RECAP – Armada FC vs. Flagler College

The Jacksonville Armada FC earned its first victory of 2018 in a preseason match against the Flagler College Saints in St. Augustine Monday night.

Heavy possession and momentum forward by the Armada FC finally paid off in the second half to lead the team to a 2-0 finish over the Saints.

“Some of the football and possession in the first half was fantastic. In the second half we were able to put away those opportunities, which the guys thoroughly deserved,” said head coach Mark Lowry.

Jacksonville dominated control of the match in terms of possession and chances. In the first 15 minutes, they earned two corners and Conor Doyle registered two shots on goal.

The team continued to press hard, but was unable to find the finishing touches in the first half. Derek Gebhard, J.C. Banks, and Alhassane Keita all tried their chances at the goal too, but were just off target.

Flagler’s first opportunity of the night came with a corner earned in the 31st minute, but was headed out by the Armada FC. Then defender Kalen Ryden completed a vital clearance after a free kick by the Saints six minutes later to keep the team off the score sheet once more.

Jonathan Borrajo came close to a goal of his own in the final minutes of the first half, but Flagler’s goalkeeper knocked it out to keep the score 0-0 when the whistle blew.

Ciarán Kilduff was subbed in during halftime for Keita, and provided Jacksonville with a much-needed spark to start the second half. He linked up quickly with Doyle, who found the back of the net just four minutes in. It was Doyle’s first goal for the Armada FC, and just the second goal of the year for the team.

Kilduff rode the momentum to another goal just three minutes later. He caught Flagler’s goalkeeper off guard and was able to chip the ball over his head into the net to bring the Armada FC up by two.

“We were disappointed not to get those goals earlier [in the year], but we’ve been working hard and this was long overdue tonight,” said Kilduff.

As the minutes wore on tired legs, Flagler fought to gain possession on several occasions, but could not quite convert the opportunities. The match ended with Jacksonville taking the win over the home team.

“We played really well,” said Doyle. “We just need to be a little sharper in the final third and get some more goals – which we’ve been working on in the last few weeks. In the second half we showed it’s coming.”

“The football they have played the last few games is something that you can make a good highlight reel of. I thought everyone, all around, put in great work. It’s clear that the players understanding is evolving and growing with each match,” said Lowry.