Audi Field | Washington, D.C. — Sep. 4, 2026
The Sporting JAX women’s team took on DC Power FC Friday in a battle of the Gainbridge Super League’s top teams, earning a point in a draw, 1-1.
Paige Returns
Sporting JAX forward Paige Kenton returned to the lineup after missing the last two matches, and it didn’t take long for the Delaware native to get involved in the attack. In just the fourth minute, Kenton came close to sending a header into the goal following a cross from Grace Phillpotts.
Kenton kept at it, putting pressure on the DC defense during her time on the pitch. One of these moments came in the 30th minute when the forward fired a shot toward the near post, forcing action from DC goalkeeper Katie Cappalletii.
“I think I was just really excited to be back,” Kenton said. “I also want to give a shoutout to the support staff who really helped me get back and keep me sharp while I was away, so it was really easy to pick back up where I was.”
Maggie Makes History
Sporting JAX found themselves trailing early in the second half after a DC goal, but a response was on the way. The home team’s advantage lasted less than five minutes, as a Sporting JAX free kick led to the equalizer.
The goal came from defender Maggie Illig, the first of her professional career. The Missourian found herself in the right place at the right time after Kenton made contact with the ball in the box. Illig was able to get a shot off, finding the back of the net. Not only was this a personal milestone, but it also leveled the match and ultimately earned the visitors a point.
“It’s always super exciting to score your first goal- to score any goals in general,” Illig said. “Honestly, those moments are pretty chaotic so to get any body part on it and just get it toward goal, you never know what’s going to happen.”
“I think we just all support each other so much; it’s great to see everybody get on the score sheet,” Kenton added. “Maggie’s the best so it was great to see her get one tonight and tie the game up for us.”
Strong Saves Throughout
Despite plenty of offensive activity throughout the night for both sides, the match went scoreless in the first half. This wasn’t by accident, as Sporting JAX goalkeeper Jamie Gerstenberg made impressive saves to keep things level.
This continued later on in the match, particularly in the closing moments as the DC attack continued to press, searching for the winning goal. DC forward Kayla Colbert tried sneaking a shot through at the near post in the 80th minute, but Gerstenberg was there to meet it.
Looking Ahead
Sporting JAX was able to prevent a winner, simultaneously seeking one of their own. The match ultimately came to a close, 1-1. Jacksonville maintains their spot atop the Gainbridge Super League table, earning 10 points through their first four matches of the season.
“We kind of knew what to expect going in, we just didn’t manage certain situations well,” Sporting JAX Head Coach Stacey Balaam said. “We still created enough chances to try and win the game, but I think a tie was a fair result.”
Friday’s match marked the second time this season that Sporting JAX has come back to earn a result after its opponent took an initial lead, showcasing the team’s ability to bounce back from adversity.
“It’s not easy to come away [from home] and get a result,” Balaam said. “For us to go a goal down as well, we had to really try and show some resilience and they delivered; so like five minutes after, they were able to capitalize on a set piece opportunity and it was a great response.”
“This team just kept going in the first five minutes after [DC] scored; it was big to get the point and get the tie,” Illig added.
Sporting JAX continues on the road next Sunday, September 13, when they face Brooklyn FC at 3 p.m. Fans can tune in live on Peacock.
