CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club secured their first point of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League campaign with a 2-2 draw on the road against Carolina Ascent FC on Saturday evening.
Carolina opened the scoring in the first half through Mia Corbin, sending the hosts into the break with a narrow advantage. After halftime, the Sun struck back as forward Sydny Nasello slotted home the equalizer, capitalizing on a sharp assist from Gaines-Ramos. Moments later, history was made when Gabby Provenzano rose above the defense to head in her first professional goal, giving Tampa Bay the 2-1 lead, goal assisted by Sabrina McNeil.
The night also marked a milestone for McKenna Battilla, who made her professional career debut for the Sun.
Carolina would not relent, however, and in stoppage time Madison Mercardo delivered a stunning strike to level the score. The final whistle confirmed a 2-2 result, with both sides taking a point apiece.
The draw sees Carolina Ascent move to 6th place with two points, while Tampa Bay begin their climb with their first result of the season.
Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown reflected on the performance:
“We started a little slow tonight and had trouble finding our rhythm and defensive connectivity. But I’m proud of the way we responded in the second half, fighting hard and scoring two great goals on the road against a very strong opponent. Earning a point away from home is progress, and we’ll keep building each game as this talented team continues to grow.”
Gabby Provenzano, who scored her first professional goal, shared:
“Knew my responsibility and credit to Sab (Sabrina McNeil) for putting in a great back post ball. I was able to break away from my defender to get my head on the ball and find the back of the net,” Gabby Provenzano on her first career goal. “It was huge. It helped us climb back. We pride ourselves on set pieces goals so that was a big moment to build momentum”
NEXT MATCH
Tampa Bay’s next match is away at Spokane Zephyr FC on Saturday, September 13 at 9:00 p.m EST. The next Sun home game is a rematch of the 2024/25 playoff semifinal on Saturday, September 20 at 7:30 p.m. vs. Dallas Trinity FC at Suncoast Credit Union Field, Home of the Tampa Bay Sun Football Club.