Florida Sports Wire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The long wait for the North American Soccer League regular season to return to Jacksonville will end at 7 p.m. tonight when the Jacksonville Armada hosts expansion side Miami FC at Community First Park in a Coastal Cup battle. Jacksonville is coming off a tough 2-0 season-opening loss at the NASL defending champions New York Cosmos last Sunday despite looking like the better squad in the first 29 minutes.  A Jairo Arrietta goal off a Juan Arango assist turned the tide, however, in the 29th minute to give the home side momentum. The Cosmos went on to add an extra cushion in the 55th minute when midfielder Adam Moffat found the back of the net. The Armada was not able to capitalize on its 10-0 advantage in corner kick opportunities and held a 68.2-31.8 percentage advantage in aerial duels. Miami FC has gotten off to a solid start, tallying two straight draws with the most recent result coming the form of a 1-1 knot with in-state foes, the Tampa Bay Row...

It was Star Wars Night at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium, and the force was definitely with the New York Cosmos. Although the chances did not come in droves for the Cosmos in the first half, New York was able to capitalize on their best opportunity. Jairo Arrieta scored his first goal as a member of the Cosmos to spark his squad to a 2-0 victory over Jacksonville Armada FC in front of a crowd of 3,685 on Sunday evening. The defending NASL champions improve to 2-0-0 on the young season and remain atop the standings with six points and a three-goal advantage on the Carolina RailHawks in goal differential.  In the 29th minute, Jimmy Maurer played a ball deep inside Jacksonville Armada FC’s territory that was proceeded by a Juan Arango header into space for Arrieta. The Costa Rican didn’t squander his chance. The forward blasted a one-timer off the body of Armada goalie Miguel Gallardo that trickled past the goal line for the go-ahead tally. Arrieta earned Emirates Man of ...

NEW YORK --  A standing-room only crowd jammed Miller Stadium on Saturday night when Rayo OKC played its debut match, a scoreless draw against FC Edmonton, as the North American Soccer League (NASL) kicked off its 2016 Spring Season with a slate of four matches. Greek international Georgio Samaras nearly worked some late magic after entering in the 79th minute when he forced Eddies goalkeeper Matt VanOekel to make a point-blank save, and then turn away a shot from the rebound by Richard Menjivar. Rayo OKC dominated possession and scoring opportunities for the game's final hour after Edmonton defender Albert Watson was sent off midway through the first half. The NASL's other expansion club for the Spring Season, Miami FC, converted an early penalty kick, but conceded one in the match's dying minutes that allowed the Fort Lauderdale Strikers to earn a 1-1 draw. The match was the NASL's first on beIN SPORTS, which the league recently partnered with on a national bro...

NEW YORK - North American Soccer League (NASL) action returns to national sports network ONE World Sports in 2016 as part of a multi-year broadcast television partnership. Beginning on Saturday, April 2, ONE World Sports will be home to the NASL Game of the Week, as well as NASL This Week, a 30-minute highlight show featuring action from around the league. "We're proud to continue our great partnership with ONE World Sports," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. "They were the first national broadcaster to partner with us and they have done a fine job of producing some very exciting television. We're looking forward to the new streaming component that will allow anyone in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico to watch our ONE World Sports matches." ONE World Sports will carry 11 Saturday games - one per week - during the NASL Spring Season and 12 games during the Fall Season. Broadcasting veterans JP Dellacamera, Ed Cohen, Shep Messing, and Janusz Michalli...

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...

Jacksonville SportsDay JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville's Charles Eloundou scored late in the match to give the Armada FC a 1-0 preseason victory over MLS foe Philadelphia at Community First Park Saturday night. Eloundou took a pass from Akeil Barrett and curled it over the Union goal keeper for the score. Jacksonville new head coach Tony Meola’s debuted a formation and new signings during the rain soaked contest. The Armada introduced with five defenders, including new signings Tyler Ruthven, Beto Navarro and Bryan Burke. The Armada will be back in action next Saturday when they host another MLS club, Orlando City SC, at 6 p.m.  Tickets, starting at $10, can be purchased by calling 1.844.2.ARMADA or visiting armadafc.com/tickets.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. –  The Jacksonville Armada FC announced on Thursday the transfer of 2015 USL Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner Matt Fondy from Louisville City FC. The 26-year-old striker, along with Armada FC defender Bryan Burke, who signed with Jacksonville in December, helped lead Louisville City to the Eastern Conference final in its first season in the league. He scored 22 goals, six of which were game-winners, and notched seven assists after starting every league match. “Matt Fondy is a guy who is hungry to score goals,” said  Tony Meola , Armada FC head coach and technical director. “He proved last year in the USL that he has a knack for scoring goals by leading the league, and we’re confident that will translate to the NASL and our efforts here in Jacksonville.” His goal mark from 2015 shattered the league’s previous high mark of 20. A 6-foot-1 native of Foster City, Calif., Fondy was also named to the All-USL first team. Before making the move to...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Armada FC announced its 2016 North American Soccer League regular season schedule for both the Spring and Fall Seasons. After opening on the road against the NASL’s defending champions, the New York Cosmos, on Sunday, April 10, the Armada will return to Jacksonville for its home opener at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 15 against expansion club Miami FC. In all, the Armada will play a total of 32 NASL matches – 10 in the Spring and 22 in the Fall. All of Jacksonville’s home matches will be played at Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.  Other home matches in the Spring include a tilt with FC Edmonton at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 and Saturday home games against expansion club Rayo OKC (7 p.m. on May 7), Indy Eleven (7 p.m. on May 28) and in-state rivals, the Tampa Bay Rowdies (7 p.m. on June 11), to round out the Spring home schedule. Jacksonville will have open dates in the league’s opening weekend on April 2 and on...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Armada FC announced on Wednesday the signing of attacking midfielder Junior Sandoval. A 25-year-old from Quimistán, Honduras, Sandoval arrives in Jacksonville after a stint with Colombian Primera A side Jaguares de Córdoba, where he made 14 appearances, scored one goal and became only the third Honduran ever to play in the Colombian first division. “Junior is an attack-minded player who is very good technically,” said Tony Meola, Armada FC head coach and technical director. “He’s scored goals in this league, and when we had the opportunity to bring him in, we just thought it added another dimension to what we could do.” Prior to joining Jaguares, Sandoval made a name for himself with the Atlanta Silverbacks on both the first team and reserves. In the Silverbacks’ 2014 campaign, he scored seven goals in 24 appearances, only second on the team that season behind Jaime Chavez. The Armada will start preseason training on Jan. 18 and host thre...

NEW YORK   - The North American Soccer League (NASL) announced Monday that it has suspended its operation of the Atlanta Silverbacks for the 2016 season and possibly beyond. "The goal all along has been to secure committed local ownership in Atlanta, but despite significant conversations with a number of interested parties, we were unable to identify a group that could lead the Silverbacks in a direction consistent with the rest of our clubs," said NASL Commissioner Bill Peterson. "It's unfortunate, and particularly sad for the Silverbacks' passionate fan base, which has supported the club tremendously throughout the years." Originally founded in 1998, the Silverbacks joined the NASL for its inaugural season in 2011, and were operated by the league last season while it searched for a long-term local ownership group. Silverbacks President and General Manager Andy Smith, who had been with the club for four of its five NASL seasons, took a moment Monday t...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla.   ̶  The Jacksonville Armada FC announced on Monday the signing of 2015 USL Defender of the Year Bryan Burke. The 26-year-old fullback from Newport, Calif., arrives in Jacksonville following one season with Louisville City FC where he played a key role at both ends of the field, leading the United Soccer League with 10 assists in 2015, and contributing to a solid defensive effort that saw his team concede 35 goals in 28 regular-season games, a 1.25 GAA. “Brian had an outstanding season last year in the USL with Louisville,” said Tony Meola, Armada FC head coach and technical director. “His work rate up and down the right side and his relentless passion to attack will be exciting to watch as he integrates himself into our group. We are excited to add his quality to our roster for the upcoming season." The Armada will start preseason training in mid-January and play a friendly against MLS’s Philadelphia Union at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 6 in at Com...

The Jacksonville Armada FC announced the signing of defender Beto Navarro. Navarro’s addition to the 2016 roster adds yet another level of experience and continues to showcase head coach and technical director Tony Meola’s commitment to strengthening the backline. "Beto brings us experience in the back,” Meola said. “He is a player who has proven over the last three years that he knows how to win. He comes with a high soccer IQ and lives to play the game. I would describe Beto as a steady and solid professional that fans will appreciate watching in an Armada jersey." A defender with Southern California roots, Navarro comes to Jacksonville after helping lead USL side Orange County Blues to the 2015 Western Conference regular season title. He started 22 matches and logged 1,926 minutes of action.  In 2012, Navarro played with amateur club Cal FC, coached by U.S. Soccer Hall of Fame player Eric Wynalda, and helped lead the team through an improbable run in the U.S. Open ...

The inaugural season came to an end for the Jacksonville Armada FC on Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 home loss to the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Jacksonville (5-4-11, 8-8-14) dominated possession by a margin of 57-43 percent and also had an advantage in shots (10-7) and corners (6-3). Jacksonville goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo had a three-save performance. Fort Lauderdale’s (8W-6D-6L NASL Fall, 11W-8D-11L Combined) scored on an 87th minute goal by Marlon Freitas. BIG CROWD: An announced crowd of 9,083 showed up to Community First Park, which was a new facility record for soccer. Add two other attendance records – 13,934 against the Philadelphia Union on Feb. 7 at EverBank Field to set a North American Soccer League preseason record and an NASL regular season record crowd of 16,134 on April 4 against FC Edmonton – also at EverBank Field. MATCH HONORS: Midfielder Lucas Scaglia, a scrappy, bulldoggish Argentinian that has been the Armada’s unsung hero all year, was named Man of the Ma...

EDMONTON, Alberta – A hard-attacking Jacksonville Armada FC appeared on the way to its first road win in club history on Sunday, but a second half stoppage-time goal by FC Edmonton forced the Armada to settle for a 1-1 draw in its final away contest of 2015. The Armada (5W-4D-10L North American Soccer League Fall, 8-7-14 Combined) had a tight hold on possession and created dominating routes to keep the Eddies on their toes for the entire 90 minutes. Forward Jemal Johnson was responsible for Jacksonville’s goal. With goalkeeper David Sierra making his first start since he got the nod Sept. 12  against the New York Cosmos, the Armada came out soaring, keeping the match locked in a stalemate. Eddies’ backup goalkeeper Tyson Farago, who made just his second start of the season, had his hands full with a barrage of shots from the Armada and was forced into some spectacular saves. A visibly frustrated Edmonton dropped down to 10 men when midfielder Ritchie Jones was sent off follo...

NEW YORK - Ottawa Fury FC traveled south to Florida on Wednesday night and captured its first silverware when the club defeated Jacksonville Armada FC, 3-1, to clinch the Fall Season Championship with a game to spare in the regular season. Ottawa has lost only once in its last 24 matches dating to May; the loss at home was Jacksonville's first of the Fall Season. In South Florida, the Fort Lauderdale Strikers picked up a precious point in their pursuit of the fourth and final spot in The Championship after a 0-0 draw against the San Antonio Scorpions.  The draw, coupled with Ottawa's victory eliminates FC Edmonton, San Antonio, and Jacksonville from postseason contention. Indy Eleven was eliminated after last weekend's action. Now Carolina, Atlanta, and Tampa Bay are still in the fight for their postseason lives in matches on Saturday in more Week 17 action. With the victory - on second-half goals by Rafael Alves (59th minute), Sinisa Ubiparipovic (62nd) and Andrew W...

NEW YORK -- The Fort Lauderdale Strikers leapfrogged over the Tampa Bay Rowdies and into fourth place in the North American Soccer League (NASL) Combined Standings on Saturday night, erupting for four unanswered goals to defeat the visiting Carolina RailHawks in Week 16 action. FC Edmonton, the only team in the league with only one game to play in the regular season, most likely has seen its window of opportunity close after it failed to overcome 10-man Jacksonville in a game that featured a flurry of second-half goals by both teams. The match ended the Eddies' three-game road swing in which they failed to pick up a single point, probably dooming any postseason aspirations. The Armada FC continued its mastery at home (5-3-0) in the Fall Season. With three games left, Jacksonville has a mathematical chance of taking the final postseason berth, with two of its three remaining games to be played at Community First Park. Jacksonville closes with games against Ottawa, at FC Edmont...

CARY, N.C. – The Jacksonville Armada FC had a few stellar scoring chances on Saturday night but could not consistently break through and fell 3-0 to the Carolina RailHawks at WakeMed Soccer Park. The Armada (4-3-9 Fall, 7-6-13 Combined) found it too difficult to penetrate a staunch Carolina RailHawks (4-3-9, 7-8-11) desperate for a win, led by its goalkeeper Akira Fitzgerald, who had four key saves.  Carolina appeared to take control from the beginning of the match, applying pressure coming straight out of the gate, leaving the Armada to drop back and defend the attack. Despite the loss, the Armada are still in the hunt for the fourth NASL Championship playoff spot. With four matches remaining, Jacksonville’s optimal shot would be to win its remaining four matches to finish with 39 points in the Combined Standings and get help from other clubs. The Armada returns to Community First Park to take on FC Edmonton at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 17. Tickets, starting at $12, are still...

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Jacksonville Armada FC owner and CEO Mark Frisch announced on Monday the dismissal of general manager Dario Sala and head coach Guillermo Hoyos along with assistant coaches Edison Ibarra, Rafael Perez Niño and Sebastian Fabres. The Armada currently sits in last place in the North American Soccer League Fall and Combined Season standings and has been held scoreless in their last five matches and 498 minutes of play. In addition, the team has yet to win a single game on the road, with a record of 0-2-11 (W-D-L). "Since the inception of the Armada FC, I have made it clear that I have a very high standard for performance on and off the field. To achieve success in this league, and win championships, we must defend effectively, attack relentlessly, score goals and win games - both at home and away from home - on a consistent basis. We have not done this," said Frisch. "Following an in-depth analysis of the team and operations, I am confident that a n...

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -  The Jacksonville Armada FC mounted a series of opportunities against the Fort Lauderdale Strikers on Wednesday night at Lockhart Stadium, but it wasn't enough to get the Armada on the scoreboard as they fell 2-0. Armada goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo finished with six saves. In only their second meeting of the year, the Armada (3W-2D-8L NASL Fall, 6-5-12 Combined) and Fort Lauderdale (5-5-2, 8-7-7) took to a wet rain soaked pitch.  Jacksonville will return to action at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 when it hosts the Tampa Bay Rowdies at Community First Park next Saturday Sept. 26. The Armada will host a tribute to Jacksonville's original NASL club, the Tea Men, and also celebrate Hispanic Heritage Night. Tickets, starting at $12, are available by calling 1.844.2.Armada or visiting armadafc.com.

NEW YORK -- Minnesota United FC extended its unbeaten streak to six games and the New York Cosmos upped their regular-season home unbeaten run to 18 games in North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season on Saturday night. United and the Cosmos are tied on points (22) in the Fall Season Standings - three points behind Ottawa Fury FC. Minnesota spotted the Carolina RailHawks an early tally before scoring three unanswered goals to end up on the right side of a 3-1 result, while Raúl's sixth goal of the year helped the Cosmos defeat 10-man Jacksonville Armada FC. In Saturday's matinee match, Ottawa, which boasts the league's top defense, stymied one of the league's top offenses in a 0-0 draw against the visiting Fort Lauderdale Strikers. First-place Ottawa, however, has only taken 3 of a possible 12 points in its last four home matches and plays its next three games away from home. The San Antonio Scorpions, behind two goals from Rafael Castillo, blanked visitin...