Complete U.S. Open Cup Coverage

Jacksonville Armada

2023 US Open Cup Round 1: Nicklas Rulle of Jacksonville Armada voted TheCup.us Player of the Round

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Nicklas Rulle Jacksonville Aramada US Open Cup Player of the Round
Jacksonville Armada U-23s goalkeeper Nicklas Rulle. Photo: OfficialFloridaFC.com

Nicklas Rulle of the Jacksonville Armada Under-23s has been voted TheCup.us Player of the Round for the Armada’s First Round win in the 2023 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.

After holding Miami United to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes of play and without any field players left to take a penalty kick, Rulle stepped up to bury a right-footed shot. Miami United’s keeper, Peterson Occenat, similarly stepped up to take a PK immediately after. But only one goalkeeper would convert on the night as Rulle made the save handing the Armada Under-23s the shootout win. It was the first time the club had advanced in the tournament since 2018.

The Player of the Round award is voted on by TheCup.us staff, a select panel from the North American Soccer Reporters and select backers (those that pledge $10 or more) of TheCup.us’ Patreon team. Rulle edged out Hevany Ramos of Capo FC, Pedro Batista Alves of Cleveland SC and Joseph Devivo of Lansdowne Yonkers.

Rulle has had a fun soccer journey to get to the Armada. He’s originally from Saeby, a seaport town in Northern Denmark. He played for Randers FC, a team regularly found in the top-flight of Danish football. After spending time with Denmark’s Under-15 team, he went on to play for Cleveland State and later Cumberland University in Nashville, Tenn. These days, in addition to playing for the Armada, Nicklas is an assistant coach with the Jacksonville University’s (JU) men’s soccer team. He primarily works with JU’s goalkeeper core, ensuring they have everything they need to perform at the highest level.

Rulle was “honored” and “excited” to win the award and said it was fun to be recognized. Ultimately though, he’s a humble player who places the team effort above himself. He stressed that the win belonged to the whole team who played 50 minutes with a man down and still churned out a “brilliant performance.”

Rulle’s humility should not be mistaken for a lack of personal belief. When asked if he was prepared to take a penalty that night Nicklas said, “I’ve taken some penalties in practice but not in a game since I was an Under-10 player. As a goalkeeper, we always want to show how things should be done and I’m no different.”

When asked what was going through his mind when stepping up to the line, no one on the team left to take a penalty after so many rounds of PKs, Rulle said, “There wasn’t a whole lot going through my mind, if I’m being honest. It was just, ‘No nerves. Just hit the frame. Smash it.’”

Rulle becomes the first Jacksonville Armada player to win the award, and the first player on an NPSL team since 2019. He also is just the second native of Denmark to take home the award. He joins another NPSL player, Rasmus Hansen of the Brooklyn Italians who won the honor for the 2018 Preliminary Round.

Next up, the Armada travel to face Miami FC of the USL Championship on Tuesday night. When asked about the preparation to face the Armada’s first professional opponent since 2018, Rulle said they’ve, “gone over things they can do well and things they need to be aware of” but ultimately, “there are opportunities to grab.”

2018 US Open Cup Round 3: Miami United sink Armada to become first NPSL team to reach Round 4

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USOC MUFC-JAX FINALThe Jacksonville Armada FC may have had home-field advantage, but that’s where their fortune ended Wednesday night in their quest to advance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. Taking on Miami United FC, the two National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) clubs fought for every possession, but it was Miami who came away with the only goals in the Third Round match.

Miami drew first blood in the 20th minute off a great ball that was fed to Tomas Granitto. The Miami midfielder took a shot from outside the box and banked it in off of the far post. It was one of the more impressive goals of the tournament and it gave United the momentum they needed.

Just six minutes later, Miami United earned a free kick just outside the box on the left wing. Nicolas Gorobsov stepped up to take the shot, curling it past the wall to the far post to double the advantage.

Though the scoreboard showed a 2-0 result for Miami, Jacksonville actually owned a distinct shot advantage, 20-4. However, just six of those shots were put on frame, and all were tidied up by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Peterson.

“We had a thousand chances to score a goal and we didn’t score,” said the clearly disgruntled Armada head coach, Mark Lowry. “We had five, six, seven, eight, nine chances to score and we didn’t. That’s what happened.”

With tonight’s win, Miami United becomes the first team in NPSL history to reach the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup. United are just the second open division pro team to reach Round 4, joining the 2016 Kitsap Pumas, back when they were a member of the Premier Development League.

They now await the results of tomorrow’s Fourth Round draw ahead of MLS’ entry into the competition. The draw is set to take place at 11 AM (ET).

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Jacksonville Armada win rain-soaked rivalry game with Tampa Bay Rowdies

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JC Banks of the Jacksonville Armada scored the lone goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Keith Garrett | Jacksonville Armada
JC Banks of the Jacksonville Armada scored the lone goal against the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the Second Round of the 2018 US Open Cup. Photo: Keith Garrett | Jacksonville Armada

There was no love lost between the former NASL foes Wednesday night as the Tampa Rowdies and the Jacksonville Armada met in the Second Round of the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The two clubs fought aimlessly for possession throughout the match, but it was the Armada who ultimately came away with the victory, 1-0.

While Jacksonville are a rare professional team in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL), it still marked an accomplishment for the mostly-amateur league. Since the league was founded in 2003, only one NPSL club (Chattanooga FC, who did it twice) has defeated a professional team. (NOTE: FC Wichita joined the club later that evening)

The Armada also made some history for themselves, as they won three games in a single tournament for the first time.

It took a while for the game to get started as lightning delayed the start by 90 minutes. The delay and the soaked field could have affected the players as the first half produced very few quality chances as the two teams went into the halftime break scoreless.

Starting the second half, the Armada went on the attack and won a key possession in front of the Rowdies net. Josh Castellanos got a second chance and crossed it to JC Banks who buried in the back of the net. With that goal, the Armada were able to hold off the Rowdies for the remaining 40 plus minutes.

“The guys put everything out there today,” said Armada Coach Mark Lowry. “Tampa is very direct and put the ball in the box a lot. It wasn’t pretty but we defended fantastically well.”

This was certainly true as around the 65th minute, the Rowdies maintained the ball for a solid 10 minutes. Shot after shot, which led to four corner kicks in a row, the Armada held off the attack.

“Grinding, just grinding,” said JC Banks on recapping the match. “It wasn’t a pretty game, but you need to win those games.”

With their victory, the Armada now move on to the Third Round of the US Open Cup and will host Miami United FC, another NPSL team.

2018 US Open Cup Round 1: Jacksonville Armada hits team milestone with shutout of SIMA Aguilas

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With the win over SIMA Aguilas, Jacksonville Armada earned back-to-back US Open Cup wins for the first time in club history. Photo: Austin David
With the win over SIMA Aguilas, Jacksonville Armada earned back-to-back US Open Cup wins for the first time in club history. Photo: Austin David

In tonight’s Lamar Hunt US Open Cup First Round matchup between the Jacksonville Armada FC and SIMA Aguilas at Montverde Academy, it was the experience of the Jacksonville Armada that prevailed as they came away with a 2-0 win to advance to the next round. SIMA Aguilas (PDL) had just begun training together a few days ago, before playing their first competitive match tonight, while the Armada, which feature a roster full of professional players, is coming off a 2-1 victory in last Sunday’s Preliminary Round against The Villages SC (PDL).

Through the first half Jacksonville controlled much of the possession, as SIMA spent most of the beginning of the match trying to settle in and build cohesiveness.

“I thought in the 1st half we did a very good job in keeping Jacksonville in their end like we wanted to, not building out,” SIMA general manager Mike Potempa said after the match. “Of course, as legs begin to tire, we had to make some subs when guys haven’t been with us for too long it gets a little bit raveled. The goals we gave them, they didn’t really earn them, but overall I know congratulations to them they move on and and we have PDL season starting Saturday, so for me I’m very happy with with the match.”

Throughout the rest of the first half, Jacksonville put on pressure early but SIMA’s squad hung in and absorbed the pressure, creating a few chances on the counter. The first half of the match was very physical between the two teams as Jacksonville committed 10 fouls in the first half alone, while SIMA Aguilas had 11 fouls of their own. Jacksonville managed two shots on goal, while SIMA had three.

“Disappointed with the first half,” head coach Mark Lowry said following the game. “I thought we were poor in the first half. It wasn’t like we were in trouble, I just expect better from us. Second half, I made a change, brought on Camillo who’s a young 19-year-old Colombian to give us more of an attacking threat and I thought he changed the game. We came out in the second half a lot more potent going forward, a lot more dangerous and it resulted in two goals for us.”

The second half saw the more experienced Armada take control of the game with a goal in the 54th minute from Joshua Castellanos. After a poor touch from SIMA’s Alexander Happi, Castellanos found himself alone on goal with only the keeper to beat. He finished the chance easily and Jacksonville took the 1-0 lead early in the second half.

Just a minute later, SIMA almost equalized in the 57th minute. From a goal kick, midfielder AJ Seals had a cutting through ball that found Mikael Martins in on goal. In a one-on-one situation with the keeper, Martins’ shot struck the near post and went out for a goal kick. This turned out to be the best chance of the night for the Aguilas.

Jacksonville continued to control the pace of the game, though the SIMA team was able to create chances on the counter. It wasn’t until the 77th minute when the door on the match was shut as Jacksonville’s Connor Doyle took a Aguilas turnover and blasted an uncontested shot from just outside the box, rifling the back of the net and giving the Armada a commanding 2-0 lead. SIMA Aguilas tried to fight back into the game, but it was too late to make up the deficit.

With the win, the Armada have won multiple games in a single tournament for the first time in club history. Jacksonville now advances to the Second Round of the US Open Cup and will host USL’s Tampa Bay Rowdies next Wednesday, May 16.

2018 US Open Cup: Armada edge The Villages SC, face short turnaround for next round

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The Jacksonville Armada celebrate their opening goal against The Villages SC in the 6th minute of the club's 2018 US Open Cup Preliminary Round match. Photo: Eldy Mendez | Armada FC
The Jacksonville Armada celebrate their opening goal against The Villages SC in the 6th minute of the club’s 2018 US Open Cup Preliminary Round match. Photo: Eldy Mendez | Armada FC

As a late addition into the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, the Jacksonville Armada FC came ready to play as they kicked off against The Villages SC Sunday night at Southern Oak Stadium on the campus of Jacksonville University.

For the third year in a row, the Armada were victorious in their opening round game in the US Open Cup, defeating The Villages SC, 2-1.

Jacksonville was relentless in the first half, dominating possession and creating several quality scoring chances. In the sixth minute, Michael Melvin attacked the left side and sent a beautiful ball to Ciaran Kilduff in the box, who put the Armada FC out front early with a sensational header.

After halftime, The Villages SC immediately put pressure on Jacksonville, eventually leading to an equalizer. Midfielder Gabriel Cabral provided teammate Leonardo Paiva with an excellent through ball in the box. Paiva found defender Gabriel Torres unmarked in the box and Torres was quick to find the right corner to even the score.

Jacksonville was able to seize momentum back, creating several scoring opportunities. In the 70th minute, defender Mechack Jèrôme lined up for a free kick just outside of the box. Jèrôme’s initial shot attempt was blocked by the wall, but his second shot was deflected into the net by a diving Wesley Charpie to give the Armada FC its second lead of the match.

Armada FC head coach Mark Lowry praised Charpie after the game.

“He attacks the ball well. If you attack the ball well with the quality players we put him with like Michael (Melvin), Conor (Doyle) and Mechack (Jèrôme), you’ll score goals,” said Lowry.

During the final stretch, the Armada FC kept the pressure on as forward Conor Doyle nearly struck from a great look in the box. Jacksonville held on in a physical 2-1 win to advance to the First Round of the US Open Cup.

The Armada FC will have limited rest as they travel to Central Florida for their next match on Wednesday, but that doesn’t worry Lowry.

“We’re fine. We didn’t exert ourselves physically tonight. We were in control most of the game. We’ll be fine for Wednesday.”

Jacksonville takes on SIMA Àguilas of the PDL in Montverde, Fla. on Wednesday night as the First Round of the Open Cup begins. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

USSF allows NY Cosmos B, Miami FC 2, Jacksonville Armada into 2018 US Open Cup in unprecedented decision

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Despite not qualifying for the 2018 US Open Cup, Jacksonville Armada U-23s, New York Cosmos B, and Miami FC 2 will be allowed in because their senior teams were left out as members of the NASL.
The three remaining North American Soccer League (NASL) teams Jacksonville Armada, New York Cosmos, and Miami FC are being allowed to enter the 2018 US Open Cup.

UPDATE: All three Play-In Round games will take place on May 6. Click here for the full schedule.

A little over two weeks ago, the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) announced the format for the 2018 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup. The 105th edition of the United States championship tournament would feature 94 teams, but last Friday afternoon, in an unprecedented decision, the federation added three teams that didn’t originally qualify for the competition into the 2018 field.

The New York Cosmos B, Jacksonville Armada Under-23s, and Miami FC 2, the three reserve teams for the remaining clubs in the North American Soccer League (NASL), will be allowed to enter the US Open Cup. Since the NASL canceled the 2018 season, the three teams shifted their remaining players to their reserve squads which all compete in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) as professional teams.

In previous years, the only way for NPSL teams entered the US Open Cup is through the NPSL qualifying process, which is determined (somewhat complexly) by the previous year’s league and playoff results. Cosmos B and the Armada U-23s failed to qualify and Miami FC 2 are a 2018 expansion team and did not compete in league play last season.

The statement from the US Open Cup Committee read: “The Committee carefully considered the teams’ exceptional situation which involved all three moving from Professional Division II status in 2017 to solely Open Division league participation earlier this year. Since the move occurred after the Open Division league’s 2018 Open Cup entry deadline in mid-2017, the Committee decided to allow the three teams the opportunity to compete in the 2018 edition of the U.S. Open Cup.”

All three teams accepted their invitations and will enter the tournament in a newly-created Play-In Round that is scheduled to take place the weekend of May 5-6.

US Soccer announced on Monday, April 2 that the New York Cosmos B will face the Brooklyn Italians FC of the NPSL, while the PDL’s FC Miami City will take on Miami FC 2, and The Villages SC (PDL) will face off with the Jacksonville Armada. The winners of those three matches will move on to the First Round on May 9.

The dates, times and locations for the Play-In Round will be announced at a later date. Brooklyn, FC Miami City and The Villages will have the first option to host and according to the press release, they have until 4 p.m. ET on Friday, April 6 to submit their hosting proposal to the federation.

The USSF will also announce the First Round pairings and the potential Second Round matchups on Wednesday, April 4.

“These three teams, the players and the coaching staff and their fans, who had planned to participate in the 2018 US Open Cup, and because they are no longer in a professional league and because now they are participating in an amateur league, they missed all of the deadlines to participate in the 2018 tournament,” said John Motta, President of the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA) and Open Cup committee member. “This situation was out of their control … and in my opinion, we had to find a way to allow these three teams to participate. Because it’s not the fault of any of the players, their fans, their coaches, so let’s take the politics aside and let them play.”

The NASL lost their Division 2 professional sanctioning on Sept. 3, 2017, which was after the registration deadline to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament for the 2018 US Open Cup.

The argument, as detailed in a letter submitted to the USSF by New York Cosmos chairman Rocco Commisso and shared on social media, laid out a number of complaints.

One of them being that Indy Eleven and North Carolina FC both left the NASL and were automatically entered into the US Open Cup as members of the USL. The main difference between the two situations is that since 2012, every US-based professional team is automatically entered into the competition. The Premier Development League (PDL) and the NPSL both choose their Open Cup entries based on the previous season’s results. All other teams are required to enter the Open Division qualifying tournament.

The letter also cited MLS (Los Angeles FC) and USL (Nashville SC, Las Vegas Lights FC, Fresno FC) expansion teams as examples of clubs that have been allowed to enter the tournament. Again, all professional teams are automatically entered into the Open Cup, so this is common practice.

Miami FC CEO Sean Flynn also submitted a similar letter to the US Soccer Federation.

TheCup.us has confirmed that the three NPSL teams will all be competing in the 2018 league season and the US Open Cup tournament as fully professional teams. There is no rule, either at the federation level or with the NPSL itself that prevents them from doing this. Although they are in the minority, they are not the only NPSL teams that compete in the league as professionals.

Earlier this year, amateur side El Farolito, winners of the 1993 US Open Cup, were disqualified for switching leagues during the qualifying process. They made the move from the San Francisco Soccer Football League (SFSFL) to the NPSL. Motta was quick to point out the difference between the two situations. One of them had a choice.

“These NASL teams were left out, through no fault of their own … while made a decision to change leagues mid-way through and that’s a clear violation of the Open Cup bylaws,” said Motta.

Section 202c1i of the Open Cup Handbook clearly states: “To remain eligible throughout the tournament, a team must remain a playing member in good standing within its club/league competition, starting from the Open Division entry deadline (which was last summer) and continuing until the Open Cup Final for the competition year.”

One minor detail is that the Jacksonville Armada Under-23s, who prior to this year were largely made up of college players, are putting that franchise on hiatus as the team converts to a fully-professional roster. Miami FC 2, which was announced prior to the NASL canceling the 2018 season, will remain under that name despite the team being converted to a roster full of NASL players. The New York Cosmos will be entering their usual professional roster under the name “Cosmos B”, therefore, just like Miami FC 2, they will be making the club’s first tournament appearance.

With this change, for the first time in tournament history, the NPSL will have more entries (22) than the PDL (20). This will also give the state of Florida 11 entries and the state of New York seven entries in this year’s tournament, both are Modern Era records.

Ian Foster also contributed to this report

2017 US Open Cup Round 3: Own goal is the only goal in Charleston Battery’s road win over Jacksonville Armada

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Charleston Battery logo

An own goal by Jacksonville Armada defender Drew Beckie midway through the first half provided the only goal of the game. Consequently, the Charleston Battery advanced to the Fourth Round of the US Open Cup with a 1-0 win against the Armada Wednesday night due to the singular mishap.
Jacksonville dominated the game in terms of possession, having control for more than two-thirds of the match at Jacksonville University’s Southern Oak Stadium.

Beckie’s own goal came after a Battery attack. When both teams failed to control a cross, the veteran defender jumped on it looking to clear, but mistakenly blasted it into his own net.

“It just wasn’t our night,” Jacksonville coach Mark Lowry told the team’s official website.

Charleston applied the pressure early on. In the 10th minute, the Battery appeared to take the lead, but the goal was ruled offside.

Jacksonville enjoyed a chance of its own in the 20th minute, but Bryam Rebellón’s shot sailed just wide.

The Armada continued to press after the goal, most notably when Derek Gebhard launched a ball into the box where Rebellón attempted a bicycle kick.

After halftime, the Battery went on the attack and created a couple chances in the first ten minutes.

Jacksonville seized control for the last 25 minutes of the match. However, the Battery defense held firm for their fifth clean sheet of the season in all competitions, despite multiple crosses and an ever-present attack.

From a statistical standpoint, each team created just two shots on goal. The Armada earned 13 fouls and one yellow card, while the Battery produced 10 fouls and three cards.

Charleston will face their MLS affiliate Atlanta United in the next round. The match will be played at Fifth Third Bank Stadium in Atlanta on June 14. The Battery started the tournament out in Atlanta as they defeated the NPSL’s Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 in the Second Round on May 17.

2017 US Open Cup Round 2: Jacksonville Armada overcome slow start, beat Miami United 2-1

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Jacksonville Armada logoThe Jacksonville Armada FC struck twice late in the first half to erase an early deficit and defeat Miami United FC in the second round of the Lamar Hunt U.S Open Cup 2-1 Wednesday night.

The first half started slow both teams were trying to figure each other out. Early in the first half Jacksonville tried to get comfortable with the turf. Many plays in the first 45 minutes ended with an Armada player slipping on the turf.

After being unable to capitalize on numerous chances throughout the first half and having an 8-0 edge in corners in the first half, the NASL’s Armada FC scored twice in a seven-minute span after Jacopo Camilli scored off a beautiful pass from Ezequiel Tejera in the 32nd minute for Miami United of the NPSL.

Three minutes after falling behind, Armanda FC leveled on a goal by veteran Aaron Pitchkolan after a Jake Black corner. A controversial penalty was awarded three minutes before halftime following a slide tackle in the box. Miami goalkeeper Carlos Alcantara dived to the right, but Blake finished for what proved to the eventual game-winner.

Miami United countered quickly with a great chance in stoppage time as Tejera booted a ball from beyond the 18-yard box, but the ball bounced off the right bar inches away from an equalizing goal.

Jacksonville goalkeeper Kyle Nasta, who had to wear a baseball cap in the first half due to the intense sunlight on his side of the pitch, made a pair of saves.

In the second half, Miami moved David SantaMaria to the middle of the field. Needing an equalizer, they also played more up-tempo in the second half, but both teams squandered opportunities after halftime.

The match was heated late with three of the nine bookings coming in second-half stoppage time. Miami United had one last chance late, but their possession ended with the offside flag raised.

Jacksonville Armada will move onto the third round of the US Open Cup, and will face Charleston Battery. Charleston beat the Atlanta Silverbacks 2-1 earlier on Wednesday.

2016 US Open Cup Round 4: Orlando City’s emotional win over Jacksonville provides distraction for fans

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Orlando City SC celebrate a goal against Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler
Orlando City SC celebrate a goal against Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler

Orlando City defeated the Jacksonville Armada 1-0 in Fourth Round Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup action Thursday night in front of a capacity crowd of 2,155 at Southern Oak Stadium in Jacksonville.

Southern Oak Stadium dripped with emotion in the build-up, the aftermath of the weekend’s tragic act of violence and hatred in Orlando heavy in the air. A considerable contingent of Orlando City supporters made the trip, purple-clad, full-throated and proud, Rainbow flags and signs of remembrance throughout the stadium in Jacksonville, and a moment of silence pre-kick that included both sides in shirts with rainbow hearts that read “Orlando United.”

Orlando City talisman Kevin Molino, who has played for the purple and gold since the USL days, said the game was a welcome respite given the tragedy. “Soccer isn’t much of a distraction,” Molino said. “There is so much sadness for the people of the city, for the loved ones lost, but also it is great to come out and try to unite the community. That feels good and giving them a moment of joy is good.”

Fans of the Jacksonville Armada show their support for the city of Orlando. Photo: James Drexler
Fans of the Jacksonville Armada show their support for the city of Orlando. Photo: James Drexler

Adrian Heath agreed with his star, expressing a sense of relief. “I’m glad we got this out of the way now, and we can concentrate on Saturday (Orlando hosts San Jose as MLS returns from the international break) which will be another emotionally-charged event.” Heath said the opening of the game, where the two teams wore the matching “Orlando United” shirts, was a particularly touching moment.

“Our supporters and the people of our city are part of the DNA of our football club. They are woven into the fabric of everything we’ve built. We’ve grieved with them and if for a couple of hours tonight we have taken their minds of something, that’s good.”

The night was, fairly put, a solemn evening where the soccer seemed secondary. But one minute into the match, Orlando City nearly gave their fans and their city a storybook opening, when Carlos Rivas made a marvelous run down the left flank just after the kick, centering beautifully, only to see Brazilian forward Julio Baptista miss a sitter.

The Lions would come close twice more in the opening fifteen minutes, first through Hadji Barry, who managed the first on target shot of the game, though he was well-defended by Tyler Ruthven, and his shot is easily handled by Miguel Gallardo. Six minutes later it was again Carlos Rivas threatening, as his shot from an odd angle on the left missed just over. Jacksonville had difficulty throughout the opening half closing down the Colombian, who rewarded his manager with multiple chances created.

Orlando City SC poses for a team photo before their match against the Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler
Orlando City SC poses for a team photo before their match against the Jacksonville Armada in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: James Drexler

Despite Orlando City’s furious start, it was actually the hosts who had the better of the play in the opening half. As the game settled, the hosts came into the game, largely thanks to the tenacious midfield play of captain Kevan George and the active Mechack Jerome, who looked in splendid form after three challenging games for Haiti at the Copa América Centenario last week.
Another Haitian international, Pascal Milien, who also was in the Haiti team at the Copa América Centenario, took a while to get involved in the near triple-digit heat, but made his presence felt halfway through the first half, beating Orlando’s Kevin Alston on consecutive occasions down the flank and creating two quality chance for Jacksonville. The Armada couldn’t capitalize, however, earning only one weak shot on goal from both Milien’s runs, and following that, neither team presented much of a threat until the halftime whistle.

Adrian Heath changed midfield shape early in the second half, and was nearly rewarded after a a Milien turnover sent Orlando off on the break—but another Rivas shot went just wide. The shot was on the edge of the 49th minute, at which point a foghorn was sounded and all in attendance rose to their feet in solidarity to cheer and clap in honor of the 49 fallen at the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting this weekend.

Moments later, a Junior Sandoval shot took a deflection and fell beautifully to Jerome, whose shot off one touch beat Orlando City keeper Earl Edwards Jr but missed inches to the right.

The game changed, however, just past the hour mark. Referee Rubiel Vazquez called Beto Navarro for a foul on Julio Baptista just outside the eighteen, setting up a free kick. After Julio Baptista’s free kick was deflected out for a corner, Orlando again found the Brazilian in the area and the his flick found David Mateos on the far post who finished, giving Orlando a 1-0 lead in the 62nd minute.

City nearly added another three minutes later, as Jacksonville botched two chances to clear in the area before Miguel Gallardo dove to save a Carlos Rivas effort at the far post. Charles Eloundou, brought on for Alhassane Keita in the 65th minute, nearly leveled proceedings for Tony Meola’s side only moments after entering the game, but his long range blast was parried well by Earl Edwards Jr. to keep the Lions ahead.

With just under fifteen minutes to play, still trailing 1-0, Tony Meola brought on Danny Barrow, an attacker on for fullback Bryan Burke, as Jacksonville desperately searched for an equalizer. Barrow helped the Armada earn a terrific chance in the 89th minute, playing a brilliant ball through to Mechack Jerome, but his ensuing cross sailed over a flurry of secondary runners at the center of the box. After Miguel Gallardo parried away a counterattacking chance from Orlando City’s Tony Rocha, Charles Elondou nearly got in behind the City defense, only to have Earl Edwards Jr. beat him to the ball. The Armada would get yet one more chance, in stoppage time, when defender Tyler Ruthven beat David Mateos to a 50-50 ball, but sailed his effort from five yards over the bar.

Orlando City will await a Fifth Round draw Thursday afternoon. Jacksonville Armada, having captured their first win in franchise history in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, will open play in the NASL fall season July 2nd at Tampa Bay.

2016 US Open Cup Round 3: Jacksonville Armada need OT to earn first tournament win, 2-1 over Charleston Battery

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Patrick Otte of the Jacksonville Armada celebrates with Armada fans after scoring a goal against the Charleston Battery in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Gary Lloyd McCullough | Jacksonville Armada
Patrick Otte of the Jacksonville Armada celebrates with Armada fans after scoring a goal against the Charleston Battery in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Gary Lloyd McCullough | Jacksonville Armada

The Jacksonville Armada defeated the Charleston Battery 2-1 after extra time in the third round of the 2016 US Open Cup Wednesday night at picaresque Southern Oak Stadium on the campus of Jacksonville University. A capacity crowd of 1,200 saw the Armada win for the first time since an April 15 NASL league triumph over The Miami FC. The win was also the first US Open Cup win for the Jacksonville Armada in their young franchise history.

The chances came early and often for Jacksonville, who dominated possession in the game’s first twenty minutes. Matt Fondy, starting in place of the struggling Alhassane Keita, rewarded manager Tony Meola’s confidence, holding the ball up well and creating multiple chances with his vision and passing. Only the first of a handful of marvelous saves from Charleston goalkeeper Odisnel Cooper, who earned seven caps for Cuba before defecting in 2012, kept the game on level terms after fifteen minutes. The Armada broke through, however, in the 17th minute on a late run by Patrick Otte, who buried a Matt Fondy lay-off.

Charleston, however, looking to become one of, if not the first US Open Cup side to advance a round after losing the prior round (a penalties defeat to Villages SC was overturned due to The Villages fielding an ineligible player) leveled quickly.

Montreal Impact loanee Romario Williams delivered a splendid ball with a defender on his shoulder to an onrunning Chris Tsonis, who easily slotted past Miguel Gallardo to bring the Battery level. Williams was a handful for Jacksonville all evening, his physical and speedy runs stretching the Armada on the counterattack consistently. been so physical and strong he often lacks supporting runs.

In the second half, the Armada again controlled the ball and collected the most chances. Junior Sandoval’s blast in the 48th minute was saved well by Odisnel Cooper in the 48th minute and Beto Navarro fired over the goal from seven yards in the 54th minute, but the go-ahead goal would not come.

Indeed, it was Charleston who nearly took the lead in the 64th minute on a fantastic run by Romario Williams, who manhandled Beto Navarro and fired across the net only to have Miguel Gallardo deflect the ball away. That chance was the closest either side came to scoring until extra time.

Patrick Otte of the Jacksonville Armada celebrates his goal against the Charleston Battery in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Gary Lloyd McCullough | Jacksonville Armada
Patrick Otte of the Jacksonville Armada celebrates his goal against the Charleston Battery in the 2016 US Open Cup. Photo: Gary Lloyd McCullough | Jacksonville Armada

Alhassane Keita, who entered in the second half for Matt Fondy, nearly put Jacksonville ahead in the first fifteen minutes of extra time, only to be denied by the wingspan of Cooper. Cooper’s save came moments after it appeared Alex Dixon was taken down in the area by Brian Woodbine, only to see referee Kevin Terry Jr. signal “play on.”

The teams remained even until the 108th minute, when Junior Sandoval played a ball to Alex Dixon on the edge of the area and Dixon played a one-time lovely flick to Keita, who beat Cooper far post to give the Armada the winner. The goal was the first for Keita in any competition all year for Jacksonville, and a sigh of relief for the Guinean, who led the Armada in goals in their inaugural season.

The win was particularly meaningful for Tony Meola, who captained Sporting Kansas City (then the Wizards) to a US Open Cup championship in 2004. “It means a lot to me personally, with Lamar Hunt’s name on the trophy, a man who was special to me and a competition that was special to me for the nine years I was in Kansas City. We said we’d do our best to put the best team out and we did that tonight.”

Meola was pleased to see Alhassane Keita, his troubled goalscorer, end his slump, but even more pleased to see a young player like Alex Dixon make a difference with the game-winning assist. “I’m happy for Keita, obviously, but one guy I’m particularly happy for is Dixon, because it has been tough for him, to be completely fair, and he came in tonight and did everything he was asked to do. Of course I’m happy for the group, but sometimes certain guys when you see them every day, you want to see them do well.”

Dixon deflected the praise. “It’s not about anyone or me. I was happy to contribute and make a little difference. I saw Sandoval cut in and then Keita peeled off and I flicked it his direction. He did the rest but we’re thrilled to get the result.”

Jacksonville will host Orlando City in fourth round action on June 15.

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