STATS CORNER | Super Zach Steinberger

Jacksonville Armada FC recently secured a 3-0 win, on the road against the San Francisco Deltas, and now sits in third place in the Spring Season Standings, heading into a matchup against second-place North Carolina FC on Saturday. Defender Aaron Pitchkolan, who is about to reach a mark in appearances no other Modern Era player has gotten to, continues to shine as well as midfielder Zach Steinberger, who orchestrated the victory over the Deltas with a pair of goals and an assist.

Here are some key stats heading into Week 10: 

Reliable

Jacksonville captain Aaron Pitchkolan is on the cusp of playing more regular-season games than any other player in the NASL Modern Era. Pitchkolan is currently tied with Minnesota United’s Justin Davis at 151 appearances. The center back could surpass Davis this weekend as Jacksonville takes on North Carolina FC at Hodges Stadium. Pitchkolan, who is in his seventh season in the league, has been as reliable as ever for Armada FC. He is tied for fourth in the NASL in clearances (39), he’s in the top five for interceptions on Armada FC (10), and leads the club in blocks (3). Pitchkolan is also tied for the league lead in headed clearances (18).

Using Their Heads

During the 2017 Spring Season, 14 goals have been scored from headers. Jacksonville midfielder Zach Steinberger scored twice from headers in the club’s 3-0 win over the San Francisco Deltas in Week 9, giving him the lead in that category. In total, 13 different players have scored from headers so far.

At the defensive end, along with Pitchkolan, his defensive partner Mechack Jérôme and Puerto Rico FC’s Cristiano Dias have made 18 headed clearances, which is the most in the NASL. Miami FC’s Mason Trafford and North Carolina FC’s Connor Tobin have also been strong in the air at the back, making 17 clearances with their heads.

Success With Steinberger

After arriving on loan at the end of June in 2016 before signing a permanent deal this offseason, Steinberger has made a big impact for the club. He’s made 28 appearances, scoring eight goals with five assists. Overall, Jacksonville has been a more lethal attacking side and has been rewarded in results. In 12 games dating back to last season without the midfielder, Jacksonville has a record of 1W-5D-6L. But, with the midfielder on the field, Armada FC’s record is 8W-11D-8L. That’s an average of 1.3 points per game with Steinberger as opposed to 0.7 without. The club has also scored 32 goals compared to seven.