Armada FC Ends Rowdies’ Bid For Spring Season Title

Photo credit: Jacksonville Armada FC

Playing a man down, Jacksonville took a 1-0 lead in the 52nd minute on a goal by Junior Sandoval. Charles Eloundou hit a left-footed cross that Sandoval chested to the ground before striking a shot past Tampa Bay goalkeeper Matt Pickens from about 25 yards out. It was the fourth goal this year allowed by the Rowdies in the first 15 minutes of the second half, most in the league.

The Rowdies (4W-4D-2L, 16 points) drew even in the game on a goal by Junior Burgos from about 35 yards out in the 84th minute. Joe Cole provided the assist. The draw leaves Tampa Bay two points behind first-place Indy in the Spring Season Standings.

In a tightly played first half, the Rowdies had the best scoring opportunity when Cole, the club’s star English midfielder curled, a free kick on frame from about 35 yards out in the 35th minute. Armada FC (1-4-5, 7) goalkeeper Miguel Gallardo stood his ground and held the shot on his goal line.

The complexion of the game changed seconds into the second half when Jacksonville’s Shawn Nicklaw was shown a straight red card when he left his feet on a tackle against Cole.

For more details on the game, visit armadafc.com and rowdiessoccer.com.