U-23 Continue to Lead Conference after 10th Win of the NPSL Season

Recap by Louis Llerandi

The Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 made the five and a half hour drive across the Panhandle to Ashton Brosnaham Stadium Saturday to battle against instate rivals Pensacola FC. This marked the sixth away match of the NPSL season in the Gulf Coast Conference for the Armada, and their eleventh in total.

As soon as the game kicked off both teams were determined to put their mark on the game and retain possession.

Early in the match, Pensacola FC’s attack pressed the Armada’s backline and forced Cameron Braswell to make a save.

In the 9th minute, a ball from the wing was played by Cao Chaves central into the box, Eduardo Coimbra then soared above Pensacola’s defense and rifled a header past the keeper to put the Armada FC up 1-0.

Not letting the Armada’s goal discourage them, Pensacola FC continued to attack and eventually scored a goal that was ultimately ruled offsides. They remained threatening, even going as far as hitting both posts in a single attack.

Eduardo Coimbra picked up a yellow card and Cameron Braswell made another amazing save before the referee called for half time.

Going into the break, the Jacksonville Armada had only secured a one-goal lead over Pensacola. After an motivational speech from assistant coach Jack Burns, who was filling in for head coach Tommy Krizanovic, the away team was eager and ready for the second half.

Coming out of the blocks for the second half of the game, Jacksonville continued to try and extend the lead they had built in the first 45 minutes over Pensacola FC.

Only three minutes after halftime ended, the goal scorer from the first half, Eduardo Coimbra, slid a pass in between the opposition’s back line to Reed Davis. He slotted a ball into the lower right corner of the goal, putting the Jacksonville Armada up 2-0.

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.

Pensacola FC was presented with two yellow cards before fouling an Armada attacker in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Alex Ierides would step up to the penalty spot, but unfortunately could not convert the chance into a goal.

In the 70th minute, Pensacola put a low cross into the box and scored to capitalize off of the Armada’s penalty miss, putting them behind only one goal.

A few minutes after their goal, Pensacola FC’s center back picked up his second yellow of the match, was shown a red card, and sent off for the rest of the match.

A ten-man Pensacola did not back down to the challenge and went toe-to-toe with Jacksonville. But in the 85th minute, Alex Ierides would cut inside from the left wing and smash a beautiful shot into the top corner of the far post, making the score 3-1.

The final whistle blew five minutes later and gave the Armada’s U-23 squad their 10th win of the season and another three points in the Gulf Coast Conference. The Armada sit first place in the conference with 30 points and clinched home field advantage for the playoffs with the win.

This Wednesday, June 30, the New Orleans Jesters will make the journey to Duval County and take on the Jacksonville Armada in their sixth home match of the season. The match will be open to fans and you are able to register for tickets at jacksonvillearmada.com/u-23-schedule.