Armada Forward Earns Jacksonville Three Points In Front Of Home Crowd
Jacksonville Armada FC forward Alhassane Keita has been named North American Soccer League (NASL) Player of the Week after scoring a dramatic game-winner in the team’s 2-1 win over the San Antonio Scorpions at Community First Park on Saturday night.
Deep into second-half stoppage time, the Guinea international ran onto a pass from teammate Akeil Barrett and fired a perfectly placed shot into the far corner to send the 8,147 fans into a frenzy in Jacksonville.
“It was a very exciting moment to score that goal,” Keita said. “Our team has been training hard, and it was amazing to see it pay off in that fashion. I am honored to win this award, but it is really a great testament to the hard work of my teammates.”
Keita’s second goal of the year helped the Armada snap a two-game losing streak and move into the top half of the NASL Spring Season standings. Jacksonville has now won both of its home games this year, and Keita has found the net in each victory.
“I always knew Keita had the ability to finish games like he did this weekend,” said Armada FC general manager Dario Sala. “We brought him in because of his experience, and now we all have the pleasure of seeing his skill go to work just when the team needs him.”
The 31-year-old veteran signed with the Armada prior to the season following a stint with Swiss side St. Gallen. Keita started his professional career in the Moroccan ranks before moving to FC Zurich in Switzerland. It was in Zurich where he would go onto be the top scorer in the country’s first division. The Conakry, Guinea native eventually made his way to La Liga, featuring for well-known Spanish sides Mallorca and Real Valladolid.
Keita and the Armada remain at home this upcoming Saturday when they host Indy Eleven, who sit even with them in the standings on six points. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and the game can be seen live on ESPN3.
