Jacksonville is hungry to climb the table early in the season

WHEN & WHERE

Saturday, Aug. 12 at 7:30 p.m. EST | Sahlen’s Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park (Cary, N.C.)

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After a disappointing trip to Puerto Rico, the Jacksonville Armada FC (0W-1D-1L, 1 pt, 7th Fall Season) looks to rebound against North Carolina FC (1W-1D-0L, 4 pts, 1st Fall Season) on Saturday.

The second trip to the Caribbean did not end the way the Armada FC was hoping for. Puerto Rico FC came out strong in the first half, controlling possession and mounting pressure on the Jacksonville defense. In the 14th minute, Caleb Patterson-Sewell came up with an incredible diving save on a rocket from Giuseppe Gentile. The dangerous Puerto Rico FC forward was not done wreaking havoc on the Armada FC backline though. In the 43rd minute, Gentile found teammate Conor Doyle with a quality chip just over the head of defender Drew Beckie for the header goal.

In the second half, the Armada FC responded with a barrage of attacks. Leading the charge for Jacksonville was midfielder Charles Eloundou. In the 75th minute, Eloundou sent a dangerous ball on target that was knocked away by Trevor Spangenberg at the last moment. Just minutes later, Eloundou made a defender miss and fired off another shot, this time the ball sailed just wide of the net. Despite a valiant effort from Jacksonville, the Puerto Rican side walked away with three points.

North Carolina FC is at the top of the Fall Season table after a wild victory in Miami Saturday night. The club dominated early on, creating several offensive chances. Finally, in the 27th minute, former Armada FC midfielder Jonathan Glenn broke through to give NCFC an early lead. In the 70th minute, substitute Marcel Kandziora extended the lead for the visiting club. However, no lead is safe in soccer, and Miami FC was determined to fight back. Michel put his club on the board with a penalty kick goal in the 89th minute. That was followed by a quick strike from Stefano Pinho to bring the match even. North Carolina FC would not be content with a draw, and in the 94th minute, Christian Ibeagha’s goal gave the visitors three points and a share of the NASL Fall Season lead.

Saturday’s meeting between the Armada FC and North Carolina FC is the third in 2017. Each club won its home meeting, and North Carolina has the series lead with a record of 4W-2D-2L. Jacksonville is continuing to gel as a club after acquiring three new players shortly before the Fall opener against San Francisco. This match will also feature familiar faces as Armada FC forward Brian Shriver returns to face his former club. On the other side, North Carolina players Jonathan Glenn and Danny Barrow will face their old club for the first time. Jacksonville is looking for a much needed win Saturday against the top team in the Fall standings. Three points would put the Armada FC back near the top of the table.

The match will kick off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. EST in Cary, North Carolina. Fans can tune in on CW17 (WCWJ) and ESPN3 or listen on Planet FM 97.3 and Rumba FM 106.9.

SERIES HISTORY

North Carolina FC leads 4W-2D-2L

LAST RESULT

Armada 2, North Carolina FC 1 – 5/28/17 | RECAP

POTENT NOTABLES

The Armada FC faces Jonathan Glenn and Danny Barrow for the first time since the trade for Brian Shriver on July 28.

Jacksonville has never won a match on the road against North Carolina.

North Carolina is one of the most potent clubs offensively, registering 208 shots and 25 goals this year.

Jacksonville’s defense has frustrated clubs throughout 2017, allowing only 70 shots on target this year, third fewest allowed in the NASL.

North Carolina has struggled defensively this year, allowing 101 shots on target this year (league high) and 25 goals conceded.

BY THE NUMBERS

6 – The number of clean sheets recorded by Caleb Patterson-Sewell this year, third in the NASL

17 – The number of goals conceded by Jacksonville this year, the second lowest in the NASL

25 – The number of goals scored by North Carolina FC this year, third in the NASL

72 – The number of saves by Brian Sylvestre this year, the most in the NASL

LOOKING AHEAD

The Jacksonville Armada FC will return home for two matches in five days. The first match will be on Wednesday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. as the Armada FC looks to avenge its loss against Puerto Rico FC. On Sunday, Aug. 20, the Spring Season champions Miami FC will travel to Jacksonville for the first match of the season between the two clubs. Kickoff for that match is at 6 p.m.