Rafferty Pedder scores first goal for Sporting Jax men's soccer

Sporting Jax earns first point in USL Championship with 1-1 draw against Rhode Island FC

Mar. 14, 2026 at 11:35pm

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Rafferty Pedder, a former youth player for Tottenham Hotspur in England, scored the first competitive goal for the Sporting Club Jacksonville men's soccer team in their 1-1 draw against Rhode Island FC in the USL Championship on March 14. Sporting Jax finished the match with 10 men after a red card, but goalkeeper Christian Olivares helped the team survive a 23-6 shot deficit.

Why it matters

This was a historic moment for the new Sporting Jax men's soccer team, as they earned their first point in the USL Championship league. The team is still seeking its first win, but Pedder's goal shows they are making progress and building towards future success.

The details

Pedder entered the match in the 59th minute and scored the equalizing goal just 24 minutes later, cleaning up a rebound after Rhode Island goalkeeper Koke Vegas failed to hold onto Emil Jaaskelainen's shot. However, Sporting Jax finished the match a man down after substitute Jordan Rossiter received his second yellow card in the 88th minute. Logan Dorsey had given Rhode Island the lead in the 79th minute.

  • Pedder scored the goal in the 83rd minute.
  • Sporting Jax next play Miami FC at home on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

The players

Rafferty Pedder

A former youth player for Tottenham Hotspur in England who scored the first competitive goal for Sporting Jax men's soccer team.

Christian Olivares

The goalkeeper for Sporting Jax who helped the team survive a 23-6 shot deficit against Rhode Island FC.

Jordan Rossiter

A substitute player for Sporting Jax who was sent off with a second yellow card in the 88th minute, leaving his team a man down.

Logan Dorsey

The player who scored the opening goal for Rhode Island FC in the 79th minute.

Koke Vegas

The goalkeeper for Rhode Island FC who failed to hold onto Emil Jaaskelainen's shot, leading to Pedder's equalizing goal.

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What’s next

Sporting Jax will look to earn their first win when they host Miami FC at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium on March 25 at 7:30 p.m.

The takeaway

Pedder's goal shows that Sporting Jax is making progress and building towards future success, even though they are still seeking their first win in the USL Championship. The team's ability to earn a point on the road against a tough opponent is a positive sign for their development.