Barcelona Triumphs Over Dallas Trinity FC in Pre-Season Friendly
FC Barcelona Femeni concluded their pre-season tour of the United States on a high note, overpowering the newly formed Dallas Trinity FC with a commanding 6-0 victory at the historic Cotton Bowl in Dallas. The match served as a stark reminder of the Catalan team's superiority, with Barcelona displaying their trademark flair and precision throughout the game.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
The game was barely underway when Barcelona asserted their dominance. In the opening minutes, Alexia Putellas sent a cross into the box, which Claudia Pina converted with ease, giving Barcelona an early lead. The floodgates opened soon after, with Aitana Bonmati and Patri adding to the scoreline within the first 15 minutes, leaving Dallas Trinity FC reeling.
Despite Dallas Trinity's best efforts, including a resilient performance from goalkeeper Madison White, they were unable to stem the tide. Barcelona added two more goals before halftime, with Kika capitalizing on a defensive error and Pina scoring her second of the night just before the break.
Pina's Hat-Trick Seals the Win
The second half saw Pina complete her hat-trick, finishing off a well-orchestrated move initiated by Putellas and Rolfö. With the scoreline at 6-0, Barcelona eased off the pressure, allowing the home side to avoid further damage. Dallas Trinity, however, struggled to create meaningful chances against the well-drilled Barcelona defense.
Dallas Trinity FC's Learning Experience
For Dallas Trinity FC, this match was a steep learning curve. Coach Chris Petrucelli acknowledged the challenge of facing the world's best club team, stating, "You can’t control how good the other team is." Despite the heavy defeat, the match provided valuable experience for the team as they continue to build their identity and adapt to the demands of top-tier competition.
Attendance and Off-Pitch Challenges
The game attracted an announced attendance of 5,387, a commendable turnout given the minimal advertising and midweek scheduling. Despite the majority of fans donning Barcelona colors, the presence of Dallas Trinity supporters was a positive sign for the fledgling club's future.
The event faced logistical challenges due to ongoing construction at the venue, but the club will undoubtedly take these lessons into account as they prepare for their upcoming USL Super League match.
Looking Ahead
Dallas Trinity FC has little time to dwell on the result, with a quick turnaround before their next match against DC Power. The game, set to be played back at the Cotton Bowl, will be streamed on Peacock, offering another opportunity for the team to continue their development in front of a broader audience.
