Amber Aniston • April 6, 2025

Dallas Trinity FC Blanks Lexington SC 3-0 to Claim First Place in USL Super League Standings

Goals from Brooks, Hintzen, and Brian Seal Third Win in Nine Days for Rising Dallas Squad 

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Dallas Trinity FC surged into first place in the USL Super League with an emphatic 3-0 road win over Lexington SC on a rainy Sunday afternoon at Lexington SC Stadium. In their third match in just over a week, Dallas delivered a complete performance—balancing clinical finishing with defensive discipline—to become the first team in league history to reach 10 wins this season. 


With the win, Dallas improved to 10-5-6 (36 points), overtaking the top spot in the table as the playoff race intensifies. Lexington dropped to 4-12-4 (16 points), as the club continues to search for consistency amid late-season challenges. 


 


First-Half Persistence Pays Off 

Despite challenging weather conditions and a fatigued squad playing its third match in eight days, Dallas showed no signs of slowing. The early stages were tightly contested, with both sides struggling to maintain fluid possession on the damp surface. A 25th-minute free kick from Finnish midfielder Jenny Danielsson nearly broke the deadlock, but a marginal offside call nullified Gracie Brian’s apparent goal. 


Dallas eventually found the breakthrough in the 36th minute. After Camryn Lancaster forced a turnover high up the pitch, Allie Thornton pounced on the rebound from a saved shot but was fouled from behind inside the box. The resulting penalty kick was calmly converted by team captain Amber Brooks, who slotted it into the bottom-right corner for her third goal of the season. The goal also marked Dallas’s first penalty conversion in club history. 


Shortly after the opener, Lexington nearly found an equalizer through a set piece, but Dallas goalkeeper Madison White made a critical save to preserve the 1-0 lead going into halftime. 


 


Second-Half Pressure Extends the Lead 

Dallas emerged from the break with renewed energy and sharper focus. The team tightened up defensively while continuing to probe for a second goal. In the 63rd minute, their persistence paid off. A miscue in Lexington’s back line allowed Thornton to intercept the ball and lay it off for Cyera Hintzen, who curled in a left-footed shot from just inside the box. The goal was Hintzen’s second of the season and doubled Dallas’s lead. 


As Lexington pushed forward in search of a way back into the match, Dallas’s substitutes made an immediate impact. Head coach Pauline MacDonald introduced Chioma Ubogagu, Natalie Wagner, Deborah Alibola, and Lucy Shepherd in quick succession—each bringing fresh legs and creating attacking pressure in the final third. 


That pressure translated into a third goal in the 83rd minute. After earning a free kick deep in Lexington territory, Ubogagu curled a precise delivery into the six-yard box. Brian rose to meet the ball and headed it past the keeper for her third goal of the campaign, sealing the result and capping off a dominant second-half performance. 


 


Defensive Dominance and Tactical Control 

Dallas’s ability to balance attack and defense was key to the result. The team held Lexington to just four shots on target and limited their expected goals to 0.55—one of the lowest marks for any Dallas opponent this season. Madison White registered her league-best ninth clean sheet of the year, continuing her standout campaign between the posts. 


The Trinity backline, led by Brooks and bolstered by consistent contributions from Danielsson and Lancaster, maintained control throughout the match. Their calm under pressure and organized rotations prevented Lexington from generating clear scoring opportunities, even during their most active spells of possession. 


On the offensive side, Dallas led in shots (13-11), shots on goal (6-4), and possession (54%). The team’s ability to dictate the tempo, especially in the second half, demonstrated its growing confidence and tactical versatility as the playoffs approach. 


 


Milestones and Momentum 

The victory marked several key milestones for Dallas Trinity FC. Amber Brooks has now started all 21 matches this season, logging 1,890 minutes and leading by example as both defender and captain. Gracie Brian’s third goal moves her into the club’s top-three goal scorers, and Chioma Ubogagu’s fifth assist puts her in a tie for the league lead. 


This was Dallas’s third win over Lexington this season and their fifth game scoring three or more goals. The performance also underscored the team’s ability to finish strong in congested match weeks—winning twice on the road and once at home over a grueling nine-day stretch. 


 


What’s Next 

Dallas Trinity FC continues their road swing with a trip to face Spokane Zephyr FC on Saturday, April 12, at ONE Spokane Stadium. With the playoff picture tightening, every result matters, and Dallas will look to extend its current form as they fight to hold onto the top spot. 


For Lexington, a road matchup against Tampa Bay Sun FC awaits—a chance to regroup and seek a bounce-back performance after the home defeat. 

Portland Fire defeat Seattle Storm 100-93 as Bridget Carleton leads the attack.

Portland Fire Defeat Seattle Storm 100-93 as Bridget Carleton Leads Balanced Attack

By Amber Aniston • August 9, 2026
Bridget Carleton scored 24 points as the Portland Fire defeated the Seattle Storm 100-93, completing a three-game season sweep of Seattle.
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Indiana Fever Defeat Chicago Sky 90-86 as Kelsey Mitchell Sets WNBA Record

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Los Angeles Sparks Stun Minnesota Lynx 89-82 to End 10-Game Winning Streak

By Amber Aniston • August 8, 2026
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Las Vegas Aces Stun Indiana Fever 86-84 in Overtime on Chelsea Gray’s Buzzer-Beater

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Chelsea Gray hit buzzer-beating threes at the end of regulation and overtime as the Las Vegas Aces rallied from 20 down to defeat the Indiana Fever 86-84.
Chicago Sky guard dribbles past Los Angeles Sparks defender

Chicago Sky Pull Away Late to Defeat Los Angeles Sparks 95-88

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New York Liberty player scores against Seattle Storm defense

New York Liberty Defeat Seattle Storm 92-86 to Complete Two-Game Sweep

By Amber Aniston • August 6, 2026
The New York Liberty defeated the Seattle Storm 92-86 behind Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones to earn their sixth win in seven games.
basketball and women's basketball players

Golden State Valkyries Turned Defense Into Another Statement Victory

By Amber Aniston • August 5, 2026
Every successful basketball team has an identity. For the Golden State Valkyries, that identity begins on the defensive end of the floor. Tuesday night's 92-82 victory over the Toronto Tempo wasn't simply another win or the completion of a season sweep. It was another reminder that when the Valkyries increase their defensive pressure, they become one of the WNBA's most difficult teams to beat. Trailing by as many as 13 points in the second quarter, Golden State completely changed the game through relentless defense, turning stops into transition opportunities and momentum into another impressive comeback victory. The offensive numbers stood out. But the defense made them possible. The Comeback Started With Defensive Pressure  For much of the first half, Toronto looked comfortable. The Tempo knocked down 13 of their first 22 field-goal attempts , including 8 of 14 from three-point range , building a 38-25 lead midway through the second quarter. Golden State struggled to slow Toronto's perimeter shooting, and the game appeared to be slipping away. Then everything changed. Instead of trying to outscore Toronto possession for possession, the Valkyries became more aggressive defensively. They pressured ball handlers, challenged passing lanes, and forced the Tempo into mistakes that completely altered the rhythm of the game. Golden State closed the half with a 16-4 run before extending the surge into the third quarter, completing a dominant 23-4 scoring run that erased the deficit and gave the Valkyries control for good. Defense Created Easy Offense The scoring run wasn't fueled by impossible shot-making. It began with defensive execution. According to the team recap, Toronto managed just one made field goal in eight attempts during the decisive stretch while committing six turnovers . Those extra possessions allowed Golden State to push the pace, generate transition opportunities, and find open shooters before Toronto's defense could get organized. Head coach Natalie Nakase emphasized after the game that the defensive effort sparked everything that followed offensively. She pointed to deflections, ball pressure, steals, and other defensive plays as the foundation for the Valkyries' comeback, explaining that those efforts naturally created easier scoring opportunities on the other end of the floor. The sequence reflected exactly the style of basketball Golden State wants to play. Janelle Salaün Stayed Hot Once the defense shifted momentum, Janelle Salaün took over offensively. The forward finished with a team-high 21 points , shooting 8-for-12 from the field while making four three-pointers . It marked her second consecutive 20-point game and continued an impressive trend against Toronto, a team she has consistently played well against throughout the season. Across the three meetings with the Tempo this season, Salaün averaged more than 23 points per game , including a career-high 26-point performance in their first matchup. Her consistency has become one of the biggest reasons the Valkyries continue climbing the WNBA standings. Kayla Thornton Delivered Her Best Offensive Night Salaün wasn't the only player enjoying a breakout performance. Veteran forward Kayla Thornton scored a season-high 20 points , knocking down four three-pointers while shooting 6-for-10 from the field. Thornton wasted little time making her presence felt, connecting on back-to-back three-pointers just seconds apart during the opening quarter before continuing to stretch Toronto's defense throughout the game. Following the victory, Thornton credited both her teammates for finding her in rhythm and the preparation that allowed her to capitalize on those opportunities. Her shooting gave Golden State another reliable scoring option once the defense had shifted momentum. Team Basketball Continues to Be the Difference One reason the Valkyries have remained among the WNBA's top teams is their willingness to let different players lead on different nights. Tuesday provided another example. Veronica Burton filled the stat sheet with 12 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists , while finishing the game without committing a turnover . Tiffany Hayes added 12 points , four rebounds, four assists, and a season-high four steals off the bench. Gabby Williams contributed 10 points and seven rebounds , while also reaching the milestone of 2,000 career points . Five players finished in double figures, illustrating the balanced approach that has become a trademark of Golden State's success. Momentum Is Building Again The victory also carried importance beyond one night's result. After seeing a franchise-record nine-game winning streak come to an end before the All-Star break, the Valkyries have now responded with consecutive victories over Toronto while completing a three-game season sweep of the Tempo. The win also moved Golden State back into a tie for the second-best record in the WNBA as the team prepares for an important road trip. Momentum can change quickly during a long season. The Valkyries appear to have regained theirs. Defense Remains Their Greatest Strength Scoring often dominates postgame headlines. For Golden State, however, the most encouraging development came on the opposite end of the floor. The Valkyries proved they can erase a double-digit deficit without relying on desperation shooting or individual heroics. Instead, they trusted the defensive system that has defined much of their success this season. Pressure on the ball created turnovers, turnovers created transition opportunities, and those opportunities allowed the offense to find its rhythm. By the time Toronto adjusted, the game had already changed. If the Valkyries continue defending with the same intensity they displayed during their decisive run against the Tempo, they will remain one of the WNBA's toughest teams to challenge as the postseason approaches. Tuesday's comeback wasn't simply another victory—it was another reminder that Golden State's defense continues to be its greatest weapon.
women's basketball players

Why the New York Liberty Believe They Already Have Everything They Need

By Amber Aniston • August 4, 2026
Championship teams often face the same question as the trade deadline approaches: should they make one more move to strengthen their roster, or trust the group already in the locker room? The New York Liberty answered that question by doing nothing. Despite outside speculation that the defending WNBA champions should add another impact player before the deadline, the Liberty stood pat. Just days later, they backed up that decision with a convincing 95-83 victory over the Seattle Storm, improving to 18-13 and winning for the fifth time in their last six games. More importantly, the performance reinforced a belief that has been echoed throughout the organization: this roster is already capable of competing for another championship. The win wasn't simply another mark in the standings. It became a statement of confidence. The Core Delivered Exactly as Expected When teams choose not to make major additions, their biggest stars must justify that decision. The Liberty's core trio did exactly that. Breanna Stewart led the way with 24 points, eight rebounds, six assists, and two blocks , continuing one of the most complete seasons of her career. Jonquel Jones added 20 points and seven rebounds , while Sabrina Ionescu contributed 18 points and five assists on efficient shooting. Together, they accounted for 62 points and immediately established control of the game by scoring New York's first 26 points . It was the kind of performance expected from a championship nucleus. Rather than waiting for role players to create momentum, the Liberty's stars seized control from the opening tip. The Bench Answered a Lingering Question While New York's stars received much of the attention, one of the game's biggest storylines came from the second unit. Throughout the season, questions have surrounded the Liberty's depth, particularly after the organization elected not to make a significant move before the trade deadline. Against Seattle, those concerns eased. The Liberty bench combined for 21 points , with Han Xu , Marine Johannes , Rebekah Gardner , and Marine Fauthoux all providing valuable contributions. During the decisive stretch late in the third quarter, New York's reserves helped fuel a 15-0 run that turned a competitive game into a comfortable victory. That sequence may have been just as important as anything accomplished by the starting lineup. Championship teams rarely rely on five players alone. Stewart's Message Was Clear Before the game, Stewart addressed questions surrounding the Liberty's quiet trade deadline. Her response left little room for interpretation. "This is it. This is our group," Stewart said, making it clear that the players inside New York's locker room believe they already possess the talent necessary to compete for another title. Those words carried additional significance after the victory. Instead of merely expressing confidence, the Liberty immediately demonstrated why that confidence exists. The chemistry between Stewart, Jones, and Ionescu remained evident throughout the game, while the supporting cast consistently responded when called upon. The Numbers Continue to Build the Case Beyond the final score, several statistics highlighted just how well New York is playing. The Liberty have now won five of their last six games , and Monday's victory marked their sixth consecutive game scoring at least 94 points , tying the second-longest such streak in WNBA history. The team also connected on 14 three-pointers while never trailing or allowing the game to become tied after the opening tip. Defensively, New York also delivered one of its strongest efforts in recent weeks. After Seattle briefly cut the deficit to one possession late in the third quarter, the Liberty responded by holding the Storm scoreless for more than four minutes while extending the lead behind improved ball movement and disciplined defense. Those are the habits championship teams depend upon when the postseason arrives. There Is Still Room to Improve The victory did not erase every concern. Seattle scored 20 points off 15 Liberty turnovers , exposing an area New York must continue cleaning up before the playoffs. Earlier in the game, the Storm also trimmed what had once been a comfortable lead, demonstrating that lapses in execution can still create unnecessary pressure. Yet unlike several recent close victories, the Liberty responded decisively instead of allowing momentum to slip away. That maturity may be one of the team's most encouraging developments entering the final stretch of the season. Confidence Starts From Within Head coach Chris DeMarco echoed Stewart's confidence after the game. He emphasized that winning a championship requires contributions from the entire roster and expressed complete belief that the Liberty will be playing their best basketball when the postseason begins. That confidence has become one of the defining characteristics of New York's season. Rather than searching for outside solutions, the organization continues investing in the players already wearing Liberty uniforms. A Championship Mindset Doesn't Require New Faces Trade deadlines often create the impression that contenders must make splashy acquisitions to keep pace. The Liberty are betting on something different. They believe continuity, chemistry, and experience can be just as valuable as adding another headline-making player. Monday's victory over Seattle won't determine whether New York successfully defends its championship, but it offered compelling evidence that the Liberty's faith in their current roster is more than optimism. Their stars continue producing at an elite level. Their bench is becoming increasingly dependable. Their defense is showing signs of improvement. Most importantly, the players themselves believe they already have everything required to compete for another WNBA title. Whether that confidence ultimately results in another championship remains to be seen. But after watching the Liberty dismantle Seattle without needing any deadline reinforcements, it's becoming easier to understand why New York never felt the need to make another move in the first place.
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