Sporting Club Jax is starting 2026 on a high note as they sit in first place in the USL Super League just one point ahead of Lexington SC.
On Dec. 13, Sporting Jax faced Fort Lauderdale United FC at UNF’s Hodges Stadium. Jacksonville mayor Donna Deegan was in attendance as the two teams put on a defensive clinic that ended in a 1-1 tie.
Fort Lauderdale scored in the 74th minute of the game, and Sporting Jax did not answer until minute 89 with Katherine Sullivan putting the ball in the back of the net.
Sporting Jax head coach Stacey Balaam was proud of the way her team did not give up.
“For us it was about being patient and capitalizing on opportunities when we had them,” she said.
Balaam said her team still needs to work on making the most of all the chances they are presented with throughout the game.
“When you leave teams hanging around and they get chances here and there it can trouble you,” said Balaam.
Ashlyn Puerta, who had two shot attempts for Sporting Jax, said she is thankful to be part of the Sporting Jax movement.
“This is such a great program and a great group of girls. It’s been amazing to watch how quickly we have gelled together as a group both on and off the field,” Puerta said.
On Dec. 20, Sporting Jax defeated Tampa Bay Sun FC 3-1.
Puerta, Sullivan and Andrea Fernandez all scored goals for Sporting Jax.
Sporting Jax will face some tough opponents in the coming weeks including Lexington FC and Carolina Ascent FC. The team still has some work to do if they want to remain in first place.
“We need to work on trying to find ways to create opportunities and then execute from those opportunities,” said Balaam.
Sporting Jax will be back in action on Jan. 31 at Hodges Stadium.
