At the trials, one month prior to the finals, ... (Para.6)
prior to: before; coming before in time or order
Prior to my marriage, I lived in New York; now I live in Florida. 我结婚前住在纽约，现在我住在佛罗里达。
I got the news prior to your call, but thank you just the same. 在你打电话之前，我已经得到了消息，但还是谢谢你。