Club’s stars of tomorrow sit atop league and division standings, outscoring opponents 94-16
Foundation means everything. Whether building a house or a soccer club, this rings true.
A strong youth program can elevate pro clubs to new heights and help sustain success. Despite not having played a professional match yet, Sporting JAX is already witnessing this firsthand. While fans remain excited for the club’s Gainbridge Super League debut on August 23, its pre-professional and youth squads have been hard at work making their way to the top.
The Sporting JAX USL W League and USL League Two squads have been making noise on the road and at home. Their seasons were marked with many road trips early on, but this hasn’t stopped them. Let’s take a look at the W League’s historic campaign first.
When this group completed a hard-fought 2-0 victory against Tallahassee Reckoning FC, no one knew quite what was in store. What outsiders may not have known quickly became apparent after a 8-0 thrashing of King’s Hammer FC Sun City.
Fast forward four matches and it’s been much of the same. Their closest challenge came in a gritty 1-0 road win at Fort Lauderdale United FC. Fans can only hope that this exciting duel serves as a preview of these clubs’ Gainbridge Super League battles next season.
The W League squad has continued to roll through opponents, posting a goal differential of 29 after six matches. This dominance hasn’t gone unnoticed, with Sporting JAX sitting second nationally in the W League’s most recent power rankings and first atop the Southeast Division.
The men of USL League Two have also shined. Their season didn’t get off to quite the same start, but they have battled through adversity to pick up 10 points, the most in the Southeast Division.
This team has shown its merit in tight skirmishes. One example came in the home opener when they overcame a red card to draw thanks to an Ethan Newsome penalty kick in stoppage time. Things aren’t always going to be pretty, as this group can attest, but their determination has guided them to a great spot in the standings as the regular season winds down.
As for the USL Academy U20 teams, their seasons have also been nothing short of spectacular. The men have been on a tear, racking up 19 points through seven matches–enough to lead both the Florida Division and the league as a whole.
The women have impressed as well, leading both the Florida Division and the league outright. This includes an unreal goal differential of 31 through just three matches. This display of greatness combined with Sporting JAX’s W League unit is an exciting preview of the club’s commitment to the women’s game.
Sporting JAX is bringing professional women’s soccer to the First Coast, but that impact doesn’t end on the pitch. The pro team will serve as an inspiration for many across the community, but that effort has already begun with the club’s pre-professional and Academy teams. Female role models of all ages have been playing incredible soccer, which will only carry over into the club’s Gainbridge Super League debut in August.
The same goes for male athletes in the community, who have seen these players battle through hardship to rise to the top, all in an effort to better themselves and their club.
It’s hard not to be excited for what’s next at Sporting JAX. There’s already greatness everywhere you look–and it’s just getting started. Dominant results today create optimism for the present, sure. But much like the Florida sunshine these squads play under, Sporting JAX’s future is as bright as could be.
