The Sporting JAX men’s team took on Tampa Bay Rowdies Saturday night at Hodges Stadium, falling 2-0 in a match that was highlighted by multiple season debuts.
An outstanding moment came in the second half when First Coast native and Sporting JAX Soccer Academy product Ethan Underwood took the pitch, marking his professional debut and the first in-match action for an Academy signing in Sporting JAX history.
The 16-year-old midfielder didn’t sit back and watch, bringing energy to the match both defensively and on the attack. Underwood’s debut serves as an inspiration to local children, as well as an example of Sporting Club Jacksonville’s robust Pathway to Pro.
Underwood wasn’t the only Sporting JAX player to make his season debut on Saturday, as midfielder Piero Elias joined the fray in the 79th minute. The Queens, New York native made the most of his debut, making an impact with fresh legs. This was highlighted when he received a pass from Underwood and worked his way into the box, firing a shot towards the net.
Sporting JAX faces a rapid turnaround, traveling cross-country to face Monterey Bay FC on Wednesday night. The match represents a return to USL Championship play, and a chance to deliver a strong showing against a first-time opponent.
