Jacksonville Armada FC signs an unforgettable comeback and is crowned champion
The "Boys in Blue" scored in the 87th minute and in the 90th + 5th minute to force penalties, where they defeated FC Strive 4-2 and won the first men's edition of the Florida Champions League.
Armada FC tied 3-3 with FC Strive Tampa Bay and subsequently won on penalties 4-2 to become the first men's champions of the Florida Champions League, in the final match held at Patton Park in Jacksonville, at 5:00 pm on Saturday.
In the development of the match, FC Strive scored first, but Armada's response came quickly in the 12th minute. Kamanzi Alibaruho entered the area and found forward Tim Wahlborg, who scored to make it 1-1. In the 25th minute, the attacker had another chance from 12 steps, but he missed his shot and thus both teams went to halftime.
The second half, things got complicated for the locals. Strive took the lead again after stealing a ball near the area in the 67th minute and converting a penalty in the 72nd minute.
At the end of the match, Armada attacked with more ambition and achieved the long-awaited comeback that forced extra time.
In the 87th minute, Moritz Zettl headed a cross from a free kick from number 10, David Mejía, and in the 90+5 minute, Mejía again took charge of a stopped ball but this time it was Noah Daniels who pushed it into the back and scored 3-3.
After forcing extra time of 30 minutes, which could have been for both teams, they went to penalties.
Armada did not miss any of their shots. Blue team goalkeeper Jackson Bennett stopped one of FC Strive Tampa Bay's shots and the final shot was at the feet of central defender Mikhail Keise, who converted to seal the championship.
The FL Champions League takes flight
The Florida Champions League is a new, pre-professional competition, created for college and youth soccer players looking for exposure and minutes during the summer. Its first men's edition brought together five teams, with a ten-day regular phase and four qualified for the semifinals.
The return of Armada to a league of this type does not by itself solve the doubts about the club's sporting future. Fans are following closely and questioning the progress of their promised stadium and the club's appearance in higher level competitions.
But it is not an empty trophy either.
The team finished first during the regular season, won its semifinal against FC Florida and, in the most difficult moment of the final, did not give up.
For the institution that keeps its name alive with the development of footballers, this trophy represents a small, but concrete step.
And for a fan, like Section 904, who has followed the shield in different leagues, formats and stages, it was another opportunity to celebrate with their own.