Armada FC Draws with Atlanta Silverbacks 1-1

The Jacksonville Armada FC drew the Atlanta Silverbacks FC in Atlanta Saturday night in the last match of the preseason.

The Armada FC was first on the board in the first half after steady pressure right out of the gate.

Ciarán Kilduff helped to put up the first chance for Jacksonville when he passed the ball to Wesley Charpie in front of the net. Charpie’s shot was met with Atlanta's defense though to block the shot.

Kilduff then tried again a few minutes later with a shot on goal himself, but the Atlanta goalkeeper secured it.

In the 23rd minute J.C. Banks received the ball after a great build up in the offensive half. He slotted it home with solid composure to give the Armada FC the first goal of the match.

Banks tried again to score after Kilduff crossed the ball into the box but his shot just barely sailed over the crossbar.

The Silverbacks then had two close chances to equalize in the first half. First, a cross into the box came near the net, but Mechack Jérôme acted quick to clear it out.

The best chance for Atlanta came in the 42nd minute with another cross into the box. Brian Holt put himself in the way of the ball though and deflected it away from the net.

The whistle blew with the Armada FC ahead by one.

Atlanta was finally able to equalize in the 59th minute though. The ball was snuck around Holt to give the home team a goal.

The Armada FC tried to get back ahead with several opportunities.

Conor Doyle won the ball and drove it up toward the goal, but his shot was saved by the Atlanta goalkeeper.

A last-ditch effort was displayed in the waning minutes. A corner was earned and Christian Silva took it for the Armada FC. Brian Bement was able to get his head to the corner kick, but the ball went just wide of the net.

Jacksonville and Atlanta ended their preseasons with a draw. Both teams officially open the NPSL season next weekend. The Armada FC will meet the Miami FC 2 on the road Saturday. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. at Bobcat Field, St. Thomas University.