On a cold, rainy night in Jacksonville, the Union were able to rotate 31 players in their preseason opener, but ultimately fell to Jacksonville Armada FC, 1-0. Charles Eloundou scored the winner in the 80th minute.
The Union used three different lineups, each getting 30 minutes. A presumed starting lineup (outside of Maurice Edu who missed the game while continuing his rehab) controlled much of the first half hour. Of that group, Fabinho looked the most active, playing a few combinations with new left-wing partner, Chris Pontius, with one leading to a good scoring chance for C.J. Sapong, which just narrowly drifted over his head.