DALLAS, TEXAS - After a strong opening weekend, where the tenth-ranked Tigers secured both a win and a tie to kick off their season, the team was eager to return to the field and reignite the teams winning streak. Coming into today's matchup, the Tigers were determined to remind everyone that they remain a force to be reckoned with.

Even with the start time pushed up to 3:00 PM and the Texas heat in full effect, the Tigers refused to let the conditions slow them down. From the opening whistle, they controlled the pace of play, keeping the pressure on the University of Dallas Crusaders. Their determination paid off as they broke through the Crusaders' defense and never looked back, ultimately securing a commanding 3–0 victory. The shutout win not only highlighted the Tigers' offensive firepower but also showcased their defensive resilience, as they kept the Crusaders off the scoreboard once again. 

The Rundown

From the opening whistle, it was clear the Tigers would be dominating the entirety of the match, with the Crusaders only entering their attacking half of the field to defend the Tigers possession-based play. With full possession, the Tigers fired off multiple shots throughout the first half but were struggling to find the back of the net. That is until the 34th minute, when wide forward Alex Doran (Boerne, TX / Geneva School of Boerne) found was able to pounce one into the back of the net by pouncing on the Crusaders defenders first touch, winning it from the back line and taking a perfect touch around the keeper to slot one into an open net. This was Doran's first goal of the season, but most certainly not expected to be the last. From there, Doran brought life into the Tigers, with the next goal coming 8 minutes later when attacking midfielder Clara Richards (Buffalo, NY / Williamsville South) received a lay off pass in the box from forward Lila Brackin (Dallas, TX / Lake Highlands), easily driving the ball deep into the corner of the net. This was Richards second goal of the season, and Brackin's first career assist, as well as first career game. The Crusaders were left hoping for halftime to arrive.

With energy and momentum in the Tigers favor going into the second half, it was sure to be another half of possession, creativity, and goals. Once again, multiple shots were fired off by a variety of players, including forwards Hanna Khan (Southlake, Texas / Carroll) and Ava Degrand (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands / Cayman International School), with the Tigers just coming short. It wasn't until the 67th minute, when midfielder Malea Cesar (Portland, Ore. / Sunset) played a sneaky ball through, perfectly placed to Khan's feet. From there, Khan took on multiple Crusader defenders till she found herself one-on-one with the keeper, placing her shot low, hard, and in the net. Though Khan's strike sealed the scoreline, the Tigers never let up. They finished with 27 shots to the Crusaders' zero, a stat line that perfectly reflected the Tigers complete dominance throughout the match.

Up Next

The Tigers now face a quick turnaround as they shift their focus to their next challenge: a matchup against nationally ranked No. 12 MIT, tomorrow at 4 PM. This clash marks one of the toughest tests of the season so far, offering the Tigers a prime opportunity to measure themselves against another top-tier opponent. With momentum on their side after a commanding victory, the team will look to carry their energy and precision into a contest that could serve as a true benchmark for their growth and aspirations this year.