Armada Wins Milestone 1-0 Victory Over Minnesota United in Dramatic Fashion

Armada FC Communications | Oct. 1, 2016

BLAINE, Minn. – It was a milestone night for the Jacksonville Armada FC, when defender Matt Bahner netted a late goal to defeat Major League Soccer bound Minnesota United FC 1-0 on their home pitch at NSC Stadium.

While Jacksonville (3W-7D-7L, 12th in Fall, 4W-11D-12L, 11th Combined) earned only its second win on the road in club history, the virtual “David and Goliath” victory may be one of the team’s most significant and extended the team's unbeaten streak to four games. 

Despite Minnesota controlling the majority of the possession with 55.8% ball custody, it was Jacksonville’s Matt Bahner who would own the night when he scored the game winner in the 88th minute.

Armada took the lead after Minnesota conceded a free kick near the sideline. Armada forward Zach Steinberger whipped a corner kick into the box which Derek Gebhard headed down toward Bahner, who chested, turned and slotted home the decisive goal past goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock. The goal was Bahner's third of the season.  

Minnesota dictated the match early on piling pressure on a resilient Armada backline. In the 35th minute, Minnesota forward Jamie Watson launched a shot from the top of the 18 yard box and rocked the crossbar of Miguel Gallardo’s net.

It was the Loons who hit the net first when Jason Davis broke through the outstretched Gallardo and netted the ball, but was called offside canceling out the goal. Armada remained resilient and withstood the pressure for the remainder of the match.

Armada return home to face North American Soccer League Spring Season Champions Indy Eleven at Community First Park presented by We Got Soccer on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET.

MATCH REPORT:

Starting XI:

JAX (4-2-3-1): Gallardo, Barrow (Gebhard 77') Bahner, Ruthven, Jerome, Burke, George, Lagerblom (Keita 45’), Steinberger, Eloundou (Wallace 90’+3)

MNU (4-1-4-1): Ndjock, Davis, Kallman, Lowe, Venegas, Pitchkolan, Watson, Banks (Speas 80'), Ibson, Cruz (Pinho 77'), Ramirez

Scoring Summary:

JAX: Bahner (Gebhard) 88’

Discipline:

JAX: Barrow (Caution 47’)
JAX: Eloundou (Caution 56’)
MNU: Pitchkolan (Caution 85’)

Attendance: 9,402