Sporting JAX men’s team lost 2-0 to Hartford Athletic on Wednesday at Trinity Health Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla., while Thomas Roberts made his first start since May after an injury. Roberts played more than 70 minutes in his return to the starting lineup. Sporting JAX remains in the USL Championship with five regular-season matches remaining.
Roberts Returns After Injury
Roberts returned to Sporting JAX’s starting lineup for the first time since May and played more than 70 minutes. He said he felt good for most of his time on the field, despite the result. The midfielder said the added minutes were an important part of his return.
“The result is not what we wanted, but to get the minutes under my feet again feels good,” Roberts said. “I’m glad I went [70+] minutes and felt good for most of the time that I was in.”
Sporting JAX head coach Liam Fox said Roberts tired as the game progressed but handled the return well. Fox also said Roberts could continue to find form and rhythm during the final five matches of the season.
“It’s good to have Tommy back,” Fox said. “Naturally he tired as the game wore on, but he did fine and hopefully he will continue to find form and rhythm in the last five games of the season.”
McGuire Makes Eight Saves
Sporting JAX goalkeeper Jake McGuire made eight saves to keep the match within reach. One of those stops came in the 29th minute, when McGuire denied Hartford Athletic forward Augi Williams while he was on the ground. Hartford eventually scored twice in the match.
“I think Hartford is a really good side; we knew they were going to get chances and knew they were going to get opportunities in the box,” McGuire said. “But I thought we really did, despite the goals, a great job box-defending.”
Hartford Scores Late Second Goal
Hartford Athletic scored an early goal, but Sporting JAX held the one-goal deficit through the end of the first half and into the second half. Sporting JAX pushed for an equalizer before Hartford added a late second goal. The result left Sporting JAX with a 2-0 defeat.
“In the second half, the players came out and had a go and pushed to get an equalizer,” Fox said. “In doing that, we left ourselves open at the back and got caught with a late second [goal].”
Sporting JAX’s Next Match
Sporting JAX will next play Loudoun United FC at Hodges Stadium on Friday, September 25, at 7:30 p.m. The match is the team’s next opportunity during the final five regular-season matches. Sporting JAX’s remaining schedule includes five regular-season matches.
Source: Original report