Pauline MacDonald’s team had their sights set on a win that would have put Dallas on top of the table, but instead, the Trinity suffered their biggest defeat of the season, conceding two early goals in the first 23 minutes to the Carolina Ascent.
Both teams entered the match after dominant performances with Dallas routing Brooklyn 3-0, and Carolina crushing Lexington 4-0. MacDonald made no changes to the starting lineup from the previous match.
From the start of the whistle, Dallas had the early momentum with Lexi Missimo pushing an effort just wide of the goal. Minutes later, Camryn Lancaster was taken down by Carolina’s goalkeeper outside the box, but no foul was awarded despite what seemed to be a clear and obvious foul.
Carolina struck first, scoring in the 19th minute, and then quickly doubled their lead in the 23rd. Carolina kept on the pressure with Dallas having to defend 5 corner kicks in just the first 30 minutes, but Madison White came up with some big-time saves to keep the game at 0-2.
Dallas held on, but they did not see many chances for the remainder of the first half.
“I thought we started the game well. We had two good chances that we didn’t capitalize on. Then obviously, they scored twice and it was a bit of a sucker punch. We lost our way after that.”
Coach Pauline MacDonald
Dallas made two substitutions at halftime, bringing on young phenom Sealey Strawn along with Deborah Abiodun.
However, Carolina struck again. Dallas native and Solar SC alum Riley Parker won a penalty in the 53rd minute, which Mia Corbin converted to secure a brace. With that goal, Corbin is now tied with Allie Thornton in the race for the Golden Boot with 9 goals each.
Dallas made three substitutions late in the second half, bringing on Cyera Hintzen, Lucy Shepherd, and Gabriella Guillen. Hintzen brought lots of energy off the bench. However, all of Dallas’s chances either went straight at the goalkeeper or sailed over the bar.
“We played a great team and they collected their points. Unfortunately for us, it wasn’t our night tonight. We’re all disappointed, but as a team, it’s our responsibility to come together, work harder, and look towards the next game.”
Deborah Abiodun
Dallas is now 1-1-1 all-time against Carolina, who retake 1st place in the USL Super League standings. Dallas has a very quick turnaround, returning home for a match on Wednesday, April 2, before traveling to Kentucky to take on Lexington on April 6.
