RECAP: JACKSONVILLE ARMADA FC, WEST FLORIDA FLAMES

Written by: Kyra Campbell

JACKSONVILLE ARMADA FC EARNS A POINT AT HOME IN A BATTLE WITH NATIONALLY RANKED WEST FLORIDA FLAMES

Jacksonville Armada FC and the West Florida Flames drew 1-1 on Saturday in the South Region’s Match of the Week. 

Jacksonville started out with the momentum, but it was the West Florida Flames that struck first in the 11’ minute, when Sydni Dennis (University of Tampa) scored off a rebound from a blocked shot. 

The Armada answered quickly, however, in the 13’ minute when Chloe Chivers scored off a free kick from well outside the box. 

“Nothing we could have done to stop Jacksonville’s goal,” Jamie McGuinness, West Florida Flames head coach,said. “If that’s the equalizer we give up, you can’t really be mad about that”. 

The rest of the match was a back and forth affair with both teams creating chances and having the momentum at times, but neither being able to capitalize. 

“I think it shows the level of quality and performance in the WPSL,” McGuinness said. “It was two teams that wanted to play soccer, that were competitive, that went toe-to-toe. For me, it was a really good game”. 

The draw puts Jacksonville 2-2-1 on the season, sitting third in the standings in the Sunshine Conference. The West Florida Flames stay undefeated (2-3-0) with the result and are now second in the conference. 

McGuinness explained that he thinks the Flames’ success can be attributed to the balance and depth of the roster as well as the commitment from the players. Looking forward to the three games ahead and how the table will shake out, he says they have to do their job and “can’t focus on anyone else”.

Around the Sunshine Conference, Florida Gulf Coast Dutch Lions FC beat Fusion FC 4-0 on Friday. Also on Saturday, Seminole Ice defeated the Cape Coral Cyclones 4-1. On Sunday, FC Prime beat the Dutch Lions 2-1 and Fusion beat AGC Football 2-1 as well. 

Jacksonville Armada’s next match is on Sunday, June 16 when it hosts AGC Football. The West Florida Flames play Saturday, June 15 as it hosts the Cape Coral Cyclones.