A preview of Tampa Bay Sun FC’s “Pride Night” match tonight against Carolina Ascent FC
The Sun are back home alongside the Hillsborough River to take on Carolina Ascent FC for the fourth time this season. With kickoff set for tonight at 7:30 p.m., Tampa Bay will look to secure valuable points and climb up the Gainbridge Super League standings as the postseason battle ramps up.
When & Where
Matchup: Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Carolina Ascent FC
Where: Suncoast Credit Union Field | Tampa, Florida
When: Saturday, April 25 | 7:30 p.m. ET
TV Coverage: Peacock
Still in the Hunt
The last match had a difficult outcome for the Sun. Tampa Bay fell 4–0 to Lexington SC on the road. While the result did not help Tampa Bay’s position in the standings, the Sun remain mathematically alive in the playoff race with opportunities still ahead to keep their postseason hopes intact. Now, attention turns to tonight’s home matchup against Carolina Ascent FC, where Tampa Bay will look to respond.
Pride Takes Center Stage
Tonight, the Tampa Bay Sun will spotlight community with its “Pride Night” matchup. The evening will feature a March to the Match from Strandhill Public following a pre-match happy hour, along with several fan-focused activations throughout the night. Highlights include a community paint-by-number mural, the interactive Pride Passport pre-match scavenger hunt around the pitch, exclusive Pride retail items, and themed giveaways featuring a rainbow metallic cowboy hat and rainbow pin. The match will also include a special anthem performance by the LGBTQ+ Men’s Chorus, a ceremonial match ball presentation by St. Pete Pride, and an interactive halftime runway show for fans.
Sun vs. Ascent
Tampa Bay Sun FC faces Carolina Ascent FC for the third time in six weeks and fourth time this season in a series that has consistently been competitive. The first meeting ended in a 2–2 draw (Sept. 6), followed by narrow 1–0 (Mar. 13) and 2–1 (Apr. 5) losses for the Sun. Before Carolina’s first win on March 13, the Ascent had never defeated Tampa Bay. Carolina enters third in the league at 12-7-6, while Tampa Bay sits ninth at 4-11-9; however, the Sun hold advantages in several key categories, including higher shooting accuracy (40.1%), more tackles won (269), and more successful dribbles (219).
By the Numbers
Tampa Bay Sun FC
- Record: 4-11-9
- Goals Scored: 24
- Goals Conceded: 40
- League Position: 9th
- Last Match: 4–0 Loss vs. Lexington SC
Carolina Ascent FC
- Record: 12-7-6
- Goals Scored: 31
- Goals Conceded: 25
- League Position: 3rd
- Last Match: 1–0 Win vs. Dallas Trinity FC
A Lasting Legacy
Natasha Flint has officially completed a permanent move to Denver Summit FC after initially joining the club on loan earlier this season. A foundational player in Tampa Bay Sun FC history, Flint played a major role in helping establish the culture, standards, and success of the Sun while contributing to the club’s inaugural championship season. Known for her goal-scoring ability, technical quality, and leadership, Flint leaves a lasting mark on Tampa Bay as she begins the next chapter of her career in Denver.
Upcoming Matches
The Sun will continue their spring schedule with 3 matches through May as the playoff race moves forward.
Saturday, May 2 vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC at Beyond Bancard Field
Saturday, May 9 vs. Dallas Trinity FC at Suncoast Credit Union Field
Saturday, May 16 vs. Lexington SC at Lexington SC Stadium
Join Us!
Tickets for upcoming Tampa Bay Sun FC home games are available here.
