USOC RECAP – Armada FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies

The Jacksonville Armada FC advances on to the Third Round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup after shutting out the Tampa Bay Rowdies 1-0 Wednesday.

The two sides saw a scoreless first half at Southern Oak Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., despite a couple opportunities from both sides.

"Conditions were very difficult. Tampa were very direct and put it into the box at every opportunity, but I thought we weathered it fantastically well,” said Armada FC head coach Mark Lowry.

Former Armada FC midfielder, Jack Blake, sported the Rowdies’ jersey Wednesday and contributed two shots on goal for the visitors. His first was the best chance of the first half only four minutes in from some distance. Armada FC goalkeeper Brian Holt was able to secure it though.

Banks put up the best chance of the first half for the Armada FC in the waning minutes of the first half. Mechack Jerome intercepted a long ball from the Rowdies and sent it back up the field to Banks, who drove it forward and took a shot, but it was just wide.

The match did not see the only goal of the night until the 58th minute. Joshua Castellanos fought off Tampa’s defenders to maintain possession. He passed the ball to Banks, who was able to slot it home past Tampa’s goalkeeper.

"It felt good to get the goal, but [I'm] just trying to do my role for the team," said Banks. "Everyone has to do their job to win games like that and we did it tonight."

"We scored a great goal,” said Lowry. "It was a wonderful contribution from every single player tonight."

Holt managed to keep the Rowdies from tallying their equalizer, despite numerous chances.

In the 91st minute, the Rowdies tried with some last-ditch effort to keep the match moving. A free kick by Blake was sent into the box and Tampa’s Lance Rozeboom connected to it, but Holt again saved it.

Jacksonville next hosts Miami United FC on Wednesday, May 23 at Southern Oak Stadium for the Third Round of the U.S. Open Cup. Tickets are $10 and on sale at JacksonvilleArmada.com/Tickets.

MATCH REPORT

STARTING XI:

JAX (4-5-1): Holt, Charpie, Jerome, Beckie, Melvin, Castellanos (Portilla 69’), Doyle (Silva 90’), Yuma, Banks, Gebhard (Keita 80;), Kilduff

TBR (4-3-3): Mizell, Lachowecki, Gorskie, Collins, Portillos, Blake, Nanchoff (Cole 75’), Rozeboom, Flemmings (Hristov 67’), Guenzatti (Graff 80’), Fernandes

SCORING SUMMARY:

JAX: Banks 58’ (Assist: Castellanos)

DISCIPLINE:

TBR: Fernandez 14’ (Caution)

JAX: Melvin 28’ (Caution)

TBR: Blake 62’ (Caution)

TBR: Nanchoff 69’ (Caution)

JAX: Kilduff 77’ (Caution)

JAX: Beckie 90’ (Caution)