JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Sporting JAX women’s team secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Tampa Bay Sun FC at Hodges Stadium on August 22, 2026, powered by a dynamic second-half performance.
Puerta’s Rapid Equalizer Sparks Comeback
Midfielder Ashlyn Puerta, the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League Player of the Year, entered as a second-half substitute and quickly tied the match for Sporting JAX. Barely one minute into the half, Puerta exploited open space and launched a strike from outside the box, sending the ball past the Tampa Bay goalkeeper to make it 1-1.
“The benefit of watching the whole first half is I knew that space was open,” Puerta said after the game. “I knew I had the space and I was saying in the Peacock interview, I feel like I was just in a flow state and was like, ‘I’m gonna hit it and shoot it.'”
DeSmit’s Brace Secures Lead
With the score tied, forward Baylee DeSmit took over the offense, scoring twice in the second half. The first goal came in the 60th minute off a pass from Meg Hughes, placing Sporting JAX ahead 2-1 despite tight marking by the Tampa Bay defense.
“I think with being that one striker, you’ve really got to be focused on varying when you’re going to drop in,” DeSmit said. “I do like to receive the ball at my feet, but to stay high and give us that height, and whether it left me in a one-on-one to be strong and pull up the ball for my team and play it under me… it was definitely an adjustment.”
DeSmit added her second goal ten minutes later to extend the lead to 3-1, marking her third goal of the season.
Gerstenberg’s Key Saves Preserve Victory
Tampa Bay Sun FC fought back strongly in the final minutes, attempting to equalize. However, goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg and the Sporting JAX defense held firm. Gerstenberg made a crucial save on the final shot of the match as time expired, cementing the win for the home side.
Coach Balaam Praises Team’s Performance and Development
Sporting JAX head coach Stacey Balaam hailed the team’s clinical and focused second-half display, calling it one of the best performances seen in some time. Balaam also highlighted a commitment to player development and continuity moving forward.
“Those 30 minutes once we started the second half were a really big 30 minutes for us,” said Balaam. “Probably the best I’ve seen us in a long time… very clinical in front of goal as well.”
“We are trying to challenge [the players] and elevate to the next level,” Balaam added. “There’s still a high ceiling for all of our players to be able to grow and develop, and the continuity is key for us.”
Looking Ahead
Sporting JAX will host Dallas Trinity FC next Saturday, August 29 at 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium. The team aims to build on this success as the season progresses in the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League.
Source: Original report