Brooklyn, N.Y. (September 13, 2026) — Brooklyn FC Women completed a massive upset win against Sporting Jax. Alex Smith was able to celebrate his first win as head coach as the team won 3-2 against JAX behind a brace from Catherine Zimmerman and handed them their first loss of the season.
Brooklyn started the match extremely quickly, scoring two goals within the first 10 minutes of the match. The first goal came from forward Catherine Zimmerman in the fifth minute, who was sent through by a long ball over the top from midfielder Emma Loving. Zimmerman muscled off a defender and finished first time for her first goal of the season.
Five minutes later, Brooklyn got their second goal through forward Zee King. She made a run behind the defense and midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe slid the ball through to find her for another first-time finish into the back of the net and doubled the Brooklyn lead.
Sporting JAX cut the lead in half in the 17th minute, as forward Baylee DeSmit volleyed a ball into the back of the net for her fifth goal of the season.
In the 37th minute, Brooklyn had a shout for a penalty as Loving was pushed down from behind, but the referee did not call it despite the protests, and the halftime score read 2-1 in favor of Brooklyn.
After halftime, Brooklyn had a big chance in the 66th minute. Midfielder Jilly Shimkin’s shot from the edge of the 18-yard box was deflected and just flew over the JAX net.
Zimmerman came up again in the 82nd minute to get her second goal of the match and seal the win for Brooklyn. Ashlyn Miller, who entered the match just minutes before, crossed the ball from the right wing to find Zimmerman at the back post.
JAX clawed back another goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time, but Brooklyn was able to hold out for the 3-2 win.
SCORING SUMMARY
Brooklyn FC: Catherine Zimmerman 5’, 82’, Zee King 10’.
Sporting JAX: Baylee DeSmit 17’, Paige Kenton 90+3’.
DISCPLINE
Brooklyn FC: Jennifer Cudjoe 23’ (Yellow), Catherine Zimmerman 74’ (Yellow).
Sporting JAX: Baylee DeSmit 57’ (Yellow), Maci Teater 76’ (Yellow).
LINEUPS
Brooklyn FC – Bre Norris; Jordan Thompson, Jackie Richards, Sophia Lowenberg, Sara D’Appolonia, Zee King, Emma Loving, Jennifer Cudjoe 23’, Jess Garziano (Carlee Giammona 80’), Catherine Zimmerman (Fia Lewis 89’), Jilly Shimkin (Ashlyn Miller 80’).
Unused Substitutes: Nikki Pasquarella, Lauren Gogal, Nayeong Shin, Kiki Marković.
Sporting JAX – Kaitlyn Parks; Grace Phillpotts, Parker Roberts (Ginger Fontenot 45’), Maggie Illig, Alyssa Hennessey (Catherine Rapp 85’), Meg Hughes (Keeley Dockter 72’), Sophia Boman (Maci Teater 72’), Sophia Jones, (Melina Decary 72’), Ashlyn Puerta, Paige Kenton, Baylee DeSmit.
Unused Substitutes: Jamie Gerstenberg, Coco Thistle.
UP NEXT FOR BROOKLYN FC WOMEN
Brooklyn FC Women head on the road to play Carolina Ascent on September 19th at 7 PM ET. They have a week off before three home matches against Fort Lauderdale United, Dallas Trinity and Tampa Bay Sun. Tickets are available on SeatGeek.
