JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Scoring was often hard to come by for the Armada during the Spring season. In order to add a boost in the scoring department the club announced the signings of Swedish internationals Alexander Andersson and Nicklas Maripuu, on Monday.
Pending ITC clearance, Andersson and Maripuu will join the Armada when they open the Fall season on July 2 against the Tampa Bay Rowdies.
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"As the Spring Season began to unfold, it was clear to our technical staff that we wanted to bolster the roster in the attacking part of the field,” said Tony Meola, head coach and technical director. “We have scouted both Alex and Nicklas since November and are happy to add them to our roster."
Andersson, a 30-year-old striker, comes to the Armada after six seasons with Swedish second division side Degerfors IF, where he scored 22 goals in 100 matches, including 34 starts.
"Alex is the type of forward that we feel compliments the way we like to play,” Meola said. “He's able to act as a pure target as well as run off the shoulders of defenders. His dedication to his club is evident by the loyalty that he has shown to Degefors, and this is the type of person and player we want at the Armada."
Maripuu, a 24-year-old midfielder, comes to Jacksonville after playing 31 matches, including 16 starts, over 2015 and 2016 with Swedish second division side IK Sirius. In 2016, he scored two goals in 10 contests.
"Nicklas is a young talent that can play in many of the midfield roles and will help us in possession,” Meola said. “He offers us size, speed and technical ability going forward."