DALLAS — Dallas Trinity FC opened its home schedule with a 1-1 draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC, earning a point Saturday night at the Cotton Bowl as Seven Castain scored in her club debut.
Castain put Dallas on the board in the 49th minute, opening her scoring account and giving Trinity FC an early second-half lift. The goal was also a memorable first for Castain, who made her debut in front of the home crowd.
“It’s awesome. I really can’t think of a better place to do it,” Castain said. “The first goal means everything, but to do it with these people by my side means more.”
Dallas controlled much of the possession, holding a 64%-36% advantage, but Tampa Bay generated more opportunities. The Sun finished with 17 shots, while Dallas recorded 10. Trinity FC put five of its attempts on target compared with four for Tampa Bay.
Goalkeeper Neeku Purcell made three saves as Dallas held off the Sun and secured the draw.
The match also marked the club debuts of Onyeka Gamero, Castain, Sofia Cedeño, Jamie Shepherd, Carissa Boekmann, Sophia Braun, Drew Coomans, Purcell, Juliet Moore, Aria Nagai and Felicia Knox. Sixteen players saw action for Dallas.
Braun also made club history by becoming only the second player to wear the captain’s armband for Dallas Trinity FC, following former captain Amber Wisner.
“It’s incredible,” Braun said. “She is an awesome player, it’s definitely an honor. But all 25 of us are leaders on the team and I’m just happy to be here and a part of this journey.”
For coach Lee Nguyen, the result offered plenty to build on while also highlighting areas Dallas needs to improve.
“I’m proud of the girls. There’s a lot of positives to take from the game,” Nguyen said. “I felt like we showed how we wanted to play, controlled the game for the most part, created a lot of chances that, on another day, maybe go in. But I still want to see us manage the game a bit better at the end.”
The draw leaves Dallas 0-0-1 against Tampa Bay this season and 2-4-3 all-time.
Dallas Trinity FC returns to the Cotton Bowl on Saturday, Aug. 22, for a 7:30 p.m. CT matchup against Carolina Ascent FC.
