Tampa, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2024) – Tampa Bay Sun FC fell 2-0 Sunday afternoon in a season-opener rematch against Dallas Trinity FC.
The two sides faced each other for the first time since the Sun’s August 18 inaugural match at Riverfront Stadium that ended 1-1. Sunday’s first half was a similar story to the first meeting between the two teams.
It was a defensive battle, with neither defense allowing many scoring opportunities to develop. Tampa Bay’s best opportunity came midway through the first half, when Cecilie Fløe Nielsen played a through ball to Sydny Nasello with nobody between her and the keeper. The Sun were unable to capitalize cleanly off of that opportunity, and very few followed for the rest of the game.
A second half challenge by Brooke Hendrix in the 66th minute was ruled a foul just outside of Tampa Bay’s box. Dallas was able to score off of the free kick to take a 1-0 lead shortly before breaking free for a second goal only a few minutes later.
The Sun were unable to find a response to Dallas’ goals and ultimately fell 2-0. The loss marked the end of a three-game unbeaten streak for the Sun and dropped them out of the top four in the league standings. Dallas moved up to second place following the win, behind only Brooklyn FC.
Tampa Bay will look to get back in the win column and move up in the standings to end the fall schedule next Saturday at Riverfront Stadium against Spokane Zephyr FC.