Armada's unbeaten run crowned in penalty drama
On July 18, the Jacksonville Armada U‑23 squad captured the Florida Champions League title after a 3‑3 stalemate that stretched to a 4‑2 shootout against FC Strive.
The match opened with FC Strive striking inside the first five minutes, but the Armada answered quickly when Flagler College forward Tim Wahlborg equalised.
Late strikes from Noah Daniels in regulation forced extra time, setting the stage for a showdown from the spot.
David Mejia opened the penalty round for the Armada, and Mikhail Keise stepped up to convert the decisive kick, sealing a 4‑2 victory.
Goalkeeper Jackson Bennett also made a crucial save that kept the Armada’s hopes alive, while the defense held firm through the remaining spot‑kicks.
The win completed an unbeaten campaign in which the Armada went 10 games without defeat, a testament to the depth of talent drawn from college programs across the region.
Many of the players are enrolled at institutions such as the University of North Florida and Flagler College, competing during the NCAA off‑season to keep their skills sharp.
The championship underscores the growing strength of youth soccer in Jacksonville and highlights the city’s role as a hub for developing future talent.