In our latest interview with Section 904 co -founder Jake Sillick, we discussed the upcoming season and the club’s plans for the future.
John Frusciante (JF): When the club announced that they were going to enter the NASL , what were your thoughts and how did you think the city was going to respond?
Jake Sillick (JS): I was completely ecstatic. It was a crazy couple of months back in May-July 2013 where this team kinda just appeared out of nowhere for us, but once I saw how well organized their first major event was, a friendly between Pumas and Cruz Azul, I knew right away this city was going to love the NASL and love this new soccer team.
JF: With all the hard work that was put in these last couple of months and to see the club play their first ever match, how did it feel to see that come together?
JS: Couple of months? This franchise has been working hard for around 18 months. And to see it culminate with almost 14,000 people watching, it was an incredible sight to see. I don’t think any of us in Section 904 or Jacksonville soccer fans thought 14,000 for a first preseason game would be possible.
JF: Do you think the club is going to be a success in its first year and for the future?
JS: Without question. It has been very apparent from the beginning this team would be one of the most professionally ran organizations in the league, right up there with MLS teams. The marketing has been superb, as well as programs like the Business Alliance and the Flagship Fleet have helped tremendously. With the support currently from season ticket holders totally over 5,000, this club will be a staple for Jacksonville for years to come.
As far as the on-field play, I think the vision of our GM Dario Sala to run a system with beautiful attacking football and playing out of the back is going to shock a lot of teams in the NASL. They just don’t see these kind of tactics a lot. It’s going to win a lot of games now and for the future. He’s not afraid to go out and scout the world too, and both head coaches have that experience in scouting and coaching the club needs to be successful.
JF: The club is going to play its home games at the baseball grounds, what is that stadium like and do you feel there is going to be a great soccer experience there?
JS: The stadium is going to be really intimate. I know Section 904 will be right on top of the goal and will have the leeway to really effect the play on the field. The sightlines are above average for being in a baseball stadium as well.
What remains to be seen is how great the pitch is going to be. There are times when the baseball team (Jacksonville Suns) play 2 days before the Armada. To switch between baseball and soccer like that is going to be interesting to see. And does the pitch hold up during the season? I just don’t know yet.
JF: In the future do you see the Armada building a soccer specific stadium? Has the Armada ever talked about in the future that they could have their own place which they could call home?
JS: I think it will happen out of necessity if we keep having crowds of 14,000 show up! There’s just no facility currently in the city that can hold that besides EverBank Field.
Yes, Mark Frisch has talked numerous times about building a stadium, and I think he’s watching Indianapolis closely to see how they pull off thier stadium. There’s a 3 year season ticket plan for the Armada, and one of the perks of that ticket plan is a brick in a new stadium with your name on it. So they certainly plan on having one soon.
JF: Who is a player that you are excited to see play for the Armada?
JS: Marcos Flores without a doubt. He was introduced at half time against Philadelphia to a roaring welcome, so the fans know about him and the accolades he brings. He’s going to be the lynchpin of the squad. Dario Sala has even stated publicly that he may be a MVP candidate this season.
JF: Nico Zaldana is an exciting young player, at a young age he played for the top youth academies in Europe. So what do you think he is going to bring to the team? Also could you see him being a star on this team?
JS: Nico is definitely a very exciting young player, but I think the more experienced players on this squad will get more playing time than he does. However, it’s good to see the organization sign such a young player with plans to develop him for the squad.
JF: Talk about the Section 904 and what they have in store for the 2015 season?
JS: We’ve been working on tifo for the upcoming season, and we’re really excited in what we have planned with that. We’ve got great capos and drummers already, and they’re practicing all the time to get even better at leading the group. This first season is going to be great and we’re excited to bring that raucous support to the Armada. Lots of sea themed chants have been created, but we’re trying not to get too corny with all of those, and mix in lots of Latin American and European culture as well.
JF: Is there any planned road trips?
JS: Multiple road trips to our fellow in-state rivals, the Rowdies and Strikers are planned. We’re looking into a bus trip to Atlanta, as well as a road trip to see the Cosmos.
JF: What matches are you looking forward to?
JS: Excluding matches against our in-state rivals, seeing the defending champions come to town as our first regular season home game at Community First Park (April 4th against FC Edmonton will be at EverBank Field) will be very exciting to see.
JF: What club are you excited to see play against the Armada?
JS: Minnesota United with Miguel Ibarra and Christian Ramirez are a team I’m looking forward to. And of course, any U.S. Open Cup games against MLS opposition.
JF: 2015 goals?
JS: Fill up our bleachers for every game with great standing support, and have one road trip this season where more than two buses are required.
JF: How many members does Section 904 have?
JS: We are approaching close to 200 paid members.
JF: Is it a paid membership or does the member just have to buy a ticket to sit in the section?
JS: We have paid memberships but is not required at all. Just be ready to support Armada FC and stand for 90 minutes when you are with us.
JF: Can you talk about the attacking style of soccer the Armada has played in the friendlies (4-3-3), and the changing of the formation to maintain the lead and to continue to play an attractive style of football?
JS: The 4-3-3 is definitely the formation for the Armada. Both coaches have been through Barcelona’s system and like that a lot. It can be very versatile, but I think we saw against Philly the ability to go 4-4-2 and drop back and defend the lead.
Jacksonville is a proud city and we’re very proud of our sports teams. Don’t count us out for anything. Section 904 is coming into this league knowing it’s Duval Til We Die and that this city deserves a first class soccer team and first class support.
(image courtesy of Jacksonville Armada)
