Armada FC Thriving In Front Of Support At Community First Park

Less than a year into their first season at Community First Park, the Jacksonville Armada FC have managed to create a unique atmosphere in Downtown Jacksonville.

Whether it is the 30-feet-high kraken known as Squid Vicious lurking, the firing of the cannons to signify an Armada FC goal, or the roar of Section 904, it would be hard to admit it is not an infectious atmosphere.

And it is clear the hometown crowd feed off that excitement. The evidence is in the results.

The Armada FC have managed to earn points in four of five matches at their home. And each of those matches have included thrilling moments and nail biting finishes like Keita’s stoppage time strike against the San Antonio Scorpions and this past weekend’s stout defensive effort to stave off the previously unbeated New York Cosmos for a hard-earned victory.

Perhaps no one quite appreciates the immense support as much as hometown hero and Englewood High School and Jacksonville University graduate Tommy Krizanovic, who proudly scored the game-winning goal to top the NASL Spring Season-winning Cosmos and send Community First Park into a frenzy.

“Considering that it is the team’s first year of existence, it is impressive,” Krizanovic said. “With the crowd behind us the way they have been, it also most seems like we have been around forever. It makes playing at home feel so much easier. It gives us so much more motivation, and I think that makes a big difference in how we play at home versus how we play on the road. We want to take that with us when we travel.”

Krizanovic knows that the faithful supporters will continue to make a difference as the team moves forward in the Fall Season.

“[Support at home] will be crucial, and it will have a big impact on the team,” he said. “I think our fans are really stepping up their game. It is like having that 12th man. It plays a big role for the club.”

Armada FC head coach Guillermo Hoyos sees the culture of the club progressing into a warm and devoted environment that is certain to produce more exciting results.

“They are a huge influence,” Hoyos said. “The team really feels protected. All humans move through emotion and feeling support. When we get down, protection like that is exactly what we need. It gives us confidence. It also helps us battle back from those defeats.”

Hoyos’ philosophy is something that involves the whole community. He sees a vibrant future for Jacksonville to be proud of. 

“Coming out and winning like we did last weekend really defines the type of team we are building and club that we are,” he said. “So that support is obviously something very good for the club and maturity of the team. We work hard every single day, and sometimes we don’t get the results that we want to see. But if we continue to work hard, victory will be all of ours to celebrate soon.”