NIT Announces New Team Selection Protocol for 2025 Tournament

Hutchinson and Corbin Fire Ascent to Fifth Straight Victory Carolina Ascent FC extended their unbeaten run with a decisive 3-0 victory over Spokane Zephyr FC on April 19, 2025, at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. In a clash between two of the league’s hottest teams, the league leaders once again proved why they sit atop the USL Super League standings—executing with precision in front of goal and dominance in all phases of play. Spokane entered the match with momentum, riding a four-game shutout streak and one of the strongest defensive records in the league. But Carolina’s combination of offensive firepower and strategic pressure broke through early and maintained control throughout the 90 minutes. First-Half Firepower Sets the Tone Carolina wasted little time establishing control. In the 16th minute, midfielder Taylor Porter won back possession in midfield, and the loose ball rolled to forward Eli Hutchinson at the top of the box. Hutchinson, with quick composure, sent a low, driven strike past Spokane goalkeeper Hope Hisey to open the scoring and energize the home crowd. Spokane, despite the early setback, showed resilience. The Zephyr recorded 22 first-half clearances and relied heavily on Hisey’s heroics to stay in the game. The Spokane goalkeeper made multiple saves, including a crucial stop on a low shot from Carolina’s Mia Corbin in the 37th minute that looked destined for the bottom corner. Carolina’s pressing, speed in transition, and fluid off-the-ball movement gave them the upper hand as they outshot Spokane 11-3 in the first half. Despite the pressure, Spokane kept the scoreline close at 1-0 going into halftime. Carolina Extends the Lead After the Break The second half began much like the first—with Carolina dictating the flow of the match. In the 57th minute, Corbin came close to scoring her 10th goal of the season with a left-footed strike from the edge of the area that skimmed the crossbar. However, the breakthrough came just over 10 minutes later. In the 69th minute, a give-and-go between Addisyn Merrick and Corbin sliced through Spokane’s defense. Corbin’s shot was initially saved by Hisey, but Hutchinson was in perfect position to slot home the rebound and secure her second goal of the night. Spokane struggled to gain traction offensively, managing only five total shots and just one on target throughout the match. Attempts to break Carolina’s defensive shape were consistently disrupted, and Carolina’s backline remained composed and compact. Corbin Joins Golden Boot Race In the 83rd minute, Carolina sealed the result. Off a corner kick delivered by Jill Aguilera, a scramble in the box led to a blocked header from Sydney Sterner. Corbin reacted quickest to the rebound and sent the ball into the net, notching her 10th goal of the season and tying for the league lead in goals scored. The goal capped off a dominant performance for Carolina, who finished with 23 shots and five on target. Goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy and the defense posted their fifth consecutive shutout, a remarkable streak that reflects the unit’s communication, discipline, and consistency. Spokane’s Streak Snapped For Spokane Zephyr FC, the defeat marked the end of their four-match shutout streak and highlighted areas for growth as the team enters the final stretch of the season. Despite commendable individual efforts—especially from Hisey and defenders like Sarah Clark—the team struggled to handle Carolina’s relentless attacking waves. Spokane’s attacking unit, which had averaged 1.75 goals over their last nine games, was neutralized for the full 90 minutes. Carolina’s ability to block line-breaking passes and win duels in midfield prevented Spokane from building any sustained possession. Still sitting sixth in the standings, Spokane remains in the playoff hunt and will look to rebound at home next week against third-place Tampa Bay Sun FC. What’s Next Carolina Ascent FC, now on a five-game winning streak with five straight shutouts, sits comfortably in first place. With a league-leading 38 goals scored and just 18 allowed, they’ve established themselves as the most complete team in the league. They’ll now prepare for a high-stakes match against Fort Lauderdale United FC, another top-four team. Spokane Zephyr FC returns home to ONE Spokane Stadium for their April 26 clash with Tampa Bay Sun FC. The match will be critical in their pursuit of a playoff berth and offers a chance to bounce back after their toughest outing of the spring.

Top-Four Rivals Share the Points at the Cotton Bowl  In a tightly contested showdown at the Cotton Bowl on April 19, 2025, Dallas Trinity FC and Fort Lauderdale United FC played to a 1-1 draw in a match packed with playoff implications, physical intensity, and milestone moments. Both teams remain firmly in the top four of the USL Super League, with Dallas holding second place and Fort Lauderdale sitting just behind in fourth. The match, marked by early fireworks and second-half grit, showcased strong attacking sequences from both sides, but neither team could find the breakthrough to tilt the balance in the closing stages. Despite a fast start and a historic goal by league-leading scorer Allie Thornton, Dallas couldn’t extend their lead, allowing Fort Lauderdale to equalize and walk away with a hard-earned point. A Historic Opener from Thornton The action ignited in the third minute when Dallas forward Allie Thornton capitalized on a deflected pass from Tamara Bolt. The Arlington native made no mistake, finishing calmly to score her 10th goal of the season. With the goal, Thornton became the first player in USL Super League history to reach double digits in scoring—a major milestone in a standout season. Thornton’s opener was a fitting reflection of Dallas’s aggressive opening minutes. They pressed high, dictated possession, and forced Fort Lauderdale into defensive sequences early. The goal seemed to confirm the home side's intent to secure three points and tighten their grip on second place. However, injuries and defensive adjustments would soon shift the rhythm. Just minutes after the goal, Hannah Davison was forced off due to a non-contact injury, prompting an early substitution and reshuffling of Dallas's defensive line. Fort Lauderdale Responds with Persistence Despite the early setback, Fort Lauderdale quickly regrouped. Midfielders Jasmine Hamid and Taylor Smith began pushing forward, drawing fouls and winning corners to increase pressure on Dallas's back line. Smith’s run down the right earned a dangerous free kick, while Hamid came close to leveling with a long-range strike that forced a difficult save from goalkeeper Madison White in the 23rd minute. Their persistence paid off in the 35th minute. After Jorian Baucom fired a curling left-footed shot that ricocheted off the post and rebounded into play, Kiara Locklear reacted first, sprinting in to slot the ball past White. The goal was Locklear’s fourth of the season and brought Fort Lauderdale back into the match. Dallas responded with several late-half pushes, but Fort Lauderdale’s defense held firm, and the teams entered halftime deadlocked at 1-1. A Physical, Gritty Second Half The second half featured fewer clear-cut scoring chances but a significant uptick in physicality. Bodies flew as both teams battled for midfield supremacy. Players like Chioma Ubogagu, Cyera Hintzen, and Jenna Walker absorbed heavy challenges, and tempers flared as officiating decisions became more controversial. Dallas continued to press, with Lancaster and Palomo generating key moments. In the 68th minute, Aerial Palomo broke past two defenders and earned a free kick in a promising position, but the resulting set piece didn’t lead to a goal. A follow-up run by Sealey Strawn, created by Palomo’s tackle and transition play, resulted in another dangerous moment, but Fort Lauderdale cleared the threat. The game’s most dramatic moment came in the 84th minute when Hintzen went down inside the penalty box after contact. Dallas players surrounded the referee, appealing for a penalty, but no call was given. Just five minutes later, another possible foul on Strawn was also waved off, further frustrating the home side. Late Chances, No Winners As the clock ticked into stoppage time, both teams made late pushes. Fort Lauderdale nearly stole the win with a fast break down the left side, but Felicia Knox’s curling attempt missed just wide of the post. Dallas responded with one last attack, but Fort Lauderdale’s back line held firm to secure the draw. Dallas finished with a slight edge in total shots (18-14) and shots on target (4), but couldn’t find a second goal. Fort Lauderdale, meanwhile, continued to show why they are one of the league’s toughest sides to break down. Standings Implications and What’s Next The draw keeps Dallas Trinity FC in second place with 37 points and a record of 10-6-7. With five matches remaining, including back-to-back home games, they’ll need to capitalize quickly to maintain their position in the playoff race. Their next fixture is a home matchup against Lexington SC on April 26. Fort Lauderdale United FC moves to 9-6-7 with 34 points and remains within striking distance of the top two. They return to South Florida for a key clash against league-leaders Carolina Ascent FC—a rematch of their earlier-season win over the same opponent. With playoff positions tightening, every match now carries extra weight. For both Dallas and Fort Lauderdale, the ability to stay composed under pressure could determine who advances—and who watches from the sidelines.

A Statement Victory for the League Leaders Carolina Ascent FC delivered one of their most commanding performances of the season with a 5-0 rout of Brooklyn FC on April 12, 2025, at American Legion Memorial Stadium in Charlotte. Backed by a crowd of 3,620 fans, Carolina’s dominant display showcased not only their offensive depth but also their defensive strength as they secured a fourth consecutive clean sheet—setting a new benchmark in the USL Super League.  Brooklyn FC, a team that entered the fixture with playoff ambitions, quickly discovered the challenge of facing the top team in the standings. The hosts applied sustained pressure across both halves and capitalized on nearly every opportunity, reinforcing their reputation as the league’s most well-rounded squad. First Half: Early Pressure Translates into Control The match began with Brooklyn FC pushing forward aggressively in the first five minutes. Their forwards created early opportunities, forcing Carolina’s goalkeeper to remain alert and engaged. A pair of early corners and a long-range shot tested the defensive resolve of Carolina, but the home team remained composed. Carolina gradually took control of possession, with midfielders directing tempo and controlling the pace of the game. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute. After an initial corner was cleared, a second ball was sent into the box and met by center back Jenna Butler, who rose above her marker and headed in the opening goal. That goal marked the beginning of a sustained period of dominance. Carolina dictated the rhythm, passing fluidly and limiting Brooklyn’s time on the ball. The defense, led by Butler and Sydney Studer, shut down Brooklyn’s forwards, who were unable to create significant chances beyond the opening flurry. Second Half: Four More Goals and a Clean Sheet Maintained Merrick and Aguilera Extend the Lead The second half saw Carolina increase their intensity and push forward with confidence. Just six minutes after the restart, fullback Addisyn Merrick made a run behind Brooklyn’s defense and received a perfectly timed long pass. With precision, she fired the ball into the side netting to double Carolina’s lead. Brooklyn’s defense, already on the back foot, struggled to adjust as Carolina continued their relentless attack. In the 65th minute, the home team was awarded a free kick about 25 yards from goal. Fullback Jill Aguilera stepped up and delivered a sensational curling strike into the top corner, pushing the score to 3-0 and putting the result well out of reach. Harding and Hylton Cap Off the Victory Carolina showed no signs of letting up as the match progressed. In the 68th minute, winger Audrey Harding finished a composed attacking move after receiving a short pass from Riley Parker. Her shot beat Brooklyn goalkeeper Neeku Purcell at the near post to bring the score to 4-0. The final goal came in the 80th minute and carried historic significance. Just two minutes after being subbed onto the field, 17-year-old academy product B Hylton found herself on the receiving end of a rebound from a corner. With calm composure, she volleyed the ball into the net, becoming the youngest player in Carolina Ascent FC history to score a professional goal. Dominance in Every Phase Carolina’s commanding performance was built on a foundation of discipline, balance, and tactical execution. Their attack featured five different scorers, demonstrating the team’s ability to threaten from multiple positions. Meanwhile, their defense remained airtight throughout the match. Goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy played a critical role in maintaining the clean sheet, making smart decisions and organizing the back line effectively. Carolina’s defenders cleared dangerous balls, blocked shooting lanes, and ensured that Brooklyn never gained momentum. Their midfield trio controlled transitions and provided creative support, while forwards rotated seamlessly, keeping Brooklyn’s defenders chasing shadows. The team’s movement off the ball and efficiency in front of goal reflected hours of training and preparation. Brooklyn FC Falters Under Pressure Brooklyn FC, now with a record of 9-7-6, started the game with energy but could not maintain composure after falling behind. Despite an early wave of pressure and a few promising counters, the visitors lacked consistency in midfield and were unable to contain Carolina’s multi-pronged attack. The defensive structure broke down under sustained waves of pressure, and substitutions in the second half failed to shift the tide. Missed clearances, a lack of marking on set pieces, and fatigue in the final 20 minutes allowed Carolina to fully capitalize. Brooklyn’s loss not only added to their winless streak against top-ranked teams but also raised questions about their readiness for high-stakes playoff scenarios. The club will need to respond quickly to remain in postseason contention. What’s Next for Both Clubs Carolina Ascent FC continues to build momentum as they prepare for their next major test: a top-of-the-table clash against second-place Dallas Trinity FC. With their unbeaten streak growing and defensive form unmatched, they look increasingly likely to finish at the summit of the league table. Brooklyn FC will return home to face Lexington SC on April 19 in a critical fixture. The team will be aiming to regroup and rediscover the form that saw them climb into the top five earlier this season. With both the standings and playoff implications tightening, every match going forward will be crucial. Carolina has now firmly established themselves as the team to beat, while Brooklyn faces a pivotal moment in their campaign.

Carolina Ascent FC Crushes Brooklyn FC in Five-Goal Shutout Carolina Ascent FC showcased their title credentials with a dominant 5-0 victory over Brooklyn FC on April 12, 2025, at American Legion Memorial Stadium. A crowd of over 3,600 witnessed a clinical attacking display as five different players scored, extending Carolina’s clean sheet streak to four consecutive matches and setting a new USL Super League record. The first half began with Brooklyn applying pressure, forcing early corners and testing the Carolina defense. However, the hosts soon settled into control. The breakthrough came in the 17th minute when Taylor Porter delivered a looping cross to the back post, where center back Jenna Butler rose to head in the opening goal. Carolina continued to dictate tempo and finished the half leading 1-0. In the second half, Carolina’s attacking intensity escalated. Porter again played provider in the 51st minute, sending a long ball down the right to Addisyn Merrick, who timed her run and struck a clean shot into the side netting. Brooklyn’s defense began to unravel as Carolina added a third goal in the 65th minute with a powerful free-kick conversion from fullback Jill Aguilera, who placed the ball in the top corner. Moments later, Riley Parker fed a pass to winger Audrey Harding, who found the back of the net at the near post to make it 4-0. In the 80th minute, 17-year-old B Hylton volleyed in a loose ball off a corner kick just two minutes after being subbed in, becoming the youngest scorer in franchise history. Carolina's performance was a reflection of their cohesive structure and game management. They dominated possession, minimized defensive risks, and executed key chances with ruthless precision. Goalkeeper Samantha Leshnak Murphy remained alert throughout to secure the club's fourth consecutive shutout, while the defense maintained discipline and positioning. Brooklyn FC, who had come into the match with playoff aspirations, struggled to recover after conceding early. Although they had promising moments in the opening 10 minutes, including long-range attempts and several set pieces, they were unable to maintain momentum or generate sustained pressure. Defensive lapses and a lack of final-third execution cost them dearly against the league’s most in-form side. The result solidified Carolina Ascent FC’s position at the top of the USL Super League table. Their next fixture will be against Dallas Trinity FC, setting the stage for a critical battle for first place. Spokane Zephyr FC Overpowers Dallas Trinity FC in Commanding 3-0 Victory At ONE Spokane Stadium, Spokane Zephyr FC delivered a commanding 3-0 win over Dallas Trinity FC on the same evening. Despite a goalless first half, the hosts capitalized on their second-half momentum to secure a dominant result against one of the league’s top-ranked sides. Dallas began the match with early aggression, keeping Spokane pinned in their half for much of the opening 10 minutes. However, Spokane’s defense absorbed the pressure and gradually took control of possession. The match shifted dramatically in the 55th minute when Alyssa Bourgeois sprinted down the right flank and passed to McKenzie Weinert, who crossed to forward Ally Cook. Cook slotted the ball between two defenders to open the scoring. Three minutes later, defender Sydney Cummings scored Spokane’s second goal after receiving a lobbed ball in the box and calmly volleying it past the Dallas goalkeeper. Spokane’s third goal came in the 84th minute when Katie Murray headed in a cross from Bourgeois to seal the result. Spokane’s defense was just as instrumental as its offense. The back line recorded 40 clearances and limited Dallas to just four shots on target from a total of 15 attempts. Allie Thornton, a top scorer in the league, was held to a single shot all game. Goalkeeper Hope Hisey made three crucial saves and maintained her composure throughout. The win moved Spokane to a balanced 7-7-7 record. More importantly, it demonstrated the team’s growth and resilience, particularly in converting their chances during key moments of the match. Their next challenges come on the road against Lexington SC and first-place Carolina Ascent FC. Dallas, on the other hand, will look to regroup after the loss. Now at 10-6-6, they return to Texas to face Fort Lauderdale United FC. Despite the setback, they remain second in the standings and retain a strong shot at a playoff run—though their finishing and in-game adjustments will need sharpening for the upcoming fixtures. A Night of Shutouts, Goals, and Momentum Shifts Both Carolina Ascent and Spokane Zephyr FC demonstrated the power of balanced play—combining solid defense with explosive offensive output. Their respective victories not only strengthen their standings but also send a message across the USL Super League: tactical discipline and team cohesion remain essential to championship-caliber performances. As the season heads toward its final stretch, the results of April 12 may mark a pivotal shift in the playoff picture. While Carolina tightened their grip on first place, Spokane reasserted themselves as a dangerous, well-rounded contender capable of challenging any opponent.

Offensive Coordinator Mark Carney Named Interim Head Coach for 2025 Season as Program Seeks Fresh Start  KENT, OHIO — Kent State University has officially fired head football coach Kenni Burns following a winless 2024 season and a still-undisclosed internal investigation that led to his administrative leave in March. The school announced Friday that offensive coordinator Mark Carney will serve as interim head coach for the 2025 season, as the Golden Flashes begin yet another new chapter in their football program’s long search for stability. Burns, who finishes his Kent State tenure with a 1-23 record over two seasons, was originally brought in to reinvigorate the program after the departure of Sean Lewis in 2022. Instead, his time was marked by on-field failures and recent legal entanglements that cast a shadow over his leadership. The team went 0-12 in 2024, including 0-8 in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), becoming just the fifth Kent State team in program history to finish a season without a single win. A Tenure Marked by Struggles Burns was introduced as Kent State’s 23rd head coach in December 2022 with high hopes. A former associate head coach and running backs coach at Minnesota under P.J. Fleck, he came with a reputation for strong recruiting ties, player development, and a high-energy leadership style. But those qualities failed to translate into results. The Golden Flashes managed just one win — against FCS opponent Central Connecticut State — across 24 games under Burns. The team consistently ranked near the bottom of the FBS in scoring offense, total yards, and defensive metrics. In 2024, they were outscored by an average of over 25 points per game and struggled to remain competitive even within their own conference. Compounding the problem, player development stalled and recruiting momentum faded. Several players transferred out of the program following the 2023 season, leaving Kent State with one of the youngest and least experienced rosters in the MAC. Investigation and Legal Dispute Burns was placed on paid administrative leave on March 27 , just days before the program was set to open spring practice. While the university did not provide public details at the time, it was confirmed that an internal review was underway. The university's Friday statement announcing his dismissal referred only to “personnel matters” and did not clarify whether the investigation concluded with any findings of misconduct. The situation took another turn when it became public that Burns had recently been involved in a civil lawsuit with a northeast Ohio bank over an alleged unpaid debt exceeding $23,000. The lawsuit was eventually dismissed, but speculation swirled over whether this legal entanglement — along with the program's struggles — influenced the university’s decision to part ways. Burns’ legal team issued a public rebuttal, calling the termination "meritless" and suggesting it was retaliatory. Attorney Lee Hutton stated that Burns had met all institutional expectations for team conduct, academics, and culture, and would pursue legal remedies to defend his name and reputation. A source also alleged that Kent State made a buyout offer that Burns rejected before the termination was finalized. Mark Carney Takes Over on Interim Basis In the same announcement, Kent State named Mark Carney , the team’s offensive coordinator, as interim head coach for the 2025 season. Carney, who joined the Golden Flashes in January 2023 as the tight ends and inside receivers coach, was promoted to OC for the 2024 campaign. A college football veteran with over 20 years of coaching experience, Carney has coordinated offenses at multiple levels, including Charlotte , Virginia State , Richmond , and Baldwin Wallace . While the 2024 season’s results were dismal, Carney has earned respect for his football acumen, player communication, and leadership style. Carney’s first task will be guiding the team through spring and fall preparation , as well as helping stabilize recruiting during an uncertain transition. With an unforgiving 2025 schedule — including road trips to Texas Tech, Florida State, and Oklahoma — the new interim head coach faces one of the toughest assignments in college football. Rebuilding the Program The Kent State administration has announced that it will begin a national search for a permanent head coach after the 2025 season. Until then, the focus will be on retaining current players , reinvigorating fan support , and establishing consistency after years of coaching turnover. Burns was Kent State’s third head coach since 2017, a reflection of the instability that has plagued the program over the past decade. Athletic Director Randale Richmond emphasized the school’s commitment to ensuring the best possible experience for student-athletes during this transitional period. “We are focused on restoring the competitive integrity of our football program,” he said in the school’s official press release. Despite the recent downturn, Kent State has shown flashes of potential in recent years, most notably with the 2019 team that finished 7-6 and won the program’s first bowl game in nearly 50 years. The administration hopes that a return to that trajectory is possible under new leadership. What’s Next? The 2025 season opener is set for August 30 against Merrimack, followed by three consecutive road games against Power Five opponents. The MAC schedule will be announced later this spring. For now, all eyes are on Carney and how he navigates the coming months. While labeled as an interim appointment, his leadership during this transition could serve as a proving ground for long-term consideration — depending on results, program morale, and institutional goals.

Gators Rally from 12 Down as Defense, Depth, and Late-Game Composure Seal Historic Victory in San Antonio  SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Florida Gators captured their third NCAA men’s basketball national championship on Monday night with a dramatic 65-63 victory over the Houston Cougars at the Alamodome. In a game defined by grit, defense, and late-game execution, Florida overcame a 12-point second-half deficit and delivered a thrilling finish that will live on in Gators lore. The win marked Florida’s first national title since the back-to-back championships of 2006 and 2007 and capped off a season that saw the Gators consistently rise to the occasion in March. The Southeastern Conference champions ended the season 36-4, securing their place as one of the nation's most resilient and balanced teams. First Half: Defensive Battle Sets the Tone From the outset, the game unfolded as a defensive war. Both teams traded stops, contested shots, and tough rebounds. Houston leaned on its signature intensity to frustrate Florida’s perimeter scorers, while the Gators responded with solid interior defense and timely rotations. Houston held a narrow 31-28 lead at halftime, riding a balanced offensive effort led by L.J. Cryer and J’Wan Roberts. The Cougars' defense bottled up Florida's leading scorer Walter Clayton Jr., who went scoreless in the opening 20 minutes. In contrast, Will Richard provided a vital spark for Florida, scoring 14 first-half points and hitting four of his five three-point attempts to keep the Gators within reach. Second Half: Houston Surges, Florida Responds Houston appeared to seize control early in the second half. A 12-point run, powered by free throws and a three-pointer from Cryer, pushed the Cougars ahead 42-30 with just over 16 minutes remaining. The crowd, largely Houston fans, erupted as the Cougars’ defense began to clamp down further, forcing contested jumpers and turnovers. But Florida didn’t fold. After being held scoreless through the first 25 minutes, Clayton Jr. sparked the comeback with a pair of free throws at the 14:57 mark. Moments later, he drove through the lane for a three-point play that tied the game at 48. That sequence ignited a 16-6 Florida run, and the Gators slowly chipped away at Houston’s lead with steady ball movement and clutch defensive stops. Freshman forward Alex Condon delivered key buckets during the run and provided interior defense to help contain Houston’s second-chance opportunities. Houston’s offense, reliant on isolation plays late in the shot clock, began to stagnate, allowing Florida to shift the momentum. Final Minutes: Gators Take the Lead and Hold On With under a minute remaining, Florida finally broke through. Two free throws by Alijah Martin gave the Gators a 64-63 lead—their first since the opening minutes of the game. Houston attempted to respond, but Florida’s defense stepped up in a defining moment. As Houston’s Emanuel Sharp prepared to shoot a potential game-winning three-pointer, Clayton Jr. rushed the closeout, forcing Sharp to hesitate and lose the handle. Alex Condon recovered the loose ball as time expired, and Florida's bench flooded the court in celebration. That defensive sequence capped a dominant second-half display from Clayton, who finished with 11 points, including three clutch buckets that kept the Gators alive down the stretch. Richard led Florida with 18 points, while Condon contributed 12 points and key rebounds. Florida’s late-game execution on both ends of the floor proved decisive. Houston Comes Up Short The Cougars, who entered the night 35-4 and seeking their first NCAA title, fell just short despite a strong showing from Cryer (19 points) and consistent defensive pressure. Houston’s shooting struggles, especially from beyond the arc (6-of-25), ultimately doomed their efforts to pull away in the second half. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson's squad had already pulled off a comeback win over Duke in the semifinal, but couldn’t close out the Gators despite leading for more than 30 minutes of game time. Houston finishes as national runners-up for the first time since 1984 and ties the best record in program history at 35-5. Historical Significance With the win, Florida joins elite company as a three-time NCAA champion. Head coach Todd Golden, at just 39 years old, becomes the youngest to win a national championship since Jim Valvano in 1983 and the youngest in the modern NCAA Tournament era. The Gators' title run featured four comeback victories and highlighted the depth and composure of a roster that relied not only on stars but also on key role players and defensive execution. Florida is the first SEC team to win the men’s title since Kentucky in 2012, delivering a much-needed triumph for the conference on the national stage.

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.