Jax United FC coach: "I fully trust my players and the process we are building"
The coach appreciated the proposal shown against Kissimmee SC in the UPSL Premier premiere, although he acknowledged that the lack of concentration and lack of emotional control ended up punishing the Jacksonville team.
Jax United began its UPSL Premier run with a 2-3 loss to Kissimmee SC on Sunday, August 30 at Fort Family Park in Jacksonville. The score left the "blue and white" team without scoring, but also offered positive signs for its coach, Juan Palacio.
The first test after promotion from Division 1 of the UPSL, was against the champion of the regular phase of the Central Florida conference in the spring of 2026.
Palacio considered that the performance was positive from a tactical point of view, especially due to his team's ability to maintain possession, generate opportunities and compete on equal terms for several stretches. of the match.
“During much of the first half and several passages of the second we were superior. We had good possession of the ball, we generated options and showed personality”, stated the coach.
However, good football performance was not enough. Jax United paid dearly for two lack of concentration and, as its own coach acknowledged, allowed discussions with the rival to affect the group's concentration.
To work on: emotional control
Beyond the result, Palacio's statement leaves a clear warning: in the Premier it is not enough to play well during certain passages. Discipline and handling of difficult moments can also decide a match.
“The match was defined by our lack of concentration, a product of entering into discussions with the rival. These are aspects that we must correct because they end up making the difference in matches of this level.”
Refereeing questioned
The coach also expressed his disagreement with several referee decisions. According to his version, Kissimmee SC could have suffered two expulsions during the first half and one of the visiting goals originated from a foul that, in his opinion, did not exist.
Palacio also assured that Jax United finished the match with three players sent off: Ariel Banegas, Luis Ortiz and Diego Velez.
“These are situations that influenced the match. However, I do not want to focus the analysis on the refereeing. They are circumstances characteristics of the competition and we must learn to live with them”.
Trust in the process
Despite the 2-3, Palacio was calm with the group's response and highlighted the talent and commitment of his players.
“I fully trust my players and the process we are having. With more work, discipline, effort and training, we will be able to sustain the good football we show for longer. convert that performance into results.”
The premiere leaves a divided reading for Jax United: the proposal seems to have the basis to compete in the Premier, but the team still must transfer its good moments to the scoreboard and manage the tension of the matches with greater maturity.
To overcome the defeat, Juan Palacio's team will have to wait until their next match will be on September 19, when they visit Harbor FC, a team that tied 2-2 with Jacksonville's other competitor in the UPSL Premier.