Hodges Stadium | Jacksonville, Fla. — Aug. 22, 2026
The Sporting JAX women’s team returned to home turf in triumphant fashion, defeating Tampa Bay Sun FC, 3-2, with the help of an electric second half.
Ashlyn’s Instant Impact
Despite not starting the match, it didn’t keep Sporting JAX midfielder Ashlyn Puerta from finding a way to impact the match. Entering as a substitute to begin the second half, it took less than one minute for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League Player of the Year to find the back of the net.
Open space from the Tampa Bay defense allowed the San Diego native to send a strike from outside the box past the goalkeeper to tie the match, 1-1.
“The benefit of watching the whole first half is I knew that space was open,” Puerta said. “I knew I had the space and I was saying in the Peacock interview, I feel like I was just in a flow state and was like, “I’m gonna hit it and shoot it.””
This would prove to be the catalyst for what was to come.
A Brace From Baylee
With the match tied, Sporting JAX set out ferociously seeking the go-ahead goal. This would come in the 60th minute when a Meg Hughes pass found its way to forward Baylee DeSmit, who had been a point of emphasis for the Tampa Bay defense. Despite receiving this attention up front, she was able to fire another heater into the net to give her squad the lead.
“I think with being that one striker, you’ve really got to be focused on varying when you’re going to drop in,” DeSmit said. “I do like to receive the ball at my feet, but to stay high and give us that height, and whether it left me in a one-on-one to be strong and pull up the ball for my team and play it under me… it was definitely an adjustment.”
The home side wasn’t done yet, continuing to apply pressure on the visitors. This culminated in DeSmit’s second goal of the night–and third of the season–just 10 minutes after the first.
“Those 30 minutes once we started the second half were a really big 30 minutes for us,” Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam said. “Probably the best I’ve seen us in a long time… very clinical in front of goal as well.”
Finishing Strong
Tampa Bay fought their way back into the match, threatening to tie in the closing moments. Goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg and the Sporting JAX defense locked things down, though, including a save on the final shot of the night as time expired to hold onto the win.
Looking Ahead
Following the match, Balaam reflected on Saturday’s win along with this season’s mindset following the team’s successful inaugural campaign. Returning players, such as Puerta and DeSmit, bring back valuable production and leadership to a team chasing even greater heights.
“We are trying to challenge [the players] and elevate to the next level,” Balaam said. “There’s still a high ceiling for all of our players to be able to grow and develop, and the continuity is key for us.”
Sporting JAX continues at home next Saturday, August 29, when they face Dallas Trinity FC at 7 p.m. Fans looking to attend can purchase tickets by clicking here.
