Overview:
Dallas Trinity FC moved into fourth place in the Gainbridge Super League playoff race following a 1-1 draw against Sporting JAX at the Cotton Bowl. Jasmine Hamid provided an early lead in the 24th minute, but Ashlyn Puerta equalized in the second half. While Dallas secured one point and remains unbeaten in two matches, they must win their upcoming games against Tampa Bay Sun FC and Lexington SC to solidify their postseason position.
Dallas Trinity FC moved into playoff position Sunday afternoon, but the team couldn’t maintain its first-half lead against Sporting JAX and had to settle for one point.
Jasmine Hamid scored in the 24th minute to give Dallas an early advantage before Sporting JAX forward Ashlyn Puerta tied the match in the second half. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in front of 1,731 fans at the Cotton Bowl.
Dallas (4-4-3, 15 points) moved into fourth place in the Gainbridge Super League standings. Sporting JAX (4-2-5, 17 points) remained in third place, two points ahead of Dallas with three matches remaining in the fall schedule.
Head coach Lee Nguyen felt his squad did a good job competing against one of the best offensive teams in the league.
“I think we did really well to get the first goal. I thought we were really good in the first half controlling moments,” Nguyen said. “The second half was a little chippy, but the game opened up and started to go back and forth.”
Dallas is now unbeaten in its past two matches following last Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Fort Lauderdale United FC.
Dallas opened the scoring in the 24th minute after gaining possession in Sporting JAX’s half following a defensive stop.
The team quickly pushed forward, creating an opportunity for midfielder Sofia Cedeño to deliver a pass to Hamid, who found the back of the net to give Dallas a 1-0 lead.
It was Hamid’s fifth goal of the season and Cedeño’s first assist.
Both teams received yellow cards during the first half. Sporting JAX captain Sophie Jones was booked in the 33rd minute, followed by Dallas defender Sydney Cheesman in the 37th.
In the 58th minute, Sporting JAX equalized when Puerta scored off an assist from Paige Kenton, tying the match at 1-1.
Puerta entered the match as one of the league’s most dangerous attacking players, making her a difficult player for Dallas to contain.
“She’s a really good player. Obviously she finds the back of the net a lot,” Dallas captain Sophie Braun said. “We did a good job of shutting her down when we could and being there for each other.”
Sporting JAX continued to press for another goal after the equalizer, but Dallas goalkeeper Neeku Purcell made two crucial saves, while Cheesman came up with an important goal-line clearance to help preserve the tie.
Purcell finished with three saves as Sporting JAX recorded 10 shots, including five on target. Dallas finished with six shots, five on target, and held a 54% to 46% advantage in possession.
Despite allowing the equalizer, Dallas’ defenders continued working together to prevent Jacksonville from taking the lead.
“If we’re not winning the first one, there’s somebody always there to clean up the second,” Braun said. “I’m really proud of the way that we shut down their attack and obviously we let in a goal, which sucks, but we made them work really hard for it.”
Team Effort Shown by Dallas Defenders
Dallas defender Sydney Cheesman played an important role in the team’s defensive effort, including her goal-line clearance that prevented Sporting JAX from taking the lead.
Having received a yellow card in the first half, Cheesman had to remain cautious while defending against Jacksonville’s skilled attackers.
“Honestly, it didn’t change too much,” Cheesman said. “I liked that they were able to feel my presence and know that I was going to be there.”
She also credited her teammates when asked about the important defensive play that kept Jacksonville from scoring.
“I just think that all of our teammates have each other’s backs,” Cheesman said. “I’m happy to do it for my teammates. I know when I need it, they’ll be there for me.”
Dallas has also shown improvement in its patience when building out of the back, something Cheesman believes has helped the team develop offensively.
“I think one thing that we focused on more recently and we’ve improved on is just patience building out,” Cheesman said.
Nguyen made several second-half substitutions in an effort to help Dallas regain the lead.
Kalea Eichenberger replaced Juliet “LJ” Moore in the 64th minute, followed by Giulianna Gianino entering for Cyera Hintzen in the 70th. Aria Nagai replaced Felicia Knox in the 78th minute, while Onyeka Gamero also entered for Hamid late in the match.
Eichenberger scored her first professional goal against Fort Lauderdale last Sunday but was unable to find the game-winner against Jacksonville.
“I was really proud of the way we fought from minute one to the end,” Nguyen said. “Every game matters, so it was unfortunate we didn’t get the three points.”
Dallas Moves Into Fourth Place in Playoff Race
Dallas climbed into fourth place with three matches remaining in the fall schedule. Sporting JAX stayed in third with 17 points, while reigning Gainbridge Super League champion Lexington SC sits fifth with 14 points, just one point behind Dallas.
Sunday’s draw also officially eliminated Fort Lauderdale United FC from fall playoff contention.
Dallas feels good about moving up in the standings but understands how quickly things can change during the final stretch of the season.
“Obviously it’s still a super close race, so we’re not comfortable with one point by any means,” Braun said. “We’re in the picture, but we know it literally changes week to week.”
Cheesman believes Dallas needs to continue focusing on improving as a team rather than worrying about the standings.
“I think just keep growing, working on us,” Cheesman said. “Before every game, the focus is always us. What can we do better?”
Dallas will travel to Florida to face Tampa Bay Sun FC on Saturday, Nov. 14, before returning home to face Lexington SC on Nov. 21.
“With three games left, every point is crucial to get over the line,” Nguyen said.
Sunday’s draw was enough to move Dallas into fourth place, but with Lexington just one point behind, the margin for error is shrinking. Dallas has shown it can compete with some of the league’s top teams. Now, the challenge is turning those performances into victories and holding on to its playoff position during the final three matches.
