FLEMING ISLAND - In a unique display of local soccer talent versus season professionals, the Clay County Soccer United Soccer Alliance boys soccer team took on the Jacksonville Armada U-23 team in a showcase game played at Fleming Island High School on Saturday.

"The game was part of a National Invitational Showcase tournament that is open to all pro club teams, but also allows amateur teams to enter," said Clay County Soccer Complex director Matt Hollyoak. "We just happened to have our top amateur team; a roster of local athletes from Clay County and around the area, against the Armada's professional soccer team."
For the game score, the Armada took the win 4-1 with United Soccer forward Sam Atherton, a Fleming Island High and Belmont Abbey College standout, heading in a corner throw-in for the lone score for the locals.
"I think we held our own against a professional team," said Hollyoak, noting that his roster was filled with former players from Fleming Island, Oakleaf, and Ridgeview and coached by Orange Park High coach Adam Dement, also a former Raider player. "Our guys showed off the incredible talent that we produce in Clay County."
The United Soccer Alliance roster featured Ridgeview's Adam Mineo (Warner University) in goal with defender Liam McDonald (Daytona State College) in front of him, Fleming Island forward Connor Davis (Berry College) and Oakleaf players Gio Abreu (UNF) and Akin-May-Parker (Warner University) with former Fleming Island players Matt Male (Florida Southern College), Logan Dailey (Grove City College), Trevor Broadbridge, Noah Eaton and former St. Johns Country Day School standout Luke Graston (Brewton-Parker College).