ARMADA MATCHDAY Official Match Program
vs. 4.4.2015 | 7:30 p.m. EverBank Field Presented By
See How Mark Frisch’s Dream Came to Life pgs.18-19
Vol. 1, Issue 5
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table of contents OWNERSHIP & MANAGEMENT STAFF DIRECTORY MARCOS FLORES SHARES HIS INSPRATION COACHES NOTES ‘PEPP TALK’ WITH COLE PEPPER MARK FRISH IS DREAMING BIG
2015 SEASON SCHEDULE
5 7
MEET THE CHALLENGERS TEAM ROSTERS
8
ARMADA IN THE COMMUNITY
11 13 17
PHOTO ROSTER SUPPORTERS HEADQUARTERS EVERBANK FIELD A VEIW FROM THE CROWS NEST WITH
BOB VEAL
21 25 30 39 48 51 56 59
2015 BROADCAST SCHEDULE Monday:
Armada Monday Podcast – Available on ArmadaFC.com
Friday:
Armada Soccer Show – 3 p.m. WFXJ-AM, Sports Radio 930
Friday:
Armada Kickoff – 11 p.m. – CW17
Saturday:
Armada Kickoff – 8:30 a.m. – Bounce TV on CW17
Match Day:
Armada Matchday Live – 30 minutes before kickoff – CW17
Midweek Matches:
“Armada Extra Time” 10 p.m. on CW17
Home matches:
Armada Match Day – 30 minutes prior to kickoff on WFXJ-AM, Sports Radio 930
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Ownership & Management Mark Frisch, Owner & CEO
@MarkFrisch10
Mark Frisch is the owner of the Jacksonville Armada Football Club. He is also the executive vice president of Beaver Street Fisheries™, a leading importer, manufacturer and distributor of quality frozen seafood products from the USA and around the world. He is the fourth generation of the Frisch family to lead at Beaver Street Fisheries, which was founded by his grandfather, Harry Frisch, and his great uncle Alfred in 1950. As part of his commitment to the community, Frisch has agreed to serve as the 2015 chair of JAXUSA Partnership, the regional economic development organization of JAX Chamber. Frisch also serves on the board of trustees for Jacksonville University, the board of directors for JAX Chamber and the board of directors for Baptist Health System In 2010, he was recognized as one of Jacksonville’s 40 Under 40 by the Jacksonville Business Journal. Frisch graduated from the University of Florida and from Bolles High School, and he and his wife, Meredith Chartrand, have three children, Lyla, Abby and Hannah. He is also owner of Pele’s Wood Fire in Jacksonville’s Riverside neighborhood.
Dario Sala, General Manager
Former professional goalkeeper Dario Sala brings more than two decades of professional experience in the world’s greatest soccer leagues to Jacksonville. Sala played in more than 500 official games and more than 30 international matches, including the 2003 Copa Libertadores and leading FC Dallas to a first-place finish in 2006. Sala teamed up with Mark Frisch, and merging Dario Sala Soccer to form Sunshine Soccer Group,
@ArmadaFCAdmiral
Steve Livingstone, President
@JaxArmadaFCPrez
Steve Livingstone, who hails from Glasgow, Scotland, and joins Armada FC with 17 years of leadership experience in the National Football League, the last nine of which he spent leading teams in the areas of business development, sales and marketing for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Prior to moving to Jacksonville in 2005, Livingstone was the team president and general manager of the Scottish Claymores in the NFL Europe League, where he attracted major sponsorships and grew the team’s fan base and attendance from 6,000 to more than 18,000 fans.
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staff directory Ownership Football Operations
Coaching
Business Operations Business Management
Mark Frisch Dario Sala Nathan Walter Eric Dade Dr. Nigel W. Sparks M.D. Dr. Mike Haghighi Daniel Granados David Vargas Andrew Orpiano Gerard Achas
Owner/CEO
José Luis Villarreal Guillermo Hoyos Edison Ibarra Rafael Perez Niño Sebastian Fabres
Co-Head Coach Co-Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach
Steve Livingstone
President
Thad Bostic Theresa Scordo Corrina Collins-Vanek Jaime Spicer
CFO Senior Director of Business Operations Executive Assistant/Receptionist In-House Counsel
Happer Club Operations Marshall Julie Bergman Thomas Adams
Vice President of Club Operations Events & Operations Manager Operations Intern
Nikki Smith John Caputo Alexandra Shami
Vice President of Business Development Director of Partnership Sales Partnership Intern
Business Development
Clark Communications Kerri Eric Scott
Broadcasting Ticket Sales
General Manager Director of Soccer/Player Operations Soccer Development Director Team Orthopedic Physician Team General Physician Equipment Manager Player Liaison Intern Head Athletic Trainer Equipment Intern
Matt Verrecchia Ryan Lobato Allison Spiegel
Vice President of Communications Director of Public Relations Director of Marketing Communications PR Assistant Graphic Design Intern
Cole Pepper Krissty Andaur Bob Veal
Director of Broadcasting Multimedia Coordinator Media Consultant
Ossie Hamrick IV Mark Shainbrown Jordan Allerding Richardson Pierre Gage D’Acunto Daniel Umpleby Scott Jefferies Joseph Tello Emmett Farris III Mike Morando Robert Tilka
Director of Ticket Sales Senior Sales Executive Ticket Sales Account Executive Ticket Sales Account Executive Ticket Sales Account Executive Ticket Sales Account Executive Ticket Sales Account Executive Ticket Sales Account Executive Sales & CRM Coordinator Flagship Fleet Manager/Sales Representative Senior Sales Consultant
Tinner Ticket Operations Gene Tim Steiner Nicola Drake Bridget Coleman
Director of Ticket Operations Ticket Operations Assistant Operations Consultant Fan Services Executive
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Marcos Flores
Inspiration comes where you least expected it As a veteran player and a captain on Jacksonville’s new North American Soccer League team, Armada FC midfielder Marcos Flores accepts a natural leadership role among the new squad. After years of playing at a high level in multiple countries around the globe, Flores has always attributed a lot of his success to one inspirational moment that he experienced as a young boy. Marcos’ Inspirations There is one message that I like to share with any of the players that I have played with. Whether it is in Australia, China, Argentina, or Chile, wherever I have played the game, I like to share this with my teammates. It is a strong message to soccer players everywhere. I am a person who has learned to be grateful. I grew up in a small town called Reconquista, Argentina, which has only 80,000 people or so. It is a very small town; we never get any tournaments or big games there. One day, just like all kids in my hometown who love to play on Sundays, I was dreaming of becoming a great soccer player, thinking it would be awesome to meet a professional player. I watched these players on TV but had never met one of them. My family always had holidays (vacations) in Córdoba, where our Armada FC coaches are from. At that time, (Armada FC co-head coach Guillermo) Hoyos played for the local team, Talleres de Córdoba. This team was a very important team in the first division of Argentinian soccer. I used to have collector cards of all the players. One day, when I was 10 years old, my mother took us to the bank with her. I 4.4.2015 Match day
will always remember this day. I was playing with my younger sister when I saw these two men walk by. I was speechless. I knew they were professional soccer players. I looked through my cards, but I didn’t see these players. Still, I had a feeling that these were big players. So I ran to where my mom was and told her, but she told me to not interrupt her. She said, ‘Marcos, what do you want me to do? I am discussing important stuff.’ When she was done, she said, ‘Vamos Marcos (let’s go),’ but I didn’t want to leave. I wanted to stay there and see the soccer players. I had never had the opportunity to see professional soccer players so close. This was nearly 20 years ago – there were no mobile phones – so my mother said, ‘Okay, but let’s grab you a paper so they can have something to sign for you.’ My mother, who is so sweet and innocent, went right up to the players asked if they played soccer and said, ‘My son recognizes you. I don’t know how, but he is only 10-years-old. Can you sign this paper for him?’ To which he said to her ‘of course,’ and then looked me in the eye and said, ‘Hey buddy, do you want to play the game someday?’ I was so shy, but I replied timidly, ‘Of course.’ it.
He then said, ‘Train hard, and you will make it,’ and signed my paper. That was
I went back to school, embellished it all and told everyone that he was my friend; which they all believed for about two minutes. After a while, I had lost that paper, but I worked hard to become a professional soccer player. Nine years later, I was playing a game in Córdoba. That player who had signed my paper had come full circle in his career. He played abroad for different teams around the world and returned home to the club he had started with. We were taking on his club, Talleres de Córdoba. I was playing against the same player that had talked to me years earlier. I remember dribbling the ball down the field and getting tackled from behind. I turned around and and saw this older player. He was so into the game. He said, ‘Hey buddy, don’t do tricks because I am going to kill you today.’ We got into an argument and had words, but then something clicked inside of me. This was the player from the bank years earlier. So I stopped and said, ‘Please don’t hit me, you are my idol.’ He thought I was just being funny and ignored me. We drew the match, 2-2, and I ran over to him. I said, ‘Hey, I really want your
9
jersey because you are the most important player I have met.’ This player wasn’t one of the best players to play the game, but to me he was so important. Moral of the story, when he said, ‘Train hard, and you will make it,’ which he probably said to a lot of kids, he truly made me believe that. That was a key moment in my life that really inspired me. I knew that I wanted to be like him. I remember thinking that I wanted to work like him. I wanted to be a professional soccer player, and so I did just that. Throughout my career whenever I would have doubts, I would just remind myself what he said, ‘Train hard, and you will make it.’ My message is to any of my peers is: whenever you go to clinics or a community appearance, be aware that in just a few years that player could be your teammate, you could be their coach and you could help them realize their dream. That is my philosophy. Every time you talk to our youth, you really have the potential to inspire them. I am a strong believer that the future is in our youth. It only takes one second or one phrase to inspire someone. When these young players come to our games, could you imagine what it would be like for those young players if we look them in the eye and say, ‘Train hard, and you will make it.’ It can have such an impact. It very important that we are role models. As professional athletes, we should all embrace the power that we have in our hands to inspire people. That will propel the youth of Jacksonville to another level. I am sure of it.
4.4.2015 Match day
COACHES NOTES
Guillermo Hoyos & JosÊ Luis Villarreal This is a great day for Jacksonville. Today is our first competitive match of the North American Soccer League season, and our focus is on getting a positive result. We have put our players through a rigorous preseason in preparation for what we hope to be a rewarding inaugural campaign. As we have mentioned multiple times before, we have one goal in mind this season. That goal is to bring an NASL Championship here to Jacksonville. We have invested a lot of time into preparing a style that we believe will showcase an exciting brand of soccer. That being said, it has not been an easy road to get this point. We have worked hard to bring in some of the best talent from around the world, including some local standouts that have already made an impact. This is a new team, and we are still looking for that cohesion that will bring our style to the forefront and make it a force to be reckoned with. The key positives we took away from our preseason were solid possession and minimal injuries. Our possession has been close to where we expect it. It is so important that our squad maintain control of the ball for this style to be effective, and we have managed that fairly well during the preseason. We also have managed to remain a fit and healthy team. Conditioning is one of the most important elements to our training routine. These boys have worked hard to meet our expectations. Two of our players, Shawn Nicklaw and Pascal Millien will be returning from their international duty and will add a level of depth that was missed in the last preseason defeat against the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Their presence will be an important component of the team. Another important component, which we truly believe motivates the team, is the support from the stands. The support from you the fans is such an important element of the team’s plan. We plan on hearing you yell, watching your enthusiasm and feeling your presence every single match. Thank you for your support!
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4.4.2015 Match day
‘PeppColeTalk’ Pepper with
What is About to Happen? It’s been fifteen years since a professional soccer team called Jacksonville home. Longer than that since a North American Soccer League side wore a Jacksonville jersey. At 7:30pm on Saturday at EverBank Field, that officially changes when the Armada kickoff their first NASL season against FC Edmonton. So what’s about to happen here? For starters, I expect a great crowd. Yes, maybe an NASL record crowd. Maybe the largest crowd to ever watch a Jacksonville soccer club play. But then what? Is this the start of something big or just another in the long line of Jacksonville’s history of attending big events and then not coming back. Even the Jaguars have dealt with Big Event Syndrome. To be honest, it’s not just a Jacksonville thing. Why do people attend the marquee events, championship games and all-star showcases? Because they’ve become more than just a competition. Here’s a little story. When I was growing up in Kansas City, the Chiefs almost never approached a sellout. I remember attending a game in the early 80’s against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with several dozen of my closest friends amid the 78,000 seats of Arrowhead Stadium. But about once a year, the place would be packed. That was, invariably, when the Raiders would come to town. The Raiders have been the Chiefs rival since sometime shortly after the reign of Louis XIV. On those days, the competition became something more. It became THE thing to do. It became important for more than just what happened on the field. It was a social happening. That’s what the Armada must capture in order to achieve the dreams that owner Mark Frisch and the Armada brass have for this club. And it can happen. Here’s the simple recipe: Warm a burgeoning soccer culture and into it, set a professional team in a high level professional league that scores goals, plays exciting soccer. Team must reply to the fans passion. It must be a shared passion. The energy created in the stands by Section 904 and all of those in attendance must be answered on the field. And vice versa. Season with a 30-foot inflatable Kraken and season to taste. Voila! The perfect recipe for a great soccer feast. Now, let’s gets started. 13
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mark frisch dreaming Big for jax It has been almost two years since Armada FC owner and CEO Mark Frisch was awarded the 11th club in the North American Soccer League. From that moment, it has been a whirlwind of development and growth for Jacksonville’s new professional soccer team. Frisch, who is also executive vice president of Beaver Street Fisheries, takes great pride in the ability to share his dream team with the city he grew up in and looks forward to a bright future for both Jacksonville and the beautiful game.
Q: It has been a long time to get to this point and the Armada FC has created such a tremendous buzz in the community. Could you have imagined two years ago that you would have went from being a casual fan of the game to being the owner a soccer team? To be honest, I never thought I would own any sports team; especially soccer because I was a casual fan at best. But I have really got into it and fell in love with the game. Everything happens pretty quickly, and I didn’t see it coming this fast. It is good to see how it has come together so well. Q: How do you think the club’s presence will help grow the city of Jacksonville’s profile? One of the main attractions of the sport to me is the global reach it has. The scale of the sport is huge. I feel like we are at a point in this city’s history where we are want to build Jacksonville’s brand and continue to market ourselves internationally. We want to get businesses from all over the world to do business in Jacksonville or even relocate to the city. I was first motivated to start this team by the sheer fact that I have lived here my whole life and just knowing what a great opportunity this would be for the city of Jacksonville. I think that having a global sport like soccer being played at a high level would greatly increase Jacksonville’s presence on an international level. Q: Do you think starting something brand new gave you an advantage when starting this club? Yes and no. I certainly had a lot to learn about the game and all the moving parts along with the international appeal of the sport. I spent a lot of time catching up on what the sport is to so many people and where the opportunities where. It was kind of a benefit but also a requirement for me to learn as much as possible about the game. Q: What emotions were you feeling after seeing the Armada FC win the first preseason match against the Union? It was a day that I will never forget. I remember the first goal going in. It was incredible to be watching the match with my wife, my brothers and my whole family. Then when we won the match, it was great. It was a preseason win, but it was still great to come out, play well and win. It really set the tone for the way we want to perform. I was really proud for all the players, coaches, and Dario, who have really worked hard on it. I think the front office did a great job creating the brand and building the buzz around the match and the pregame experience. It was a great opportunity for the team to showcase their talent. They did great job of doing that, and I was just really happy for them. Q: As the owner of this club, what inspires you on a daily basis to keep growing the brand? Well, I am certainly not a guy who is just going to have a soccer team, hope we win some games and hope it does well. I want the best for this team and the 4.4.2015 Match day
best for this city. With wanting those two things, it is an everyday inspiration to grow this thing. I have to ask myself, ‘How do I grow this thing? How do we have the best fan base in United States? Not just in our league, but in all of professional soccer. How do we make Jacksonville a topic of discussion when it comes to soccer?’ I want Jacksonville and soccer to be synonymous. When you think of baseball, you think of certain cities. When you think of football, you think of certain cities. I want Jacksonville to be that soccer city. That is really my inspiration. Going out into the community and seeing all the kids that play really shows me the potential. There are great high school and college teams in this area. There is really just a lot of potential here. I really feel we are filling a void by bringing professional soccer to Jacksonville. Q: Where do you see the Armada FC in five years? I see us playing in the best professional soccer league in the United States. I see us winning a couple of championships. I see great players coming through this organization that have proven to be international-quality players. I see that we have perhaps have some homegrown talent here that has come through a development system and made our professional roster. It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but I really do see this being a great club in the next five years. I can only imagine what the next five years hold for us. There is a lot of action in the professional soccer landscape, so it is really an exciting time to be involved in it. I think the future is whatever we want it to be. I love the league that we are in, and I think the North American Soccer League has huge potential. I look forward to being part of it and certainly winning some championships along the way. Q:What message do you have for our fans as we embark on our maiden voyage? For me, this is truly about the fans and the community. I appreciate everyone that has attended one of our preseason matches and will attend all our future matches. Thank you for allowing us to bring this great game of soccer to you. If it was not for all those fans who showed up for the U.S. men’s national team matches and showed me that there was truly a passion for soccer here, I wouldn’t have taken this on. Ultimately, I want to thank you all and ask that you spread the word to all your friends and neighbors. Continue to build on the momentum that we have going here and help make this soccer city USA!
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FALL SEASON Sun, July 5 Sat, July 11 Wed, July 15 SAT, JULY 18 Sat, July 25 FRI, JULY 31 Sat, Aug 8 WED, AUG 12* SAT, AUG 15 Sat, Aug 22 SAT, AUG 29 Sat, Sept 5 Sat, Sept 12 Wed, Sept 16 Sat, Sept 19 SAT, SEPT 26 SAT, OCT 3 Sat, Oct 10 SAT, OCT 17 WED, OCT 21 Sun, Oct 25 SUN, NOV 1
3:00PM @ Ottawa Fury TD Place Stadium 7:30PM @ Atlanta Silverbacks Silverbacks Park 8:00PM @ Minnesota United FC National Sports Center 7:30PM NEW YORK COSMOS COMMUNITY FIRST PARK BYE WEEK 7:30PM MINNESOTA UNITED FC COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 7:30PM @ Tampa Bay Rowdies Al Lang Stadium 7:30PM CAROLINA RAILHAWKS COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 7:30PM ATLANTA SILVERBACKS COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 8:30PM @ San Antonio Scorpions Toyota Field 7:30PM SAN ANTONIO SCORPIONS COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 7:30PM @ Indy Eleven Carroll Stadium 7:00PM @ New York Cosmos Shuart Stadium 7:30PM @ Fort Lauderdale Strikers Lockhart Stadium BYE WEEK 7:30PM TAMPA BAY ROWDIES COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 7:30PM INDY ELEVEN COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 7:30PM @ Carolina RailHawks WakeMed Soccer Park 7:30PM FC EDMONTON COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 7:30PM OTTAWA FURY COMMUNITY FIRST PARK 4:00PM @ FC Edmonton Clarke Stadium 4:00PM FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS COMMUNITY FIRST PARK
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Home Matches Away Matches Armada Extra Time All Armada FC home and away matches are available on TV with CW-17 (WCWJ) and Sports Radio 930 (WFXJ-AM).
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FC Edmonton enters its fifth season in the North American Soccer League and is one of two Canadian teams in the league. The team is the second club to play in the city, following the Edmonton Drillers who play in from 1979-82 in the original NASL era.
2014 NASL Results
The Eddies were launched in 2010 by Tom and Dave Fath, owners Spring: 9th of the Fath Group of Companies. The team plays its home matches Fall: 3rd at Clark Stadium, formerly home to the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League. Pld 27 In the team’s first-ever match, it defeated then-NASL opponent Montreal Impact, 3-0. The Eddies have spent their preseason in Jacksonville to train for the start of their regular season. In 2014, FC Edmonton finished the spring season in ninth place but finished the fall season in third.
Scouting Candaian Soccer Scottish-born head coach Colin Miller, who played in the league during the heyday of the original NASL, holds more 60 caps for the Canadian men’s national team and served as its interim head coach twice. In his fourth season at the helm of FC Edmonton, Miller has assembled a physical and counterattacking squad that is sure to be a competitive force in 2015. The addition of veteran goalkeeper Matt VanOekel, who arrives in Alberta after serving five years in Minnesota, is sure to add a level of experience and leadership to the squad, challenging current No. 1 keeper John Smits for the starting position. A recently signed and versatile Johan Smith, formerly of English side Bolton Wanders and Toronto FC, could get some starting nods alongside right-back Eddie Edward and captain Ritchie Jones in the attack. The Eddies ended their preseason with a 2-1-1 (W-D-L) record, with both wins coming against USLPDL side, Jacksonville United FC.
W 10 D 7 L 10 PTS 37 Biggest Win: 6-1 Carolina RailHawks (H) Fall Season Biggest Loss: 4-2 Montreal Impact (A) Canadian Championship
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Jacksonville’s new professional soccer team, the Armada FC, is looking for dedicated fans to come aboard the team’s new “Flagship Fleet” – an active supporters group that will assist the team in promoting Armada FC around the region. Flagship Fleet members will work directly with the Armada front office in attending events, finding new season ticket owners and assisting the Armada FC during call campaigns and sales events. In return for their volunteer efforts they will receive points and promotions that will provide them with unique experiences and prizes including: • A chance to win a trip for two to the NASL Soccer Bowl • An opportunity to travel to a road game with the team • Have their photo taken with the team
• Attend a special dinner with the head coach, general manager and team owner • A chance to earn exclusive Armada FC Flagship Fleet • See the game from the sidelines and take part in the Flagship Fleet Tunnel that helps introduce the Armada FC on match days • Opportunity to sit in a special Flagship Fleet section at Armada FC home matches Flagship Fleet volunteers will receive points for every hour they volunteer and every ticket they help sell in the community. The more they contribute, the higher they will be promoted through the ranks of the Fleet which will qualify them for great experiences and prizes.
For more information or to to request an application form contact Mike Morando at 904.516.3763 or email at mmorando@armadafc.com
THE PRIDE OF THE 904. A supporter, by definition, is more than just a casual fan of a club or a sports team. A supporter is the very embodiment of all that is good in fandom or sport. A supporter is someone that lives and dies with every result. A supporter’s passion, energy, and pride is unrivaled and the culture takes on a life of its own. At Section 904, it’s our mission to represent the Armada FC and the greater Jacksonville area to the fullest. We invite you to check us out and show your pride.
For more information, visit Section904.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 29 24
# Pos Player
Age
Ht.
Wt. hometown/previous club
1 2 3 8 5 6 7 9 11 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 25 26
30 24 27 31 26 24 29 29 29 31 31 24 28 25 27 22 30 18 25 31 24 31 25 22
6-1 5-10 6-0 5-9 6-4 6-0 5-6 6-1 5-7 5-5 6-0 6-0 5-9 6-0 5-6 5-10 5-10 5-6 5-10 6-0 6-0 5-11 5-11 5-7
187 165 168 168 203 168 140 178 165 149 171 175 165 178 160 170 160 135 175 140 192 181 168 130
GK D D MF D D MF MF F F GK D MF D MF MF F MF D MF GK MF F F
30
Miguel Gallardo Jordan Gafa Lucas Trejo Bochy Hoyos Nurdin Hrustic Fabricio Ortiz Lucas Rodriguez Marcos Flores Jemal Johnson Alhassane Keita David Sierra Matt Bahner Pascal Millien Shawn Nicklaw Lucas Scaglia Nicolas Perea Tommy Krizanovic Nico Zaldana Joseph Toby Ramak Safi Sebastian Evers Jaime Castrillón Tyler Williams Akeil Barrett
Torreón, Mexico/Orlando City SC San Diego/Tampa Bay Rowdies Córdoba, Argentina/Atlético Central Córdoba Córdoba, Argentina/Carabobo FC Jacksonville, Fla./Jacksonville United FC Casilda, Argentina/Club Atletico Alumni Kansas City, Mo./Missouri Comets Reconquista, Argentina/Newcastle Jets Paterson, N.J./New York Cosmos Conakry, Guinea/FC St. Gallen Madrid, Spain/CD Puerta Bonita Cincinnati, Ohio/Harrisburg City Islanders Leogane, Haiti/Samut Songkhram FC San Diego, Calif./Thór Rosario, Argentina/HNK Rijeka Hollywood, Fla./Syracuse University Jacksonville, Fla./Jacksonville United FC Orlando, Fla./Malaga FC Academy St. Augustine, Fla./Arizona United SC Jacksonville, Fla./Jacksonville United FC Miami, Fla./University of Central Florida Puerto Nare, Colombia/Colorado Rapids Tallahassee, Fla./Jacksonville United FC Kingstown, Jamaica/ Orlando City
# Pos Player 1 GK 2 D 3 D 5 D 8 MF 9 F 10 MF 11 MF 12 D 13 F 14 MF 15 D 16 F 17 MF 18 F 19 MF 20 MF 21 GK 22 D 23 GK 24 D 25 D 26 GK
Ht.
Wt. hometown/previous club
Matt VanOekel 28 6-3 202 Allan Zebie 21 5-7 165 Eddie Edward 26 6-0 204 Albert Watson 29 6-0 193 Ritchie Jones 28 6-1 167 Sadi Jalali 19 6-0 171 Tomas Granitto 21 Óskar Hauksson 30 5-7 162 Kareem Moses 25 6-1 184 Frank Jonke 30 6-3 204 Cristian Raudales 25 5-8 Mallan Roberts 22 6-2 188 Daryl Fordyce 28 6-0 158 Lance Laing 27 6-0 164 Tomi Ameobi 26 6-3 184 Hanson Boakai 18 5-3 140 Chad Burt 27 5-6 164 Tyson Farago 23 6-2 200 Michael Nonni 25 5-9 165 John Smits 26 6-3 184 Sainey Nyassi 26 5-7 145 Marko Aleksic 18 6-3 189 Christian Kaiswatum 18 6-1
Chesapeake, Virginia/Minnesota United Paris , France/ FCE Academy Ottawa, Ontario/Puerto Rico Islanders Belfast, Northern Ireland/Linfield FC Manchester, England/Grimsby Town New Delhi, India/Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency El Salvador/Florida Golf Coast University Iceland/KR Reykjavik Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago/North East Stars FC Pickering, Ontario/FF Jaro Honduras/BSV Schwarz-Weiß Rehden Sierra Leone/NAIT Belfast, Northern Ireland/Linfield FC Trelawny Parish, Jamaica/Fort Lauderdale Strikers Newcastle, England/VPS Guinea/FCE Academy St. Petersburg, FL/Victoria Highlander FC Winnipeg, Manitoba/WSA Winnipeg West Vancouver, B.C./ SV Wilhelmshaven Mississauga, Ontario/University of Toronto Gambia/RoPS Belgrade, Serbia/FCE Academy Edmonton, Alberta/FCE Academy
Today’s Officials Referee: Marcos DeOliveria AR1: Esteban Rosano AR2: Hassan Belmnahia 4th : Patrick O’Brian
31
BACK David Vargas, Lucas Trejo, Matt Bahner, Ramak Safi, Marcos Flores, David Sierra, Miguel G
MIDDLE Andrew Orpiano, Bochy Hoyos, Joseph Toby, Tyler Williams, Jordan Gafa, Tommy Krizanovic, Lucas Rodriguez,
FRONT Daniel Granados, Nico Zaldana, Edison Ibarra, Guillermo Hoyos, Nathan Walter, Mark Frisch, Dar
(FROM LEFT
ROW: Gallardo, Sebastian Evers, Nurdin Hrustic, Shawn Nicklaw, Jamie Castrillón, Nicolas Perea
E ROW: , Alhassane Keita, Fabricio Ortiz, Jemal Johnson, Akeil Barrett, Lucas Scaglia, Pascal Millien, , Dr. Nigel Sparks
T ROW: rio Sala, José Luis Villarreal, Sebastian Fabres, Rafael Perez Niño, Chaim Roserie, Gerard Achas
T TO RIGHT)
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COLLISION CENTERS
4.4.2015 Match day
armada in the community
On March 7, Armada FC players kicked off the spring season with JFC at Patton Park. Armada FC players stoped by after practice to sign autographs and kick balls with the young players
On March 30, Armada FC’s Miguel Gallardo and Tpmmy Krizanovic dropped by Westview Elementary as part of the “Armada Healthy Heroes” program presented by Subway
If you would like to request an appearance at your event, please visit ArmadaFC.com and complete the appearance form in the Community Section. Our Community Relations Department will make all efforts to fill your request. 39
Fresh Food
& SMOOTHIES!
$1.99
Any 24 oz. Smoothie with purchase of any flatbread. Expires 12/01/15. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with any other offer or discounts. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. FSIJF15.
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Expires 12/01/15. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with any other offer or discounts. Limit one coupon per 4.4.2015 customer per visit. FSIJF15. Match day
$1.99
Any 24 oz. Smoothie with any wrap, sandwich or salad purchase. Expires 12/01/15. Valid at participating locations. Not valid with any other offer or discounts. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. FSIJF15.
$4.99 Wrap or Sandwich
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41
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FRI, JULY 31 7:30 PM
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8-MATCH TICKET PACKS STARTING AT JUST
SAT, OCTOBER 3 7:30 PM FORT LAUDERDALE STRIKERS
SUN, NOVEMBER 1 4:00 PM FAN APPRECIATION NIGHT
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SEASON TICKETS
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STARTING AT $10 PER MATCH
STARTING AT $12 PER MATCH
1.844.2.ARMADA
ARMADAFC.COM
It’s where fans go after
THE GAME … to the sports pages of The Florida Times-Union and Jacksonville.com That’s where you’ll find experienced sports writer, Clayton Freeman, covering all the action on and off the soccer field. Armada fans follow the team in print, online and on their smartphone.
Proud to be a sponsor of the Jacksonville Armada FC.
13
23
22
Matt Bahner (D)
Jaime Castrill贸n (MF)
Sebastian Evers (GK)
@Bahnes_17
@jaimecastri83
@Sebas_Evers11
9
1
8
Marcos Flores (MF)
Miguel Gallardo (GK)
Bochy Hoyos (MF)
@MarcosFlores85
@migallardo01
@bochyhoyos8
5
Nurdin Hrustic (D)
11
Jemal Johnson (F)
@NurdinHrustic
18
Tommy Krizanozic (F) @Krizanovict
10
Alhassane Keita (F) @otchico
14
15
Pascal Millien (MF)
Shawn Nicklaw (D)
@MrPmilly
@snicklaw15
6
Fabricio Ortiz (D) @Fabri_04
21
Ramak Safi (MF)
17
Nicolas Perea (MF) @Nicperea
16
Lucas Scaglia (MF) @LucasScaglia2
20
Joseph Toby (D)
3
Lucas Trejo (D)
@Soccertoby11
19
Nico Zaldana (MF) @NicoZaldana
7
Lucas Rodriguez (MF) @Lucas32soccer
12
David Sierra (GK) @dsierra83
25
Tyler Williams (F) @Soccertoby11
Not Pictured: 27 Jordan Gafa (D) 28 Akeil Barrett (F)
NS! SOCCER FAING T S A O C T R FIRS ADA FC SP GRAB ARMASON TICKETS HALF-SE
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starting $ at just
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Supporters Headquarters Have Fan Services issues, questions about your tickets or just need general assistance? Stop by the Guest Services Booth located outside of sections 144/145. Fans with tickets in the East Touchdown Club may also visit the Concierge Desk located on the ground level of the Club. Also keep a weather eye for Armada FC Fan Services Representatives stationed throughout the venue in gray Armada FC polos who are there to assist you. Looking for the latest in Armada FC gear? Get it quick before it sails out of here on someone else by stopping by any one of the following merchandise locations: • During the Armada FC Matchday Experience (5 PM – 7 PM) • Main Concourse Storefronts (outside of sections 130 and 145) • Lower level of East Touchdown Club (for Club ticket holders only) Have a concessions craving? We have you covered. Conveniently located throughout the main concourse between sections 130-145, you’ll find up to four full-service concessions stands offering a range of stadium fare. Portable stands and in-seat vendors are also available to whet the whistle and feed the appetite of our most tenacious fans. Fans holding tickets in the East Touchdown Club also have access to two levels of indoor concessions and premium bars. Don’t get a RED CARD called on you! Following this fan friendly advice: By following the Armada FC Fan Code of Conduct, all guests may experience today’s match in a fun, safe and enjoyable manner. Please refrain from: • Behavior that is unsportsmanlike, irresponsible, or illegal in nature. • Disobeying instructions provided by event staff and/or posted rules (i.e., standing in aisles, smoking in non-smoking areas). • Over-intoxication or other signs of impairment that result in disruptive or dangerous behavior. • Wearing clothing or displaying signs that contain foul and obscene language or gestures. • Entering the pitch, throwing objects or participating in any other behavior that may interfere with progress of the match. • Setting off smoke bombs, flares or any other firework-like device. • Attempting entry with prohibited items. • Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans. Jacksonville Armada FC and its partners are committed to providing a first-class match day experience to both home and visiting team fans from the parking lots to the seating bowl. Any guests found in violation of these provisions or any other behaviors deemed unacceptable by event staff may be refused entry or ejected without refund and/or have future ticket privileges revoked. Season ticket owners are responsible for the behavior of guests occupying seats on their behalf. Jacksonville Armada FC would like to thank you for attending today’s match! In an effort to continually improve the match day experience, the Armada FC wants to hear from YOU! To submit feedback, please email fanservices@armadafc.com or contact the Armada FC Fan Services Department by calling 1.844.2.ARMADA, option 2 Monday through Friday between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
51
ARMADA FC WOULD LIKE TO
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EverBank Field
4.4.2015 Match day
stadium maps
Match Day Experience
Don’t just come to the match, make a day of it. Situated on Duval Street outside of the stadium, the Armada FC Match Day Experience presented by PRI Productions starts three hours prior to kickoff with food, drinks, and interactive soccer experiences for all ages. Become part of the Armada FC tradition with prematch experiences for the whole family.
REMEMBER: The Match Day Experience begins three hours prior to kickoff every weekend match. 57
A VIEW FROM THE CROW’S NEST with Bob Veal
The preseason has come and gone, and we look forward to today’s first league match against FC Edmonton. For the players, it has been a long and strenuous preseason, which has left the Armada FC with a truly international squad, which includes players from as far away as Australia to our very own homegrown players from just down the road at Jacksonville University. The coaches’ vision from day one has been an attacking, fast and very fit team. The formation adopted has been 4-3-3, meaning four at the back, three in midfield and three up front. Our strategy is to play high in the opponents’ third of the field with fast, overlapping full backs and a system that launches attacks from the defense. With this in mind, our first signing was Miguel Gallardo, a goalkeeper with fast feet and a vision for fast distribution to enable a quick transition from defense to offense. Then followed signings of agile and fast defenders with the ability to play the ball accurately out of defense to our midfield. The midfield players were recruited to be fast, quick-footed and have the skills to play the possession diamond tactics the Armada FC wanted to implement. This means the midfielders pass the ball to each other in a diamond formation with short, quick passes to draw the opponent’s defenders and midfield towards them. 4.4.2015 Match day
As a result, it will leave space to play the ball to our forwards or the overlapping fullbacks. The emphasis on fast possession soccer takes the game to the opponents, which is a risk and reward tactic. The reward is to create space and chances for our forwards. The risk is that we give the ball away in midfield and find ourselves too far forward to defend a counter attack. Our first game against the Philadelphia Union was successful as a result of good coaching and hard work. As expected, we caught them by surprise as we were a new team that had not been seen before. However, as of late, coaches from other teams have watched, learned and planned a strategy to compete with this system. The trick going forward in the NASL is to be able to perfect this system, support each other, run for each other and avoid giving the ball away cheaply. It is also important for the forwards to challenge and convert the chances given them. We must play wide and spread the opponent’s defense, and as a result allow our midfield and forwards space to play. We have developed strength in depth during the preseason and have seen many players in different positions. This is valuable going into a long and what is going to be a very physical season. So fans, the ground work has been laid, the players are in good shape and the coaches are confident we can compete in this league. Today, we the fans, have to shout loud and cheer the every play of our team. Catch Bob Veal on the Armada Radio Show Fridays on Sports Radio 930 at 3:00 p.m. and on Bob’s Boot Room during Armada Kickoff at 11:00p.m. on CW17.
Catch Armada FC’s Next home match at community first park on Sat, May 2nd, agianst 59
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