JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Despite dominating possession, the Jacksonville Armada lost their third round US Open Cup match to Charleston Battery 1–0 Wednesday night at Southern Oak Stadium on the campus of Jacksonville University.
A 25th minute own goal off the leg of Drew Beckie was the only score of the night. The Armada dominated a Charleston team that came in to the third round match up looking for retribution after Jacksonville's 2–1 victory in extra time in the tournament last year.
Recommended Videos
The match saw a very physical Charleston Battery side collect three yellow cards. It could have been more.
"They very easily could have been down to 10 men," said Armada head coach Mark Lowry. "There's no denying that fact. But I'm proud of the work our guys did. Now we turn our attention to Miami on Saturday."
The matchup against Miami on Saturday at UNF's Hodges Stadium is for first place in the North American soccer league. The two sides have not met this year, but both of been pointing toward Saturday night's 7 p.m. matchup.
After the Armada loss, the supporter's group, Section 904, began to chant "Beat Miami."
"It won't take us long to get ready for that one," said Armada captain Aaron Pitchkolan. "That's why you play, is for one versus two matchups like that."
If the Armada win on Saturday, they will be in first place later than they ever have been before. Two years ago, the Armada held their destiny in their own hands in the spring season, but instead of winning out lost two and drew two in their final four of the spring season.
Charleston, who came into the match leading the USL's Eastern Conference, will advance to face their MLS affiliate, Atlanta United in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup.