MLP Dallas 2025 Match Highlights: Major League Pickleball action resumes Thursday at the Advil Targeted Relief MLP Dallas, held at Pickler Universe in Carrollton, Texas. This event is the second-to-last regular season stop, and nine Premier level teams are competing across four days. Four matches are set for Thursday, including major lineup changes and playoff stakes.
Big Debut for Ben Johns and the Los Angeles Mad Drops
The Los Angeles Mad Drops (14-5, 37 points) will play the New York Hustlers (3-16, 8 points) in the first match of the day. The Mad Drops recently made headlines by acquiring Ben Johns from the Carolina Hogs, replacing Quang Duong, whose contract was ended by the United Pickleball Association.
Ben Johns will team with Hunter Johnson in men’s doubles and reunite with Catherine Parenteau in mixed doubles. It’s their first match together since the 2022 Professional Pickleball Association Takeya Showcase.
Phoenix Flames Return After Long Break
The Phoenix Flames (4-15, 13 points) are back in regular season play after missing action since MLP San Clemente in June. Their match on Thursday is against the top-ranked St. Louis Shock (18-1, 57 points).
Alex Walker will fill in for Genie Bouchard, playing women’s doubles with Jessie Irvine and mixed doubles with Jack Sock. While the Flames are close to being out of playoff contention, they still have a chance to advance.
SoCal Hard Eights and Carolina Hogs Battle for Survival
The closest matchup of the day could be between the SoCal Hard Eights (3-16, 12 points) and the Carolina Hogs (5-14, 17 points). Both teams are trying to stay in the playoff race, and the Hogs will be using a new lineup following the trade of Ben Johns.
Carolina’s squad now includes Liz Truluck, Danna Funaro, Brandon French, and Ivan Jakovljevic, who will be making his MLP debut. The SoCal Hard Eights are led by Blaine Hovenier and Ryan Fu, who recently earned a big win over Hayden Patriquin and Gabe Tardio from the St. Louis Shock during the Mid-Season Tournament.
Full Match Schedule for Thursday
New York Hustlers vs Los Angeles Mad Drops
SoCal Hard Eights vs Carolina Hogs
Phoenix Flames vs St. Louis Shock
SoCal Hard Eights vs Dallas Flash
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News in Brief: MLP Dallas 2025 Match Highlights
MLP Dallas kicks off Thursday at Pickler Universe with four key matches. Ben Johns makes his Mad Drops debut, Phoenix Flames return to action, and SoCal Hard Eights face the revamped Carolina Hogs. With playoff spots on the line, teams aim to make their move in the penultimate regular season event.
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