SOCCER NOTEBOOK: Armada overcomes first half goal to win second preseason match over MLS club

By MIKE BONTS
Jacksonville SportsDay
The Jacksonville Armada FC of the North American Soccer League (NASL) overcame Kaká’s first-half free kick goal to post a 2-1 preseason win over the Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Orlando City SC last Saturday night at Community First Park.

“All due respect to their organization, but if anybody says it’s a friendly game and they didn’t care to get the win, obviously I would have to disagree with that,” said Armada goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo. “You could see the intensity those guys were playing with — especially in the first half. They were getting upset when they weren’t getting calls or when my teammates would steal the ball.”

The Armada second half offense was highlighted by scoring on a free kick from defender Mechack Jérôme. Then a long strike from forward Alhassane Keita that beat goal keeper Earl Edwards Jr. to secure the second preseason win in as many matches. Both against MLS clubs.

“The last thing we said coming out of the locker room was find a way to win the game and we did that,” said Armada first year head coach Tony Meola. “The atmosphere probably gave them a little extra boost. I’m proud of the effort. I thought we were really organized against a very good team, especially in the second half when we figured it out a little.”

The Armada, entering their second NASL season, features five field players who are new to the club. Orlando City has just one new field player, as well as the reigning MLS Rookie of the Year in Cyle Larin and a former FIFA World Player of the Year in Kaká.

“I’m really pleased with this game for us. Thought it was a good first half with a lot of positivity. Considering we are two weeks out, I thought there was a lot of good stuff happening in the game,” said Orlando head coach Adrian Heath. “Did we want to win, yes, but that’s not what these games are all about.”

The Armada will be back in action on Feb. 24 at the University of North Florida before hosting the MLS’s New York Red Bulls on Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. 

ORLANDO MATCH NOTES -  Several former Lions played for the Armada in the match including goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo and defender Bryan Burke-- both players made significant contributions to the Club’s success when it played in the USL. Former Orlando City draft pick Akeil Barrett and Jérôme also featured….the Armada signed goalkeeper Sean Lewis and defender Patrick Otte this week. The additions bring the Armada’s current roster size to 25…Jacksonville launched the club’s first mobile app features information on upcoming matches, team rosters, schedules, standings, ticket information, weather forecasts, video and news and social media links.

OWNER TO MANAGE CLUB OPS  - Armada owner and CEO Mark Frisch has assumed oversight of day-to-day operations of the club. “The passion that the Northeast Florida community has shown for soccer since our club was founded has been tremendous,” said Frisch. His increased role comes along with the announcement that club President Steve Livingstone is no longer with the organization. “I want to thank Steve for all of his contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors,” Frisch added.

MLS STARS TO FACE ARSENAL - Major League Soccer (MLS) announced that Arsenal FC will play the league’s best in the 2016 AT&T MLS All-Star Game at Avaya Stadium in San Jose in July. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN.  “We are pleased to welcome Arsenal, one of the most successful clubs in the world, to compete against the best of MLS,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber.  “Our AT&T MLS All-Star Week has become a celebration for the North American soccer community, highlighted by two teams showcasing many of the world’s top players.  We look forward to a world-class event on July 28 at our newest state-of-the-art venue, Avaya Stadium.”