TAMPA, FL – Tampa Bay Sun FC fell 3-2 to Sporting JAX Saturday night at Hodges Stadium in the first Florida Derby of the 2026 Fall Season.
The Sun opened the match with strong attacking pressure and found the breakthrough in the 35′ minute. Sydny Nasello created the opportunity for Shea Connors, who finished to give Tampa Bay a 1-0 advantage.
“I always feel really confident when Syd has the ball because I know she’s going to create something and draw players toward her,” Connors said. “As she opened up the line and committed a couple defenders, I saw the space open up and knew I had to make the run. She played an unbelievable pass, and then it was just about staying composed and finishing the chance.”
Sporting JAX made a change in the 38′ minute, bringing on Ginger Fontenot for Caroline Murray. The home side entered halftime trailing 1-0, with the Sun holding its lead through the opening 45 minutes.
Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown said the team’s first-half performance reflected the progress the group has made since preseason.
“I thought tonight was a much different game. We were significantly improved tactically, and I thought we looked much more confident in our identity and in how we wanted to play. Being up 1-0 at halftime reflected a lot of the good work we were doing. Unfortunately, a few short lapses in concentration changed the game, but I continue to believe this group has the talent to get results.”
Sporting JAX made two changes at the start of the second half, bringing on Ashlyn Puerta for Maci Teater and Coco Thistle for Melina Descary. Puerta made an immediate impact, scoring in the 46′ minute to level the match at 1-1.
The home side continued to build momentum and took its first lead of the night in the 60′ minute. Baylee DeSmit finished a chance created by Meg Hughes to put Sporting JAX ahead 2-1.
DeSmit struck again ten minutes later, scoring in the 70′ minute off an assist from Coco Thistle to extend Jacksonville’s advantage to 3-1.
The Sun responded with a triple substitution in the 71′ minute, as Tori Zierenberg entered for Shea Connors, Parker Goins replaced Leah Scarpelli and Darya Rajaee came on for Jordyn Listro.
Five minutes later, Tampa Bay pulled one back. Zierenberg found Jordan Zade, who finished in the 76′ minute to cut the deficit to 3-2.
The goal marked Zade’s first professional goal with Tampa Bay Sun FC after being with the club since its beginning.
“It was really exciting to score my first goal with Tampa. Obviously, the result was not what we wanted, but I was happy to score, and I am hoping this is an area I can continue to grow in with more contributions throughout the season.”
Tampa Bay made two additional changes in the 78′ minute, with Reagan Raabe replacing Zade and Brooke Hendrix entering for Samantha Kroeger. Sporting JAX also made a change, bringing on Andrea Fernandez for DeSmit.
The Sun continued to push for an equalizer late, but Jacksonville held on to secure the 3-2 victory.
For Connors, the Sun’s response after falling behind showed the character of the group as Tampa Bay continued to fight for an equalizer until the final whistle.
“I thought Jacksonville came out really strongly after halftime, and that put us under a bit of pressure. I think the second goal was probably the biggest turning point because it gave them momentum and made it difficult for us to get back into the game. That being said, I’m really proud of the girls for continuing to fight and finding a way back into it through Zade. We never gave up, and I think that says a lot about this group.”
The Sun will now turn its attention to another road test at Carolina Ascent FC, marking the team’s third consecutive road match to open the 2026 Fall season.
GOALS
35′ — Tampa Bay: Shea Connors, assisted by Sydny Nasello
46′ — Sporting JAX: Ashlyn Puerta, assisted by Sophia Jones
60′ — Sporting JAX: Baylee DeSmit, assisted by Meg Hughes
70′ — Sporting JAX: Baylee DeSmit, assisted by Coco Thistle
76′ — Tampa Bay: Jordan Zade, assisted by Tori Zierenberg
MILESTONE
Jordan Zade — First professional goal with Tampa Bay Sun FC
UP NEXT
Tampa Bay Sun FC will remain on the road for Week 3 of the 2026 Fall Season, traveling to face Carolina Ascent FC on August 29.
