JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Armada will wrap up its busy week at home with a showdown against North American Soccer League expansion side Rayo OKC at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Community First Park at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.
The Armada is coming off a tough 1-0 loss to FC Edmonton at home on Wednesday night despite owning possession (63-37), passing (488-276) and passing percentage (80-63). The Eddies defended well and used their height advantage to score off a set piece in the 64th minute when Pape Diakité headed in a Pablo Cruz corner.
Jacksonville's best chance at the equalizer came when previously injured Lucas Scaglia, who made his 2016 debut when he came on for Kevan George in the 82nd, nearly connected in front of the goal on a cross from Alhassane Keita.
"Three points is what's on the table for us at home," said Armada head coach Tony Meola. Ideally it would've been six [points], but as they say that ship has sailed. Now we've got to move forward and deal with Rayo who's a very good team coming into Jacksonville.
Rayo is coming off a 2-1 loss to Indy Eleven last Saturday in Oklahoma City after it conceded a late goal. After falling behind early, Rayo's Brazilian midfielder Michel knotted the score when he connected on a 30-yard free kick. But Indy put the match away in the 77th when Nemanja Vukovic drew a foul, then scored on the tail end of the ensuing free kick.
Both the Armada and Rayo met in the preseason on March 18 in Jacksonville at Patton Park, with Rayo coming out on top 3-1. Midfielder Richard Menjívar scored twice for Rayo, while Armada forward Charles Eloundou found the back of the net for the Armada.