News

PREVIEW | Playoff Hopes in Sight During Friday Matchup with North Carolina

Armada enters a three-match stretch at Hodges Stadium.
Oct 13, 2017

WHEN & WHERE

Friday, Oct. 13 at 7:30 p.m. EST | Hodges Stadium (Jacksonville, Fla.)

 

ARMADA FRIGHT NIGHT

The Armada FC will be hosting Fright Night at Hodges Stadium for fans. Children and adults are encouraged to dress up in tasteful costumes. A costume contest will take place at halftime with the winner being chosen by fans. After the match, fireworks will fill the sky and fans can trick-or-treat with the players along the fence. The final Postmatch Party will also take place at Blackfinn Ameripub. CLICK HERE for more info about Fright Night.

 

CLUB QUICK LINKS

Jacksonville Armada FC: News | Roster | Schedule

North Carolina FC: News | Roster | Schedule

 

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The Jacksonville Armada FC returns to Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville on Friday after claiming three points against Edmonton one week ago. The Armada FC is preparing to clash with North Carolina FC

With only four matches remaining in the NASL Fall Season, the playoff race continues to heat up as the Armada FC sits just one place out of a position in the Championship Semifinals in the Combined Standings. The team is now tied with the New York Cosmos in points at 37, but remains one spot out of playoff contention due to a one-goal differential.

Both teams are coming off 1-0 victories last week. Jacksonville traveled north and defeated FC Edmonton while North Carolina took care of Puerto Rico at home. Ciarán Kilduff notched his fourth goal of the Fall Season in the 68th minute for the Armada FC victory and North Carolina found their winning goal in the first half by Steven Miller, his fourth for his team this year.

Jacksonville came out firing in the first half the last time these two teams clashed on Aug. 12. North Carolina hosted the Armada FC and they played to a 2-2 draw. A quick goal from Tony Taylor in the 3rd minute was followed by a converted penalty from Jack Blake in the 18th minute to put Jacksonville ahead. Andre Fortune answered for North Carolina just before halftime to get the home team on the board and then Lance Laing equalized the game in the 68th minute.

 

SERIES HISTORY

North Carolina FC leads, 4W-3D-2L 

 

LAST RESULT

Armada 2, North Carolina FC 2 – 8/12/17 | RECAP

 

NOTABLES

  • Jacksonville is tied for the fourth and final seed to the Championship Semifinals right now, but the Cosmos would secure the spot off of goal differential.
  • Kevan George and Mechack Jerome return from international duty and will be available this match for Jacksonville.
  • North Carolina’s Kareem Moses appeared with George on the Trinidad and Tobago lineup against the USMNT on Tuesday, but was an unused substitute.
  • Jack Blake is suspended for this match after receiving a straight red and fifth yellow card of the season on Oct. 1 in Miami.
  • Jacksonville has lost just one of their four league home matches against North Carolina (2W-1D). Over their last three matches, they have outscored Carolina 7-3.
  • Jacksonville has gone winless in the last six home matches, split between three losses and draws.
  • North Carolina has only allowed one goal in its last 540 minutes of play.
  • North Carolina has won four of their last six road games (1L-1D), allowing four goals over that span. NCFC had won four of their previous 23 road games (15L-4D).
  • North Carolina (33) has conceded only one more goal than Jacksonville (32).

           

BY THE NUMBERS

3 ­– Straight matches won by North Carolina in shutouts

12 – Of North Carolina’s 42 goals came from outside the box, the most in the NASL

15 – Goals scored from set pieces for Jacksonville, and 15 from open play

30 – Tackles won by J.C. Banks in the Fall Season, more than any other player

71 – Saves by Caleb Patterson-Sewell, the third-most in the league

95 – Saves by North Carolina’s Brian Sylvestre, the second-most in the league

146 ­– Clearances by Jacksonville’s Mechack Jerome and North Carolina’s Connor Tobin, they lead the league

 

LOOKING AHEAD

Jacksonville continues the stint at Hodges Stadium with a midweek matchup with FC Edmonton on Wednesday at 7 p.m., followed by the last home match of the season on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 4 p.m. against the New York Cosmos.