New Orleans Jesters defeat Jacksonville Armada 2-1

New Orleans, LA.  The New Orleans Jesters defeated the Jacksonville Armada 2-1 tonight at Pan American Stadium.  Sheldon Green scored the game winner, slotting home a second half penalty as New Orleans won its second straight game.

The first chance of the game came from a Jacksonville set piece in the 9th minute.  From a wide free kick the ball was pulled back to midfielder Mason Tunbridge but his first time effort missed high.

A minute later the Jesters came close after midfielder Eric Gunera took the ball from defender Ayrton Redmore on the left side  He switched the ball to James Raptis on the far side but Raptis couldnt generate enough power on his shot to trouble goalkeeper Jason Dubrovich.

New Orleans opened the scoring in the 16th minute after earning a free-kick on the left side.  Ricardo Gomez whipped the ball across and it flew into the far corner as Dubrovich watched.

Jacksonville leveled five minutes later after the ball turned over in the midfield.  The initial strike by Tyler Richardson was touched onto the post by goalkeeper Alex Hare but Giancarlo Vaccaro followed up to bury the loose ball.

The Armada came close in the 72nd minute with a driven strike by Angus Taylor that was palmed wide by Hare.

The Jesters retook the lead in the 76th minute from the penalty spot after Jacksonville handled the ball in the box after a New Orleans corner.  Forward Sheldon Green tucked his shot neatly inside the post to make it 2-1.

Jacksonville had a pair of chances in stoppage time but both attempts missed high as the New Orleans defense held firm for the three points.

The Jesters head to Florida this week for a pair of road games; Thursday night versus Tallahassee SC and Saturday night vs Florida Roots.