JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sporting JAX women rallied strongly in the second half to overcome Tampa Bay Sun FC 3-2 on August 22, 2026, at Hodges Stadium in the Gainbridge Super League.
Coming off the bench at halftime, midfielder Ashlyn Puerta wasted no time making an impact, scoring a tying goal from outside the box less than one minute into the second half. Puerta, the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League Player of the Year, capitalized on open space in front of goal to level the match at 1-1.
Forward Baylee DeSmit then took over, scoring two second-half goals, including the game-winner at the 70th minute. DeSmit’s brace gave her three goals on the season and helped Sporting JAX seize control of the contest after halftime.
“Those 30 minutes once we started the second half were a really big 30 minutes for us,” said Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam. “Probably the best I’ve seen us in a long time… very clinical in front of goal as well.”
Despite a late surge by Tampa Bay, goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg was instrumental in closing out the win with key saves in the final moments, including stopping the game’s last shot as time expired.
Coach Balaam praised returning players like Puerta and DeSmit for their leadership as the team aims to elevate their performance in their pursuit of growth and continuity this season.
Sporting JAX women will return home to host Dallas Trinity FC on August 29, 2026, at 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium.
Source: Original report