Hodges Stadium | Jacksonville, Fla. — Aug. 29, 2026
The Sporting JAX women’s team picked up their third-straight win to start the Gainbridge Super League season on Saturday, defeating Dallas Trinity FC, 2-0.
Baylee’s Back Again
Sporting JAX’s leading scorer Baylee DeSmit was back at it again, scoring her fourth goal of the season to give her squad the lead going into halftime. The forward now leads the Gainbridge Super League with most goals scored this season. This shot gave the squad a spark going into the locker room, something that would carry over into a strong second half.
A Debut, a Pass, a Goal
New signing Cat Rapp, formerly of Spokane Zephyr FC, made her Sporting JAX debut Saturday, subbing into the match in the 75th minute. Less than five minutes after taking the pitch for her new squad, she found herself in an advantageous situation, breaking away from the Dallas defense. As she approached the goal, she found midfielder Sophia Boman who was able to send a shot to the back of the net.
“I think we have a lot of depth and a lot of people who are ready for their moment,” Boman said following the match. “They’re going to grind, they’re going to give us what we need. Huge shoutout to Cat, that was super unselfish; she did great out there.”
Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam also saw the moment as a reflection of the quality and depth that the squad has to offer.
“It was the first time that we had all of the new players in the squad/in the [active roster], so it was kind of a special moment for all of them,” Balaam said. “For Cat to get her debut on the field and contribute right away just speaks highly of our depth and the quality of the players that we have.”
Finishing Strong
Boman’s goal may have grown the lead, but things weren’t over just yet. During stoppage time, Dallas was awarded a penalty kick. The ensuing shot went wide, but Sporting JAX goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg was there to meet it if not.
“I feel like we were in control; we had our plan, we knew what we had to do, and sometimes it’s all about patience and just being ready for when we have the moments,” Gerstenberg said. “I don’t think I really had big saves to make, or any saves for that matter, so shoutout to the back line and the team.”
Saturday marked Gerstenberg’s second clean sheet of the season, aided by an impressive defensive effort from her teammates.
“Every three points is so important,” Balaam said. “This is a really tough league, and we know that three points is really hard to go get. And every game is different, so we have to really be disciplined throughout the week in how we prepare, and the ladies showed that tonight.”
Looking Ahead
Next up, the Sporting JAX Women will go on the road to take on a surging DC Power FC side, who are fresh off a win against reigning champions Lexington SC. Fans can tune into Peacock Friday, September 4 at 7 p.m. as Sporting JAX looks to keep the momentum going.
