Carolina Ascent scored three times against Sporting JAX of Jacksonville on Saturday, Sept. 26, every one from a corner or free kick, one from about 45 yards out. It still came away with only a 3-3 draw against the team now chasing it for first place.
Carolina, Charlotte's professional women's soccer team, played at home at American Legion Memorial Stadium. Shea Groom headed in Mia Corbin's corner before halftime to answer Baylee DeSmit's goal for JAX in the 20th minute. Jill Aguilera put Carolina ahead in the 61st minute with the long free kick, which the club measured at 45 yards. JAX went back in front on goals by AJ Hennessey and DeSmit, who scored on a penalty kick, before Reese Tappan tied it in the 83rd minute off another Aguilera free kick. "Up, down, come back, equalize," Carolina head coach Philip Poole said.
JAX is now second in the Gainbridge Super League, an eight-team women's league, eight points behind Carolina with one fewer match played. Carolina has won both of its matches since the draw, against Tampa Bay Sun FC and DC Power FC.
Carolina nearly won it in the 86th minute, but JAX goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks rushed out of her goal to stop Ava Cook from point-blank range.
Related coverage