MIAMI – A milestone season for the Armada ends in disappointment Saturday night on the road in Miami.
The year brought a new league, new rivals and, for the first time in club history, a playoff appearance and a postseason win to advance to the Sunshine Championship match against their old NASL rivals, Miami FC.
Miami struck first when Kris Tyrpak's header eluded Armada goalkeeper Brian Holt in the 8th minute to give Miami the early lead. But the Armada answered in the 29th minute, as Ciarán Kilduff took possession of the ball from Miami and drove it all the way, drawing Miami's goalkeeper out of the box before delivering a strike to the corner of the net.
Miami quickly answered with goal by Darío Suárez at 34 minutes, then another by Tyrpak at 53 minutes.
Last year, the Armada didn't beat Miami once, but this season, in two matches, Jacksonville handed them their only league loss and earned a road point with a draw. Miami's roster is loaded with talent. Coming into this game, Miami had the advantage of a week to rest while the Armada had played Wednesday night.
Miami wins the Sunshine Conference and will host the winner of the Southeast Conference championship game between Chattanooga FC and the Atlanta Silverbacks, also still under way on Saturday night.
Despite the loss, Jacksonville went 7W-2L-3D in the Sunshine Conference and claimed second place.