Sporting Jax women score dramatic winner in soccer opener

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