Sporting JAX men’s team lost 4-1 to Miami FC on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Pitbull Stadium in Miami, Fla., after a first-half red card left the visitors shorthanded. Sporting JAX responded to Miami FC’s 2-0 lead with a goal from Jean Mota, but could not complete the comeback while playing much of the second half with 10 men.
Miami FC took a 2-0 lead in the 42nd minute. One minute later, an attacking sequence involving forward Emil Jaaskelainen and midfielders Kieran Sadlier and Mota produced Sporting JAX’s goal. It was Mota’s first goal with the club.
“I think before we do anything, we work hard as a team and put the work in, so I think that’s what got us the goal back,” Sadlier said.
Sporting JAX nearly levels match while shorthanded
Sporting JAX remained within one goal for much of the second half despite Miami FC’s numerical advantage and possession. The visitors kept Miami FC in check for an extended stretch and created opportunities to nearly tie the match. Miami FC ultimately secured the 4-1 result.
“[We] came out in the second half and tried to just maybe be patient, slow the game down. We kept them out for quite a while,” Sadlier said. “We didn’t want to give up; it’s hard when you go down to 10 men away from home as well and they had a lot of possession, but they played well.”
Sporting JAX head coach Liam Fox credited the team’s grit and attitude but said the club needed to improve after conceding four goals. Fox said the score did not reflect the way Sporting JAX competed after going down a player.
“The game again looks like it’s been an absolute doing; it’s 4-1, it’s another four goals conceded, which is unacceptable again,” Fox said. “I don’t think it was a 4-1 game. Even being down to ten men, the players deserve huge credit for fighting and battling and scratching, but we need to be better than that.”
Mohamed Traore returns after injury
Mohamed Traore returned to action as a stoppage-time substitute. The defender had not appeared since April while working his way back from an injury. Traore said he was grateful to rejoin the team.
“Honestly, it’s been a long journey, but also a blessing because I have a good group of staff and a good group of guys around me,” Traore said. “It’s a blessing and I’m happy to be back with the guys.”
Sporting JAX prepares for Birmingham Legion FC
Sporting JAX will play Birmingham Legion FC at Hodges Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. Birmingham Legion FC defeated Sporting JAX in August, according to the source. The match will also be Sporting JAX’s Breast Cancer Awareness Night.
Fox said Sporting JAX has three games remaining and must stay focused on the remaining schedule. The team will return to work after traveling back from Miami.
“We’ll travel back tomorrow, we’ll be back to work,” Fox said. “We’ve got three games left and we need to make sure that we’re fully focused on those three games.”
FSB Take
Sporting JAX could not overcome the early red card, but its response included Mota’s first goal with the club and a sustained challenge to Miami FC while playing a man down. Fox identified the need to reduce the number of goals conceded, while Traore’s return gives Sporting JAX another development to carry into the Oct. 10 home match against Birmingham Legion FC.
Source: Original report