JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville Armada FC had quite the week, picking up six points over two matches. Midfielder Jaime Castrillón played a vital role in each of the victories and for his efforts, he was named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week on Monday.
Castrillón, who has made 29 senior national team appearances for Colombia, opened the scoring in the Armada FC's 3-0 win over the Carolina RailHawks on Wednesday night. He then scored the game-winner in the club's 1-0 win over the Atlanta Silverbacks on Saturday night, firing home a rebound following a save from visiting goalkeeper Steward Ceus.
"I am honored to receive this recognition, but it is really a nod to how well our team played last week," Castrillón said. "We never stopped attacking, and that led to our solid performances on both sides of the pitch. We will keep working hard so that we can keep our momentum going."
In addition to finding the net twice last week, the 32-year-old midfielder played a key role in keeping Jacksonville's opponents off the score sheet. His two-way performances helped the Armada FC keep two consecutive clean sheets in front of their home fans following a spell that saw them give up 11 goals in four matches.
"Our performance last week was the result of everyone on our team working together as one," said Jacksonville head coach Guillermo Hoyos. "Jaime was a key part of that, and I look forward to seeing him continue to play at a high level."
A six-point surge was just what the Armada FC needed after hovering around the bottom of both the Fall Season and Combined Standings in recent weeks. The two wins - in addition to giving Jacksonville confidence and momentum moving forward - vaulted the club into the middle of the pack with the better part of the Fall Season still ahead.
Castrillón, a native of Puerto Nare, Colombia, signed with the Armada FC prior to the 2015 season after spending nearly three years with Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids. On the international level, the 5-foot-10 midfielder has featured for Los Cafeteros in two Copa America tournaments (2004 and 2007).