a Draw Secures Armada
April 23, 2017 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Jacksonville Armada FC News Release
BROOKLYN, N.Y. (April 22, 2017) - The Jacksonville Armada FC remains undefeated and keeps the first place seat in the NASL after a 1-1 draw against the defending champions, the New York Cosmos (1W-2D-1L, 5th place) Saturday night.
The lone Armada goal came off of J.C. Banks in the second half and brings the club's record to 2W-2D-0L.
The road match kicked off in a familiar baseball field setting for the Armada FC at Brooklyn's MCU Park. Yet New York also felt different, as Jacksonville broke the familiar losing streak when playing the Cosmos at home.
Once again, the Armada FC defense proved to be enough to hold off the opponent from taking a win. Mechack Jérî-me began defensive play in the sixth minute with an intervention just outside the goal when Walter Restrepo sent a shot his way. He went on to total three clearances and won all three of his duels in 41 touches total.
The Cosmos set the lead in the 22nd minute when Javi Márquez found his way through the box to get the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal.
Defender Kalen Ryden came close to a goal in the 32nd minute. A cross from Nicklas Maripuu was found by Ryden, who sent a header just shy of the net to the right.
Although goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell gave up his clean sheet streak, he also remained a defensive force. He faced four shots on target, including a huge save when the ball slipped by Aaron Pitchkolan in the 33rd minute.
Despite having the majority of the possession and shots in the first half, the Armada FC failed to find the back of the net.
Banks scored the equalizer in the 67th minute from a headed pass by Ryden. He gained possession about 30 yards out to drive the ball toward the Cosmos and fired it just inside the 18-yard line.
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North American Soccer League Stories from April 23, 2017
- a Draw Secures Armada - Jacksonville Armada FC
- RECAP | the Miami FC Steals a Point at Home After a 95th Minute - Miami FC
- Match Recap: North Carolina FC Draws Miami FC on the Road 1-1 - North Carolina FC
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