The Miami Metal secured a thrilling comeback victory against the Dallas Drive in a captivating match of the Pro Cheer League held at the Toyota Center in Houston on February 28, 2026. This match, characterized as one of the closest of the season, saw Miami rally in the second half to maintain their undefeated record and earn an additional $15,000 in prize money.
Dallas opened the competition with a strong performance, dominating the first two quarters. The team showcased impressive routines that initially put Miami on the defensive. Despite Dallas taking a lead, Miami stayed competitive throughout, setting the stage for a dramatic turn of events in the second half.
John Newby, Commissioner of the Pro Cheer League, praised the effort of all teams, stating, “Every match, it’s clear these athletes work hard and push not just themselves, but each other to new heights. The energy from the fans in Houston made the match even more incredible.”
Match Highlights and Key Events
In the first quarter, Dallas delivered a standout opening routine, securing all four points against Miami. Golden State introduced a new routine that emphasized their coed stunting skills, finishing in third place ahead of Atlanta. The competition quickly progressed into head-to-head events, where teams battled for seeding points, escalating the tension and excitement.
The second quarter featured a thrilling face-off between Atlanta and Miami in the Coed Big Trick event. Elite athletes Hailey D’Lynn and Josh Hill impressed the audience with their synchronized stunts, while Dallas continued to build momentum by defeating Golden State. As the rivalry between Dallas and Miami intensified, the Last Pass event showcased the tumbling prowess of Miami’s Asa Ware, Caleb Aich, and Benji Chester, culminating in a spectacular double back layout from Kobe Williams.
By the end of the second quarter, Dallas had established a strong lead, but Miami was determined to fight back.
In the third quarter, Golden State and Atlanta elevated their performance in the All Girl Endurance event. Kenzie Carrothers of Golden State set a record with 46 tick tocks, further complicating Miami’s position, which had not faced adversity until that point. Miami fought back in the losers’ bracket, dominating Dallas in the Flash Pyramid event, which allowed them to narrow the scoring gap as they prepared for the final quarter.
Final Quarter Drama
The fourth quarter featured the pivotal Bullseye event, where Miami and Dallas faced off once more. The competition was intense, with Miami edging out Dallas by just a single point, 25 to 24. Golden State and Atlanta, meanwhile, battled through two overtimes, but Golden State emerged victorious, setting up a showdown with Miami.
In a dramatic conclusion, Miami triumphed again in the second Flash Pyramid event, overcoming a video review challenge to seal their comeback win. Miami athlete Tayler Shapiro expressed confidence in her team’s abilities, stating, “We stayed calm and confident in what we were doing. Anaheim, you better be ready because we’re coming for you.”
Looking ahead, the next match will take place on March 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. This upcoming contest is especially critical, as the final match will carry double points in the standings. Miami currently leads the season with 40 points, closely followed by Dallas with 34 points.
For those interested in attending or watching the remaining matches, ticket information and live streaming details can be found at procheerleague.com. Replays will also be available on ION and demand through Varsity TV, ensuring fans do not miss any of the action as the season progresses.
The Pro Cheer League, presented by Varsity Spirit, is the first professional cheer league globally, featuring elite-level cheer athletes competing for the championship title. As the season continues, updates regarding team rosters, schedules, and other league news are available on the official website or via social media channels.
