Sporting Jax fell to Dallas Trinity FC on Saturday, Sept. 6, 1-0.
Dallas Trinity remains the only unbeaten team in the Gainbridge Super League.
During the first half of the game, both teams were being aggressive and limiting each other’s possession time.
“They were providing a high press on us with really good intensity,” said Sporting Jax head coach Stacey Balaam.
The game remained scoreless at halftime, but Dallas Trinity was relentless in the second half. Their goal came in the 82nd minute when Rhea Moore scored her first professional goal.
Ashlyn Puerta remained involved in the attack for Sporting Jax throughout the game but was unable to find the back of the net.
“It comes down to trusting my teammates and knowing that we all have a role to play,” said Puerta.
It seemed the two biggest issues for Sporting Jax throughout the game were turnovers and not being able to finish chances. Balaam understands that her team is still learning how to play as a cohesive unit and feels they have made a lot of progress.
“We are learning through every game that we are playing. We are facing different situations in every game that we are having to work on throughout practice,” she said.
Sporting Jax goaltender Jamie Gerstenberg had several good saves throughout the game and Balaam liked what she saw.
“She had to weather a lot of pressure, and she handled it really well. She played a very mature game, so I’m really proud of her,” said Balaam.
As a young, inexperienced team, Sporting Jax has a lot to learn; however Balaam is encouraged by what she has seen so far.
“We’re growing, we’re learning and we’re fixing things as we go. I feel like we’ve developed a lot as a group,” she said.
Sporting Jax is still looking for their first win at home, which they will try to earn this Saturday, Sept. 13, as they face off against Carolina Ascent FC.
