By Bernadette O'Donnell,

German Forward Christopher Hellmann Signs with Tormenta FC

South Georgia Tormenta FC has signed forward Christopher Hellmann to its USL League One team, pending league and federation approval. The Cologne, Germany native was selected 29th overall by Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. Hellmann also played professionally with Charlotte Independence in Charlotte, North Carolina and FC Astoria Walldorf in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

"Chris is a player who is a proven goalscorer,” USL League One head coach John Miglarese said. “His experience in the USL and playing in Germany will provide much-needed quality and maturity in our front four. He is a great fit for what we are trying to build here."

Hellmann attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida and graduated in Fall 2016 with a degree in Business with a Journalism minor. He had an exceptional collegiate career, tallying a total 49 goals and 29 assists for 127 points during 45 appearances. Ranking second in the history of Lynn’s men’s soccer program for goals, points and game-winning goals, he is also one of only five players in the program to collect 100 points.

In 2014, Hellmann helped his team win the Division II National Championship while also leading the NCAA DII in goals that season. The forward was named NCAA Offensive Player of the Year in 2014 and made the All American First Team in both 2014 and 2015.

While in college, Hellmann played two seasons with Des Moines Menace and was a PDL MVP finalist in 2014. In 2016, he played for Charlotte independence followed by two seasons with FC Astoria Walldorf. In 2017, he helped the team reach the Sweet 16 in the DFB Pokal German Cup.

“Tormenta is an exciting club with great owners who are making a lot of smart decisions,” Hellmann said. “The club is going in the right direction, and I am proud to be part of this path. I want to help the club carry over the success they have had in the PDL and recreate that in the professional ranks.”

“After my conversations with John Miglarese, I knew pretty quickly that Tormenta FC is a good fit for me both personally and from a football standpoint,” Hellmann said. “I also know many of my teammates already which helps a lot. I am excited for the upcoming season!”

Hellmann is the 17th player to sign with Tormenta FC’s 2019 USL League One team. Other signees include Conner Antley, Jad Arslan, Micah Bledsoe, Lucas Coutinho, Charlie Dennis, Lars Eckenrode, Ricardo Gómez, Pablo Jara, Michael Mecham, Michael O’Sullivan, Dalton Pando, Joshua Phelps, Mikie Rowe, Jerry Saint-Vil, Nick Wells and Nil Vinyals.