By Official Florida FC

Sporting Jax devoted five years toward creating a women’s professional soccer team in Jacksonville, only to see it washed out by the one thing outside the club’s control.

The weather.

Sporting Jax’s friendly with Hibernian Women was canceled due to lightning. There was never a 30-minute period on the first Saturday in August where the skies were not illuminated by lightning.

That left the Scottish champions juggling among themselves and singing alongside a local bagpipe player on the track at Hodges Stadium, rather than competing in a preseason exhibition among the thousands who awaited them.

Spectators huddled underneath the stadium wearing full Sporting Jax kits, others wore blue and yellow T-shirts. Meanwhile, there were others who wore Hibernian’s green and white.

Despite the cancellation, Hibernian devoted a week of training in Florida’s distinct high heat and humidity. Hibernian manager Grant Stern says the time in the Sunshine State is preparation for its UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying match against Fortuna Hjørring in Cyprus on Aug. 27.

“This is good preparation, we couldn’t have asked for any better,” Stern said prior to the match.

Stern added it was a privilege to be a part of Sporting Jax’s first game in front of fans.

Sporting Jax will kick off its inaugural season in the Gainbridge Super League on Aug. 23 against DC Power.