Armada FC U-23 Finish Season Undefeated

Saturday, the Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 traveled to Hattiesburg, Mississippi to battle second place in the Gulf Coast Conference, Southern States SC. This was the fourth all-time meeting between the two clubs, and the Armada’s twelfth and final match of the 2022 NPSL regular season.

As soon as the center referee blew the first whistle, Jacksonville was on the attack trying to break through the Stars’ defense.

Jed Bowman would put an early shot on target, but the chance would be thwarted by the Southern States goalkeeper.

In the 32nd minute Alex Ierides was fouled in the opponent’s box, and awarded a penalty kick. Ierides would step up to the spot, and tuck the ball into the back of the net for his tenth goal of the season.

Just fifteen minutes after the game’s first goal, the first half of the match would conclude with the Jacksonville Armada ahead one goal to nil over Southern States SC.

Southern States did not let the Armada’s early chances get to them as they continued to look for a goal in the second half, forcing goalkeeper Dominic Dominguez to make several saves in the process.

In the 68th minute Mason Tunbridge found himself all alone just before the halfway line and would make a solo run towards the net with just the keeper to beat. After shrugging off two defenders, Tunbridge slotted the ball into the net to put the Armada ahead 2-0.

Just two minutes before the clock struck ninety, a Southern States attacker was fouled and awarded a penalty kick. The Stars would convert the chance for their first goal of the match.

In injury time, Alex Ierides' pace was too much for the Southern States defenders who would drag him down in the box, forcing the referee to call for a penalty kick. Ierides converted his second penalty of the night for his eleventh goal of the season, making the scoreline 3-1 in favor of Jacksonville.

The flurry of opportunities in injury time would not end for the Jacksonville Armada. Marc Birkelund would step up to a free kick opportunity just outside of the area, and bury the shot past the goalkeeper making the final score 4-1.

“A very tough opponent we played tonight. This game really could have gone either way throughout the 90 minutes but the boys once again prevailed and executed. Absolutely proud of the way the boys battle, fight and play. We showed tonight we can play with the best and get the results we want. Never easy on the road but now we need all the support we can get at home. Looking forward to seeing a strong side on Wednesday and confident with the momentum going into the game,” said former player and second year Head Coach Tommy Krizanovic.

With the result Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 finish the regular season first in the Gulf Coast Conference, and find themselves ranked number one nationally out of ninety five teams in NPSL.

The Jacksonville Armada’s next home game, and first playoff match, will be held July 13th at 7pm EST at Jangro Stadium versus instate rival Pensacola FC. Tickets are FREE and available for reservation through Eventbrite.