Haitian International Mechack Jérôme Re-Signs With Armada FC

The Jacksonville Armada FC announced on Tuesday that it has re-signed Haitian national team defender Mechack Jérôme for the 2016 season.

The 25-year-old native of Liancourt, Haiti, started six of the club’s final seven matches (one was missed due to international duty) after originally signing with the Armada FC on Sept. 25 following 17 appearances with the USL’s Charlotte Independence in 2015. He plays alongside Armada FC forward Pascal Millien on the Haitian national team and has earned 36 caps since 2008.

“I want to thank our owner Mark Frisch for this opportunity, as well as our fans for making me and my family feel so welcome in my short time in Jacksonville,” Jérôme said. “I look forward to working hard with my teammates to bring our supporters and city a championship in 2016.”

Jérôme made an immediate impact on the back line at the center back position, helping the team post a 1.33 goals against average (GAA) in his starts compared to a 1.71 GAA clip when he didn’t start. His shining moment came in the form of a sensational 35-yard free-kick goal against Ottawa Fury FC league-leading goalkeeper Romuald Peiser.

Jérôme began his professional career at the age of 16 in 2006 with Baltimore de St. Mark in Haiti’s top league before moving on to Mirandela of the Portuguese second division. In 2010, he joined Armada FC goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo at the Austin Aztex and then Orlando City SC when the club moved. Jérôme appeared in 14 matches during Orlando City’s 2011 USL Championship run and scored one goal with three assists in 20 games for the club’s 2012 regular season title.

In 2013, he signed with Major League Soccer’s Sporting KC, appearing in 10 league games, a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open cup contest and three CONCACAF Champions League matches. Jérôme finished with an assist in 677 minutes of MLS play for Sporting KC and helped the club win the MLS Cup.

After his time at Sporting, Jérôme signed with MLS side Montreal Impact for a brief stint before moving on to Charlotte.