Sporting Club Jacksonville (10-4-4, 34 pts) visited the Bluegrass State on Saturday to take on undefeated Lexington Sporting Club (7-1-9, 30 pts) in a clash of the Gainbridge Super League’s top two teams, winning in convincing fashion, 3-0.
This matchup was critical, as a win would see Sporting JAX move four points clear, but a loss would surrender the lead back to Lexington SC. Adding to the match’s gravity, the last time these teams met left a sour taste for Sporting JAX. Lexington dominated the match, 4-2, controlling things from start to finish.
“We were disappointed after that first game, but coming in we had a fire under us to get after that,” DeSmit said. “I think we just wanted to be true to ourselves and be confident in our ability and the way we play.”
Sporting JAX controlled possession in the early minutes, creating a few solid chances that didn’t come to fruition. Lexington SC had scoring opportunities as well, with what was likely the best being denied by an incredible Kaitlyn Parks save. Another came minutes later when Lexington forward McKenzie Weinert forced Parks’ hand again, making a diving save to keep things scoreless.
Everything changed in the 31st minute when Sporting JAX midfielder Kacey Smekrud made the most of a Baylee DeSmit assist, recording her first goal with the club and taking the lead. Against a team as talented as Lexington, one goal may not be enough.
“They left the backside open and that’s where I was,” Smekrud said. “The last time we were here was a different game and a wounded animal is the most dangerous, so we came here to put in some fight.”
The squad knew this, and got to work seeking a second. Just before the half, in the 45th minute, Baylee DeSmit made a difference once again, scoring to grow the lead to two going into half time.
Mere minutes after the second half kicked off, forward Paige Kenton made a run that ultimately drew a foul just outside the box. Ashlyn Puerta, the Gainbridge Super League’s leading goal scorer, added to her impressive total after the ball found its way to the back of the net off a Lexington deflection.
Just 53 minutes into the match, Sporting JAX held a 3-0 lead. With an opponent as dangerous as Lexington SC, though, it was not a time to step off the gas. The home squad nearly proved this not long thereafter, rifling a free kick off the crossbar.
“We all knew we had to stay tuned in to the game and keep competing tactically, mentally and physically,” Puerta said. “Some of the most important things to keep in mind in a situation like that is that the game isn’t over and to keep playing the way we know and love.”
Lexington kept pushing, but the Sporting JAX defense didn’t budge. As the final whistle blew, reality set in on the massive result that the visitors had achieved. Head Coach Stacey Balaam spoke to the weight that the win carries.
“It was a statement win against a very talented team that are having a very good season,” Balaam said. “We knew that we didn’t play to our standards against them last time, and we wanted to perform to that standard this time and show what we’re really capable of.”
Following the result, Sporting JAX Women remain at the top of the Gainbridge Super League table. They’ll look to keep the momentum going in the push to the playoffs against Fort Lauderdale United FC in an away fixture on March 14.
