Dallas Trinity made quick work of DC Power, securing a big win that moves Trinity into second place in the league. Prior to this match, Dallas and DC have only faced off twice, both ending in draws.
Dallas was without Lexi Missimo, who was listed as questionable ahead of the match. Also absent were Sealey Strawn and Gaby Guillen, who are both away on international duty.
Head coach Pauline MacDonald made one adjustment to the starting lineup, giving Cyera Hintzen her eighth start of the season.
Within the first five minutes, Dallas had two chances, but both attempts went wide. But Dallas scored in the 23rd minute thanks to Chioma Ubogagu from a set piece that gave Trinity the lead after Amber Brooks’s run earned a foul just outside the box.
Dallas almost doubled their lead 2 minutes later on a clever corner kick, but Camryn Lancaster’s effort was tipped over the crossbar by DC’s goalkeeper Adelaide Gay.
“As a team, we just knew it was gonna take everyone. We have had a lot of games in a short amount of time, so we knew we were going to use everyone. Everyone was just staying ready and doing their job when their number was called to get three points.”
Trinity’s Chioma Ubogagu
Dallas’s high flying offense kept the pressure on DC as they were able to get off fourteen shots while DC only saw two chances in the first half. DC almost had a moment in the 35th minute where it looked like Madison White was caught off her line, but recovered easily for a comfortable save.
In the second half, Dallas would continue to search for a second goal to put the game away, knowing DC has a reputation for scoring late equalizers, with 6 goals this season coming in the 80th minute or later. Tamara Bolt had her chance to double Dallas’s lead and get her first club goal in the 73rd minute, but her shot hit the underside of the crossbar and bounced wide.
In the final 15 minutes of the match, DC really turned up the offensive pressure looking for a late equalizer. Their best chance came from Gianna Gourley, the team’s leading scorer, in the 78th minute, whose effort beat White but hit the crossbar. DC had more chances, and Dallas scrambled to keep DC from equalizing. Brooks came up with some clutch clearances and defensive efforts.
“I think tonight that was hugely important to bounce back after a disappointing performance. I think tonight we were really, really good.”
Trinity Head Coach Pauline MacDonald
With this win, Dallas is now 3-1-2 in their last 5 matches. Trinity has a busy April schedule with four more upcoming games. The next two will be away, one in Lexington on April 6, the next in Spokane on April 12, followed by two straight home games on April 19 and April 26.