Sporting JAX and Carolina Ascent FC shared the spoils in a 2–2 draw in USL Super League action on Saturday, with Ashlyn Puerta and Madison Kemp scoring for the hosts before Madison Mercado and Alyssa Walker dragged Carolina level.

Sporting JAX came out with early intent. Puerta opened the scoring in the 11th minute, finishing from a Julia Lester delivery to give the home side the lead. JAX stayed on top through the first half, and Meg Hughes — despite picking up a yellow card in the 27th minute — played provider for the second goal, setting up Kemp to double the advantage in the 39th minute.

At 2–0, Sporting JAX looked comfortable. That didn't last long.

Carolina Ascent pulled one back before halftime through Mercado in the 43rd minute, a goal that shifted momentum heading into the break. What had been a controlled performance from JAX suddenly felt fragile.

The second half was a different game. Carolina carried the energy of that late first-half strike and found the equalizer in the 74th minute when Walker converted from a Mackenzie George assist to make it 2–2. Sporting JAX, who had been so sharp early on, couldn't recapture their rhythm. Carolina's Philip Poole was booked shortly after the restart, and Emily Morris saw yellow late on in the 89th minute, but neither card disrupted the visitors' comeback.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, and the points were shared.

For Sporting JAX, letting a two-goal lead slip at home will sting, while Carolina Ascent will take confidence from a resilient fightback that earned a valuable point on the road.