Sporting JAX Men Keep Things Close, Fall in Midweek Match
USL Sporting Club Jacksonville

Sporting JAX Men Keep Things Close, Fall in Midweek Match

Published on September 16, 2026 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
Sporting Club Jacksonville News Release


The Sporting JAX men's team faced Hartford Athletic away from home on Wednesday and kept the match within reach throughout, but ultimately fell, 2-0.

Roberts' Return

Wednesday marked the first time that Sporting JAX midfielder Thomas Roberts has appeared in the starting lineup since May due to injury. As the regular season winds towards its end, having a player like Roberts available will be valuable to Sporting JAX.

"The result is not what we wanted, but to get the minutes under my feet again feels good," Roberts said. "I'm glad I went [70+] minutes and felt good for most of the time that I was in."

"It's good to have Tommy back," Sporting JAX Head Coach Liam Fox said. "Naturally he tired as the game wore on, but he did fine and hopefully he will continue to find form and rhythm in the last five games of the season."

McGuire Making It Happen

Sporting JAX goalkeeper Jake McGuire made seven saves in the last outing on Saturday, and posted another impressive performance in the midweek battle. His eight saves played a large role in the squad keeping things within reach. One of these came while he was on the ground, denying Hartford forward Augi Williams in the 29th minute.

"I think Hartford is a really good side; we knew they were going to get chances and knew they were going to get opportunities in the box," McGuire said. "But I thought we really did, despite the goals, a great job box-defending."

Hanging Around in Hartford

Despite the early strike by Hartford, Sporting JAX dug in and held firm. Throughout the end of the first half and into the second half, the squad fought hard both to keep the deficit at one and attempt to level.

"In the second half, the players came out and had a go and pushed to get an equalizer," Fox said. "In doing that, we left ourselves open at the back and got caught with a late second [goal]."

While the result ultimately wasn't what Sporting JAX wanted, resilience was apparent as they fiercely battled to get back into the match. This determination will be key as the team approaches its final five matches of the season.

Looking Ahead

The squad now receives a brief break from USL Championship, with its next match coming at Hodges Stadium against Loudoun United FC on Friday, September 25 at 7:30 p.m.

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United Soccer League Championship Stories from September 16, 2026


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