U-23 Takes Home Three Points in NPSL Season Opener

Photo and Recap by Louis Llerandi

The Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 made the short drive across I-10 to Gene Cox Stadium this past Saturday to battle against instate rivals Tallahassee SC. This marked the first match of the NPSL season for both teams, and the first-ever NPSL match for Tallahassee.

From the first whistle both teams came out of the gate with aggression and ready to attack.

Early in the match the Armada pressed the opposition’s backline and caused Tallahassee to make several mistakes, although Jacksonville was not able to take advantage of them.

Subsequently Tallahassee SC caught Jacksonville on a quick counterattack causing a shot right outside of the box that rang off the crossbar.

In the 26th minute, a ball was played central to Jovoney Brown who cut through the middle of the Lion’s defense and muscled out an opponent before blasting a shot past the keeper to put the Armada FC up 1-0.

Keeping their momentum moving, Jacksonville continued threatening the Lions to no avail, picking up a yellow card along the way.

Moments before the referee called for half time, number 9, Jovoney Brown, once again received the ball on top of the box where he shook the Tallahassee centre-back off and rifled his second goal into the bottom left corner.

Going into the break, the Jacksonville Armada had secured a comfortable two-goal lead over the Lions. After an inspirational talk from former player and first-time head coach Tommy Krizanovic, the away team came out of the locker room eager and ready for the second half.

Coming out of the blocks for the second half of the game, Tallahassee continued to try and threaten the lead the Armada had built in the first 45 minutes.

Both teams made plenty of second half substitutions to get fresh legs onto the pitch to keep up with the aggressive pace of the game.

The Jacksonville Armada was presented with two more yellow cards before the Lions scored their one and only goal in the 90th minute of the game. The final whistle blew and gave the Armada’s U-23 squad their first win of the season and three points in the Gulf Coast Conference.

Tallahassee SC will once again have an opportunity to try their luck against the Armada when they head east to Duval County on Wednesday, June 16.

This coming Sunday the Jacksonville Armada will take on Southern States SC from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, in the first home match of the season. The match will be closed to fans, however Main & Six Brewing Company is hosting a watch party Sunday at noon.