CHARLESTON, S.C. - Despite having several scoring opportunities, the Jacksonville Armada FC endured its first preseason defeat, falling 1-0 in a preseason friendly to the Charleston Battery on the road at Blackbuad Stadium.
Even with the slow pace of the match and the Armada FC's attempt to control possession, the Battery managed to notch one past goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo in the 47th minute. As is typical to most preseason matches, both teams made multiple substitutions and poured players into the match to offer trialing players time.
"I think we can take some positives from this match." said co-head coach Guillermo Hoyos. "The style and pace of play was slower. These types of matches, the slower ones, help us focus on learning our style. The players need to get to know each other better as we play these preseason matches."
Regardless of the final result, the coaching staff was impressed with the turnout of Armada FC supporters in the stands. Members of the club's supporters group Section 904 made the trip up to Charleston to show their support and outnumbered the home fans in attendance.
"We didn't play to the fans' standard," said co-head coach José Luis Villarreal. "We have been doing a lot of physical work, but this is still no excuse.We could have played better today. I did like seeing the fans come all the way up here to show their excitement for the team."
The Armada FC return home at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 28 to take on North American Soccer League rival Fort Lauderdale Strikers in a preseason friendly in the Armada FC's first match at their full-time home, Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
Tickets start at $10 per match and can be bought by calling 1.844.2ARMADA or visiting armadafc.com.