Insider On Tour | Day Three Recap

By Matthew Levine

After two days spent talking to the players down in Jacksonville, it was finally time to see them in action. The games were certainly a nice primer for the opening weekend that is now only a short week away.

Each of the four teams – Carolina RailHawks, FC Edmonton, Jacksonville Armada FC, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies – put on a good show.

The Armada FC Four-Team Challenge also marked the end of my trip, for the most part in Jacksonville, as I had a flight out before the sunrise.

Here are a few notes from the day.

Looking At The Left Side For The Eddies

Heading into the FC Edmonton-Carolina RailHawks game, I was particularly interested in the Eddies left side where Lance Laing and Johann Smith patrol the flanks.

Interestingly enough, both of the players used to play the other’s position – Laing is now a midfielder, Smith now a defender – and I was curious how’d they do together.

The two of them should certainly have a strong partnership. I was certainly impressed with Smith, who looked strong and assured in his tackles and did well moving forward, which is the more natural side of his game.

While Laing had a bit of a quiet game, the left-sided partnership is one to watch for this season. As Laing and Smith get more acclimated to playing with each other, it could become one of, if not, the most dynamic flank in the North American Soccer League.

Solid Showing From Carolina

The RailHawks certainly pushed the Eddies, and looked pretty sharp overall. With Carolina creating several attacking chances, they possibly should have scored a few goals in the game. One chance that comes to mind was Nacho Novo finding space in the box in the second half.

However, Matt VanOekel was on top of his game and made several fine saves. His opposite number, Hunter Gilstrap, was also in fine form. He made a several key saves to keep the Eddies from finding the back of the net.

The RailHawks will certainly be an interesting team to watch. With a lot of established NASL players, I’m looking forward to seeing how the team develops, and if it’s enough to bring a championship to the Triangle.

Goals For The Rowdies

The Rowdies found the only goals for the NASL sides on Saturday, as Tampa’s attack had some real cutting-edge to it.

The first goal was a bit scrappy. Keith Savage was able to finish from close-range with the ball slowly rolling over the line, as Armada FC keeper David Sierra got a piece of the ball.

The second was a very well-taken goal. Robert Hernandez lofted a boll to the far post, and Brian Shriver nodded in to give the Rowdies the two-goal advantage.

Corey Hertzog also had a strong night for the Rowdies. However, they could potentially be missing a forward option, at least for the short-term, with Maicon Santos having to leave the game after a tough challenge.

Armada FC Still Interchanging

The Armada FC was unable to find the back of the net, and the game was used as another chance for the coaching staff to see the players in several different roles. In an effort to have fluidity to their style of ply, the players will need to know several different roles.

It will be something to watch as the season progresses. Will Jacksonville settle on a set lineup? Or will it be a guessing game like some of the players felt it could potentially be?

In any case, it’s intriguing to see if it helps or hurts their chances at all in their inaugural season.

Great Hosts

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how great of hosts all the Armada FC staff were. It was nice to finally meet several of the people who make Jacksonville gamedays go smoothly.

NASL Insider on Twitter

Everyone from the PR staff to those behind the scenes were helpful anf overall great people making my first-ever trip to EverBank Field a memorable one.

Although, the Kraken was looking a bit fierce.

Looking forward to the club beginning in earnest on Saturday, April 4.