Jacksonville Signs Pair of Swedish Veterans

Photo credit: AIK Fotboll

The Jacksonville Armada FC announced on Monday the signings of Swedish veterans Alexander Andersson and Nicklas Maripuu, pending ITC clearance.

The signings are expected to fortify the attack as the Armada steps up its pursuit of a spot in the NASL Championship when the Fall Season begins July 2 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.

"As the Spring Season began to unfold, it was clear to our technical staff that we wanted to bolster the roster in the attacking part of the field,” said Tony Meola, head coach and technical director. “We have scouted both Alex and Nicklas since November and are happy to add them to our roster."

Andersson, a 30-year-old striker, comes to the Armada after six seasons with Swedish second division side Degerfors IF, where he scored 22 goals in 100 matches, including 34 starts. Andersson also saw action in seven Swedish Cup matches.

Prior to Degerfors IF, Andersson scored a total of 12 goals with Swedish side KB Karlskoga from 2009-10 and netted 12 strikes in 2008 with Swedish side Åtorps IF.  

"Alex is the type of forward that we feel compliments the way we like to play,” Meola said. “He's able to act as a pure target as well as run off the shoulders of defenders. His dedication to his club is evident by the loyalty that he has shown to Degefors, and this is the type of person and player we want at the Armada."

Maripuu, a 24-year-old midfielder, comes to Jacksonville after playing 31 matches, including 16 starts, over 2015 and 2016 with Swedish second division side IK Sirius. In 2016, he scored two goals in 10 contests.

A former member of the Swedish U-17 and U-19 National Teams, Maripuu joined the academy of Swedish first division club AIK in Stockholm when he was five-years-old and moved up through the youth ranks. In 2009, he began his professional career for AIK and was loaned out to partner club AFC United (formerly known as Vasby United) from 2009-10, where he played 40 games and made 26 starts. Maripuu played a total of 16 games, including two starts, for AIK from 2010-12.

Maripuu spent 2012 on loan with Swedish third division side Umeå FC, starting in 12 of 13 appearances. In 2013, he played 28 games, including 13 starts, on loan for Swedish second division side GIF Sundsvall and scored a goal. In 2014, he returned to AIK but did not see any action. 

"Nicklas is a young talent that can play in many of the midfield roles and will help us in possession,” Meola said. “He offers us size, speed and technical ability going forward."