Dallas Trinity FC Hosts Carolina Ascent FC in Crucial Matchweek 27 Clash

USL Super League playoff implications on the line as two top teams battle at the Cotton Bowl

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:12pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a USL Super League soccer match between two teams, with the players and field broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors, conveying the energy and tactical nature of the game.The high-stakes clash between two top USL Super League teams is captured in a dynamic cubist painting, reflecting the intensity and strategic complexity of the matchup.Dallas Today

Dallas Trinity FC (9-9-5, 32 points) returns home to host Carolina Ascent FC (11-7-6, 39 points) in a crucial USL Super League matchup on Sunday. Dallas looks to bounce back from a 3-0 loss at Brooklyn, while Carolina arrives on a seven-match unbeaten run and can clinch a playoff berth with a win or draw. The teams split their two meetings this season, with Dallas winning 1-0 at home and Carolina prevailing 2-0 on the road.

Why it matters

This match has major playoff implications, as Dallas sits fourth in the table and Carolina is third. A win for Carolina would all but lock up their postseason spot, while Dallas needs a result to keep pace in the crowded race for the playoffs. The home crowd at the Cotton Bowl will be eager to see their team respond after a poor performance last weekend.

The details

Dallas will be without midfielder Sealey Strawn (international duty) and forward Wayny Balata (leg injury), while Carolina is missing midfielder Giovanna DeMarco (leg) and forward Sydney Studer (leg). Dallas is 5-4-2 at home this season, while Carolina has turned things around after a slow start, going unbeaten in their last seven matches and conceding just twice in that span. Key players to watch include Dallas' Jasmine Hamid, Lexi Missimo, and Heather Stainbrook, and Carolina's Tyler Lussi, Lily Nabet, and Jill Aguilera.

  • Dallas Trinity FC and Carolina Ascent FC split their two meetings this season, with Dallas winning 1-0 at home on December 13 and Carolina prevailing 2-0 on the road on February 21.
  • Sunday's match kicks off at 4:00 p.m. CT at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas, Texas.

The players

Dallas Trinity FC

The home team, currently fourth in the USL Super League table with a 9-9-5 record and 32 points.

Carolina Ascent FC

The visiting team, currently third in the USL Super League table with an 11-7-6 record and 39 points.

Lexi Missimo

Dallas Trinity FC midfielder who scored the winner in the team's 1-0 victory over Carolina earlier this season.

Sydney Studer

Carolina Ascent FC forward who scored both goals in their 2-0 win over Dallas earlier this season, but is out injured for this match.

Heather Stainbrook

Dallas Trinity FC midfielder who was named USL Super League Player of the Month for March and has been a standout performer for her team this spring.

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What they’re saying

“We must turn things around at home and show our fans the real Dallas Trinity FC. This is a big response match for us.”

— Nathan Thackeray, Head Coach, Dallas Trinity FC

“Our defense has been the key to our turnaround. We know we'll be missing a couple of key pieces, but the rest of the group is ready to get the job done and clinch a playoff spot.”

— Philip Poole, Head Coach, Carolina Ascent FC

What’s next

With a win or draw, Carolina Ascent FC can clinch a playoff berth on Sunday. For Dallas Trinity FC, this is a must-win home match as they look to keep pace in the crowded race for the postseason.

The takeaway

This crucial USL Super League matchup between two top teams has major playoff implications. Dallas Trinity FC is looking to bounce back at home, while Carolina Ascent FC aims to continue their strong spring run and lock up a postseason spot. The match features several key players who could decide the outcome.