The Sporting Jax women’s team tied with Carolina Ascent FC 3-3 on Saturday, Sept. 26.
This game was a rematch of last season’s playoff semifinal, and it did not disappoint.
Jacksonville got off to an aggressive start firing a shot before the clock had even reached one minute.
“We had a very encouraging start to the game and controlled the first half,” Sporting Jax Head Coach Stacey Balaam said.
The early offensive effort paid off in the 20th minute, but it was the defense that made it possible. AJ Hennessey forced a turnover, passing it to Ashlyn Puerta. Puerta found Baylee DeSmit, who sent the ball into the net past Carolina goalkeeper Sydney Martínez.
“It’s very important to set the tone early; we came ready to play and getting that first goal was very important,” DeSmit said. “It allowed us to put our foot on the pedal and continue to attack.”
Carolina scored the next two goals of the game making the score 2-1. Jacksonville did not take their foot off the gas and found the tying goal in the 71st minute. Captain Sophie Jones worked toward the goal, sending a cross in front of the net. Hennessey was on the other end to receive the ball and scored her first career goal as a professional.
“The goal meant a lot to me,” Hennessey said. “I’ve always dreamed of playing professionally and getting that first goal made it feel even more real.”
Less than 10 minutes after Jacksonville tied the game, DeSmit drew a foul in the box, leading to a penalty kick. She scored the go ahead goal, which gave her two goals on the night and seven on the season.
Carolina tied the match in the 83rd minute, which ultimately ended the match in a draw.
Although they would have preferred to get the win, this match snapped a two-game losing streak for Sporting Jax.
“We probably deserved more out of the game and are feeling a bit disappointed to come away with just a point,” Balaam said.
The Sporting Jax women’s team will return home to Hodges Stadium on Friday, Oct. 9, to take on DC Power FC.
