The defender has joined the club for his second professional season on a one-year deal with a club option, pending league and federation approval.

The 6-foot defender was picked 57th overall by Orlando City SC in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft before signing his first professional contract with Orlando City B in USL League One. A Florida native, O’Callaghan also played for the Orlando City Development Academy, helping his team make the playoffs in 2014.

"Nick is an exciting acquisition," Tormenta FC Head Coach Ian Cameron said. "He had a really strong collegiate career, exemplified by the fact Orlando City drafted him. In a young, developmental group at OCB last season, Nick showed really well and put in performances that suggested there's more to come from him. 

"It's our job to give him the structure and environment to reach that potential. On the field, his ability to operate in a few defensive positions will provide our team tactical flexibility which is important in a 28-game season against teams with different profiles."

In his 2020 season with OCB, O’Callaghan made six appearances and played 525 minutes, notching three shots. Defensively, he recorded 19 clearances, 16 interceptions and eight blocks.

O’Callaghan began his collegiate career in North Carolina at Elon University, where he made 49 appearances and recorded two goals and five assists. The defender then transferred to Florida International University and started in all 19 of his appearances. There, he registered five clean sheets and scored one goal, appearing on the United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region First Team and the Conference USA All-Tournament Team.

While at college, O'Callaghan gained USL League Two experience with Orlando City U-23 in 2015 and the SIMA Águilas in 2018.

"I’m looking forward to being in a competitive training environment every day and playing for a championship with Tormenta FC this year," O’Callaghan said.

Tormenta FC’s preseason training starts on Monday, March 1.