Sporting Club Jacksonville returned home to Hodges Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 22, to face off against Fort Lauderdale United FC.
Sporting Jax won the match 2-0, making this their second straight shutout.
Sporting Jax now has a record of 5-3-3 and is currently in second place in the Gainbridge Super League.
Head Coach Stacey Balaam was extremely proud of her team and excited to get a win in front of the home crowd.
“It’s long overdue, and I am really proud of the ladies for the effort that they gave out there tonight,” said Balaam.
Paige Kenton scored the first goal of the game and was voted player of the match. Kenton started off the season playing defense but has lately been leaning into her role as a forward.
“We have probably been holding Paige back because she’s had to play on defense for us, but you can see from tonight how much of a threat she is on offense,” said Balaam.
Kenton will probably continue to get minutes on offense especially after her performance against Fort Lauderdale.
“No one wants to defend her. She’s physical, she’s fast and she’s a handful out there,” said Balaam.
Kaitlyn Parks got the start in net for Sporting Jax and made several good saves throughout the game, including one on a penalty kick in the final minute of the game.
“I wasn’t thinking much, I did my best to read the attacker and do everything I could to make sure the ball didn’t end up in the back of the net,” said Parks.
Sporting Jax will return to Hodges Stadium on Dec. 13 for a rematch with Fort Lauderdale.
