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Jacksonville Armada Score Seven Goals In Gulf Coast Conference Semifinal

Armada advance to Gulf Coast Conference Final
Jul 15, 2022

Wednesday, the Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 hosted Pensacola FC in the Gulf Coast Conference Semifinals at Jangro Stadium. This was the fifth all-time meeting between the two clubs, and the Armada’s first game of the 2022 NPSL Playoffs.

 

Jacksonville Armada would get off to a slow start with Pensacola FC scoring just after the first whistle. In the 16th minute Pensacola FC would score their second goal of the night, giving the Pelicans a 0-2 lead.

 

Just one minute after Pensacola extended their lead, a streaking Cao Chaves would score the Armada’s first goal of the night set up by an Angus Taylor cross. That would be the Jacksonville Armada’s only goal in the first half, putting them behind 1-2.

 

After an inspirational talk from former player and second year head coach Tommy Krizanovic, the home team came out of the locker room eager and ready for the second forty five minutes of play.

 

It did not take long for Jacksonville to start clicking offensively, and were on the attack as soon as the whistle blew for the second half. In the 48th minute, Reed Davis chipped a ball over the Pensacola backline to Cao Chaves who would score his second goal of the night, evening up the scoreline at 2-2.

 

Ethan Dudley took advantage of a Pelican clearance in the 49th minute and struck a ball from 30 yards into the top right corner of the net, putting the Armada ahead 3-2.

 

In the 53rd minute Cao Chaves would complete his hat trick after dispossessing a Pensacola FC defender and finishing the chance with the outside of his boot.

 

Angus Taylor would be fouled inside of the opposition’s box resulting in a penalty kick unfortunately, Reed Davis stepped up to the spot but could not convert the chance.

 

Ethan Dudley would score his second goal of the night by way of a freekick at the top of Pensacola’s box. The 64th minute goal further extended the Jacksonville Armada’s lead to 5-2.

 

In the 74th minute, Cole Reasonover whipped in a cross to an incoming Reed Davis who tucked the ball away for his first of the match.

 

Just two minutes after the sixth goal hit the back of the net, Angus Taylor would score the Armada’s seventh and final goal of the game assisted by Maxwell Debodene. For the remainder of the game the boys in blue dominated possession, holding onto their win over Pensacola FC 7-2.

 

“We haven’t been in this situation before. Being down 2-0 really tested us. Pensacola was brilliant from the beginning and made it hard for us. In the second half we rose to the challenge however and showed we can go as far as we want,” said Head Coach Tommy Krizanovic.  “Saturday will be a great match up whether New Orleans or Southern States. The support tonight was unmatched and we will need our supporters to be our 12th man again.”

 

With Wednesday’s result over Pensacola FC, the Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 advance through to the Gulf Coast Conference Final. The NPSL Gulf Coast Conference Champion will be decided this Sunday, when the Jacksonville Armada take on an opponent yet to be determined. Do not miss your chance to witness your Jacksonville Armada make history on July 17th at 7pm at Jangro Stadium! Reserve your FREE tickets to the NPSL Gulf Coast Conference Final today on Eventbrite.