Jose Luis Villarreal of Argentina was named Armada FC's first head coach. I'm happy to see the club starting to put its pieces together.

 

http://www.armadafc.com/news/detail/uuid...head-coach

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???.......ahh.....lemme guess?....must be soccer. 

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He has a connection to the GM. They appear to have a solid structure in place for the organization.

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He supposedly found Lionel Messi.

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???.......ahh.....lemme guess?....must be soccer. 

 

Imagine that, talking about other sports in the All Sports Forum.

 

Back on topic, I know the eventual goal is to move on up to MLS, but that doesn't seem likely with two new teams in Orlando and Miami already slated to be added in the next few years. Sadly unless MLS goes to a European relegation/promotion model with the lower leagues, I think we're stuck with a minor league team for the foreseeable future.

 

I hope they go the route of adding promising youngsters rather than second (or third or fourth) tier players in their prime. Part of what makes the Suns fun to watch on occasion is trying to spot the next guy who could make it big.

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Imagine that, talking about other sports in the All Sports Forum.

 

Back on topic, I know the eventual goal is to move on up to MLS, but that doesn't seem likely with two new teams in Orlando and Miami already slated to be added in the next few years. Sadly unless MLS goes to a European relegation/promotion model with the lower leagues, I think we're stuck with a minor league team for the foreseeable future.

 

I hope they go the route of adding promising youngsters rather than second (or third or fourth) tier players in their prime. Part of what makes the Suns fun to watch on occasion is trying to spot the next guy who could make it big.

 

The minor league status doesn't bother me. NASL teams are averaging 4-6k in attendance per game, and that definitely sounds like something Jax can do. Indy Eleven averaged over 10k fans despite a lackluster inaugural season. I'm just glad there's a professional soccer team in town, and I agree that having homegrown talent is key.

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With the connections of this coach and the GM, it would be cool if the club could get some young talent from South America.

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It'll be interesting to see how the Armada does here.  They've got some former Jag front office people over there helping to build this thing, and it sounds like that relationship may come in handy. 

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Never argue with idiots. They drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

Based on what I've read, it looks like UNF is a possible venue for the first couple of seasons. IMO I'd love to see a soccer-specific stadium downtown.

 

San Antonio in particular has a really nice setup: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Field

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Based on what I've read, it looks like UNF is a possible venue for the first couple of seasons. IMO I'd love to see a soccer-specific stadium downtown.

 

San Antonio in particular has a really nice setup: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Field

 

They are going to get a soccer stadium built somewhere. If they build it as part of a larger complex with practice fields and such, I would picture it somewhere in in the suburbs. Maybe off 9A/9B. If it is just the stadium, the existing sports complex makes sense.

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I'm hoping the Armada is a success in Jacksonville. I'll be rooting for them. 

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I've been looking for shirts but have had no luck. Anyone know where I can find Armada gear online?

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I've been looking for shirts but have had no luck. Anyone know where I can find Armada gear online?

 

I have not seen anything other than the fan pack they have online.

 

I'd ask them on Twitter.

 

They are having a watch party at the Landing tonight. Might be something there for sale.

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Orlando City started out as a minor league team and now they are about to join the MLS. Just saying.

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this will be awesome.... i think jacksonville has pretty big soccer following... with youth squads like JYS and Kycks i think we will have a big turn out as far as support... not to mention schools like fletcher that have consistently good soccer programs...wolfson was good too when i played in high school.... hopefully this catches on and they get into the MLS.

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Anybody make it to the launch party? Was there any Armada FC swag for sale? I can't find anything online either

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Anybody make it to the launch party? Was there any Armada FC swag for sale? I can't find anything online either

They have a watch party at Shim Sham Room today. Might have stuff there.

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http://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/news/l...nou/ngdML/

 

Armada are going to play on the baseball grounds.

 

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Bumping for soccer in our town.

 

The decision to use the baseball grounds is perfect. It is clear that the front office wants this team to have a central location for the fans and give a boost to downtown.

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And the way the ballpark is built, the seating for soccer is not bad. The majority of seats are down the first base line. 

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