Pensacola Academy draws GCU women
Jezlyn Nelson score pulls Pensacola FC even with Gulf Coast United FC and helps the Lady Pelicans earn a point at home.
Jezlyn Nelson (17) is congratulated after scoring for Niceville High School in a 2024 playoff match. CREDIT: Michael Snyder/ The Northwest Florida Daily News
King: First-match draw ‘acceptable’
The Pensacola FC Academy Lady Pelicans scored their first Women’s Premiere Soccer League goal in the 61st minute Saturday against Gulf Coast United FC, earning a 1-1 draw and their first point in WPSL play.
“Overall I think we played solid,” second-year coach Austin King said. “We had shaky moments, but we also had a lot of good ones. As a young team in a new league, taking a point in our first outing is acceptable.
“We certainly have work to do before our next match though.”
GCU’s Anna Thriffiley scored in the 16th minute for the visitors from Gulfport, Miss. United led 1-0 at halftime, but in the 61st minute, the Pelicans took possession on a turnover and switched the attack to the left side, where winger Michelle Melancon dribbled into the box and passed to forward Jezlyn Nelson for an easy score.
“Jezlyn was a menace up front all day,” King said. “Our goalkeeper, Remy Redmond, did very well organizing and coming up with a couple of big saves.”
King also praised Taylor Kerle’s work as an outside back.
Third Coast results
TLH Reckoning from Tallahassee outscored Union 10 FC 5-1 and Pensacola FC’s senior women’s team beat Florida Roots 2-0 in other WPSL Gulf Coast Conference Third Coast Division matches. The Reckoning lead the division because of their better goal differential (+4 to PFC’s +2).
PFC Academy (0-0-1, 1 point) will play Florida Roots (0-1-0, 0 points) at 4 p.m. Saturday at Choctawhatchee High School’s Joe Etheredge Stadium.
STARTING LINEUPS
PFCA — Remy Redmon, Abby Jordan, Aynzlie Nelson, Ameera Edwards, Addison Strickland, Jezlyn Nelson, Keelie Kleppinger, Mia Witkin, Mia Matherne, Michelle Melacon, Taylor Kerle. BENCH — Bree Stankard, Caitlyn Bailey, Laila Witkin, Lena MacDonald, Lily Rodriguez, Norah Peterman, Sabrina Corleone, Havyn Quint
GCUFC — Holly Jones, Jennifer Lopez, Aubrie Edwards, Claire Bears, Carly Blake, Anna Thriffiley, Ava Green, Carrigan Ezell, Chloe Ezell, Jessica Jordan, Delaney Owen. BENCH — Drew Anderson, Morgan Elenterius, Mackenzie Winters, Margaret Compretta, Haley Nixon, Gia Enerepera