JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – With a statement win at home, Jacksonville Armada FC leapfrogged North Carolina FC to take over second place in the North American Soccer League Spring Season Standings with a 2-1 victory over North Carolina FC, avenging Jacksonville's only loss of 2017.
The victory was Jacksonville's third straight across all competitions, the first time in club history they had accomplished the feat.
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"This game was a must-win if we want to continue our push,” said head coach Mark Lowry. “We got the three points. The first half was very good, the second was different. It’s not what I wanted it to be, but the guys found a way and showed resilience. In these conditions it wasn’t easy, so credit to them."
Steinberger has been virtually unstoppable of late, and the former Butler University man put forth another huge performance on Sunday afternoon. Steinberger scored two first-half goals to push Jacksonville Armada FC past visiting North Carolina FC at Hodges Stadium. He has now scored 10 goals in less than one full season with the Armada, since joining the club at the beginning of last year's fall season.
"This is probably the best form I’ve been in, in terms of goal scoring. This is the best form we’ve been in as a team, we’re finding our identity. We could have closed the game out a little better, but three points is three points," said Steinberger.
In the 30th minute, Steinberger teed up Jack Blake for a shot, which eventually produced a rebound that the Long Beach native would stick home. Less than two minutes later, Steinberger was at it again, poking Drew Beckie's picture-perfect cross into the net from the right side. The two goals brought Steinberger's tally to six, which is good for the outright league lead.
Blake, who is quickly becoming a big threat on free kicks, nearly made it three when he curled a shot towards the goal in the 83rd minute. North Carolina goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre got just enough on the ball, though, tipping it off the post and away from the net.
Tiyi Shipalane pulled one back for the visitors in stunning fashion in stoppage time, bending a long-range shot over the head of Armada FC goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell to create a nervy ending for the hosts.
Aaron Pitchkolan made league history with his 152nd NASL appearance, moving him into the all-time appearance leader position.
Before the Armada and Miami FC battle for first place, the Armada play the Charleston Battery in the third round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday at Jacksonville University. If the Armada win on Wednesday, they would advance to face Atlanta United of MLS in the fourth round of U.S. Open Cup play.