Goals either side of halftime send No. 1 seed to 2-0 victory, place in 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sarah Griffith and Catherine Barry scored either side of halftime to lead No. 1 seed Lexington SC to a 2-0 victory against No. 4 seed Dallas Trinity FC in the Semifinals of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Playoffs on Saturday night at Lexington SC Stadium.
Lexington will host the 2026 Gainbridge Super League Final against the winner of Sunday’s Semifinal between No. 2 seed Sporting Club Jacksonville and No. 3 seed Carolina Ascent FC.
Griffith was active in the first half, forcing a pair of saves in the opening half-hour as the hosts carried much of the play, and was then denied by an excellent save by Dallas goalkeeper Tyler McCamey in the 39th minute on a first-time shot off a cross by Barry. Off the ensuing corner kick, however, Griffith struck as she controlled McCamey’s punched clearance at the top of the penalty area and shot through traffic into the bottom-right corner.
Trinity had an early chance to level in the second half when Jasmine Hamid’s long-range effort was turned wide of the right post by LSC goalkeeper Kat Asman, but in the 51st minute Barry doubled Lexington’s advantage as she rose to head home a cross from the right by Alyssa Bourgois into the left corner. Dallas threatened again six minutes later when Asman was unable to claim a free kick cleanly, offering a chance for Maya McCutcheon that was cleared off the line by Lexington’s Ally Brown. Bethany Bos also went close for the visitors late on, heading wide of the left post before forcing a good save by Asman, but the hosts held firm to advance to the first Final in club history.
Takeaways
Lexington SC – The Players’ Shield winner advanced to the Gainbridge Super League Final behind a stellar first-half display that saw Sarah Griffith deliver a game-changing performance. Griffith led all players with six shots, putting five on target as she found the net for the first time since March 21, setting the stage for LSC to advance.
Dallas Trinity FC – Trinity was unable to pull off the upset as the visitors were unable to create many chances before trailing by a pair of goals. Dallas attempted to rally late and recorded the final four shots of the game to try and put pressure on the hosts but were held at bay by Lexington’s back line.
Key Moment
Lexington SC’s Catherine Barry headed home her 17th goal of the season six minutes into the second half to double her side’s lead, giving the hosts breathing room as they advanced to the Final.
Key Stat
Sarah Griffith’s six shots tied for the second-most by a Lexington SC player in a game this season, while her five shots on target tied for a team high alongside Catherine Barry against Tampa Bay Sun FC on November 22, 2025.
GainbridgeSuperLeague.com Player of the Game
Sarah Griffith, Lexington SC – Griffith scored the opening goal of the game and recorded a game-high six shots and five shots on target while completing 21 of 27 passes and winning 3 of 3 tackles defensively.
Scoring Summary
LEX – Sarah Griffith 40’
LEX – Catherine Barry (Alyssa Bourgois) 51’