Winning finish: Baylee DeSmit struck an 89th-minute free kick to lift Sporting Club Jacksonville women's soccer to a victorious Gainbridge Super League season opener, defeating host Fort Lauderdale United 1-0 on Aug. 15 at Amerant Bank Field.
Super strike: Sporting Jax (1-0-0), which narrowly outshot the hosts 7-6, received its chance after Fort Lauderdale's Shea Moyer fouled Andrea Fernandez barely outside the penalty area. DeSmit struck the ensuing free kick off the defensive wall and into the net.
Welcome to the club: Former Spokane Zephyr defender Ginger Fontenot made her first Sporting Jax start, playing 67 minutes at right wingback.
Quick free kicks: Sporting Jax newcomers Mya Swinton, Maci Teater and Melina Descary each received their club
debuts off the bench in the second half. … Jamie Gerstenberg got the start in goal, recording two saves in the shutout. … Former Ponte Vedra High School defender Maggie Mace played all 90 minutes for Fort Lauderdale.
Up next: Sporting Jax plays its home opener at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, against Tampa Bay Sun FC at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium.
This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Sporting Jax women score dramatic winner in soccer opener
