NEW YORK – Ciarán Kilduff recently joined Jacksonville Armada FC, but he has certainly endeared himself to the club’s faithful in short order.
The Irish forward has scored three goals in his last two games, including twice in a 3-3 draw with the New York Cosmos Sunday night. Kilduff was named North American Soccer League player of the week for his two-goal performance, the league announced Monday.
Jacksonville jumped ahead of the Cosmos early in the club’s contest at MCU Park in Brooklyn as Kilduff led the charge. The native of Kilcock, Ireland, opened the scoring in the 13th minute. Jack Blake’s corner kick made its way through a crowd of bodies before Kalen Ryden headed the ball towards Kilduff. The Irishman’s effort came off the crossbar, but the ball bounced just over the line for the opening tally.
Kilduff showed his work rate away from goal to earn his second goal. He dispossessed Cosmos midfielder Danny Szetela and drove towards the goal before sending his low effort through goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck’s legs in the 41st minute. The 28-year-old has three goals in four appearances for the club.
While Jacksonville didn’t leave New York with all three points, Kilduff’s effort helped the club extend its road unbeaten streak to three games. Jacksonville sits in the final position for The Championship, the league’s four-team postseason tournament, which commences in November.
Armada FC’s push to the postseason continues with a matchup with Florida rival and league-leading Miami FC Sunday at 4 p.m. ET.
