PREVIEW | Armada FC Seeks First Win In Coastal Cup Action

In their short history, the Tampa Bay Rowdies have fared well against their new Florida rivals, Jacksonville Armada FC. The Rowdies beat Jacksonville, 2-0, at EverBank Field in Jacksonville in a preseason meeting on March 28.

The Rowdies also won their only competitive match, earning a 3-2 win over the Armada FC at Al Lang Stadium on April 25. Maicon Santos tallied twice and Martin Nuñez added the third as Tampa Bay overturned a 2-1 halftime deficit.

Rowdies forward Omar Salgado is available for selection this week after receiving his International Transfer Certificate clearance Tuesday morning. Salgado joined the Rowdies on a season-long loan last week from Mexico’s Tigres UANL, but was ineligible for last weekend’s 1-1 draw against the Carolina RailHawks.

Rowdies captain Marcelo Saragosa made his return from a thigh injury last week, taking the field for the first time since May 27. Saragosa started the match and played 87 minutes before being replaced by Justin Chavez.

Midfielder Richard Menjivar could be included in the 18-man squad for the first time this Fall after missing time due to international duty at the Gold Cup.

Jacksonville arrives in St. Petersburg coming off a wild 3-3 draw at home against Minnesota United on July 31. After losing its first three matches of the Fall by a combined score of 7-0, the Armada FC has picked up four points from its last two matches. Despite the recent uptick in form, Jacksonville sits in last place in the Combined Standings.

Jacksonville boasts one of fastest attacking units in the NASL, often preferring a three-forward lineup just like the Rowdies.

Jemal Johnson and Alhassane Keita are tied for the team lead with four goals apiece this season.