Armada Win Milestone Victory over Minnesota United in Dramatic Fashion
October 2, 2016 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Jacksonville Armada FC News Release
Armada Win Milestone Victory over Minnesota United in Dramatic Fashion
(Jacksonville Armada FC)
BLAINE, Minn. - It was a milestone night for the Jacksonville Armada FC, when defender Matt Bahner netted a late goal to defeat Major League Soccer bound Minnesota United FC on their home pitch at NSC Stadium.
While Jacksonville (3W-7D-7L, 12th in Fall, 4W-11D-12L, 11th Combined) earned only its second win on the road in club history, the virtual "David and Goliath" victory may be one of the team's most significant.
Despite Minnesota controlling the majority of the possession with 55.8% ball custody, it was Jacksonville's Matt Bahner who would own the night when he scored the game winner in the 88th minute.
Armada took the lead after Minnesota conceded a free kick near the sideline. Armada forward Zach Steinberger whipped a corner kick into the box which was headed down toward Bahner, who chested, turned and slotted home the decisive goal past goalkeeper Sammy Ndjock
Minnesota dictated the match early on piling pressure on a resilient Armada backline. In the 35th minute, Minnesota forward Jamie Watson launched a shot from the top of the 18 yard box and rocked the crossbar of Miguel Gallardo's net.
It was the Loons who hit the net first when Jason Davis broke through the outstretched Gallardo and netted the ball, but was called offside canceling out the goal. Armada remained resilient and withstood the pressure for the remainder of the match.
Armada return home to face NASL Spring Season Champions Indy Eleven at Community First Park presented by We Got Soccer on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7 p.m. ET.
MATCH REPORT:
Starting XI:
JAX (4-2-3-1): Gallardo, Barrow (Gebhard 77') Bahner, Ruthven, Jerome, Burke, George, Lagerblom (Keita 45'), Steinberger, Eloundou (Wallace 90'+3)
MNU (4-1-4-1): Ndjock, Davis, Kallman, Lowe, Venegas, Pitchkolan, Watson, Banks (Ben Speas 80'), Ibson, Cruz (Pinho 77'), Ramirez
Scoring Summary:
JAX: Bahner (Gebhard) 88'
Discipline:
JAX: Barrow (Caution 47')
JAX: Eloundou (Caution 56')
JAX: Pitchkolan ( Caution 85')
Attendance: 9,402
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North American Soccer League Stories from October 2, 2016
- Match Recap: Carolina Draws 1-1 at Rayo OKC in the Final Seconds of Added Time - North Carolina FC
- Fisk Lifts FC Edmonton to 2-1 Win over Indy Eleven with Stoppage Time Stunner - FC Edmonton
- Fort Lauderdale Drops 2-0 Decision to New York - Fort Lauderdale Strikers
- NASL RECAP: Indy Eleven Falls to Late FC Edmonton Goal in 2-1 Loss at Clarke Field - Indy Eleven
- Armada Win Milestone Victory over Minnesota United in Dramatic Fashion - Jacksonville Armada FC
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