New Orleans Jesters Fall to Jacksonville Armada FC U-23 at Pan American Stadium

By New Orleans Jesters

Luciano Galizzi’s first-half goal wasn’t enough as the New Orleans Jesters lost 2-1 to the Jacksonville Armada Saturday night at Pan American Stadium. 

New Orleans started on the front foot and created the game’s first chance in the eighth minute. Jackson Hulme hit a dipping shot from distance that came back off the crossbar allowing the Armada to scramble it clear. 

Jacksonville nearly broke the deadlock minutes later, but Elijah Howe’s header sailed just over the bar. 

Luciano Galizzi scored the game’s opening goal in the 32nd minute, latching on to a loose ball in the penalty area and smashing a half volley past the goalkeeper. 

The Armada equalized five minutes later through Reed Davis. 

Jacksonville took the lead in the 57th minute through Logan Bellone.  The Jesters partially cleared Cao Chaves cross, but the clearance fell to Bellone at the top of the box and he calmly finished into the top right corner. 

Mason Walsh came close to pulling New Orleans level three minutes later from a set piece, but his free kick hit the post and stayed out. 

The visiting Armada defended well in the final 20 minutes, limiting the Jester’s chances in the attacking third.  Mark Anthony Guevara had New Orleans’ best chance to equalize in the final ten minutes, but goalkeeper Padraic Gilley was equal to his shot from just outside the box. 

Jacksonville’s Jovoney Brown put the game out of reach with a goal in the 87th minute to make it 3-1.  With the loss, New Orleans falls to 1-2-1 on the season. 

The Jesters head to Florida this week for a pair of games taking on Florida Roots FC on Thursday evening and Tallahassee SC on Saturday.

Photo Credit: James E. Cage Jr.