Match Analysis

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Brooklyn secured the points with two second-half goals before Tampa Bay pulled one back in stoppage time

Hosts seize control after the break

A tight first half yielded few clear chances. The game swung on 56 minutes when Catherine Zimmerman finished from close range to put Brooklyn ahead. Antoinette Williams doubled the lead on 72 minutes, capitalizing on sustained home pressure.

Sun response in stoppage time

Tampa Bay turned to their bench in search of a way back. Jillian Shimkin replaced Ava Tankersley at halftime, followed by Gabby Provenzano for Mackenzie Pluck on 64 minutes. Emma Gaines-Ramos came on for Victoria Haugen four minutes later, and Hannah Keane replaced Jordan Zade in the closing stages.

The Sun pressed forward in the final minutes and found their breakthrough in stoppage time. Carlee Giammona struck in the 90+4 minute, converting late pressure into a deserved goal and ensuring a tense finish before Brooklyn closed out the result.

Sun Captain Jordyn Listro: “Brooklyn is a hard environment to play in, and I don’t think we played our normal game. But there were positive moments, especially with the goal late in the final half, and those are things we can go back to and build on moving forward.”

Sun Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown: “It’s always a tough battle coming to Brooklyn. The surface is challenging, the environment is challenging, and they have a very competitive team. That being said, I’m very proud of our ladies. They fought hard and kept it close, but time ran out before we could equalize. We’ll continue to grow and improve as we embark on this season to defend our title.”

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FACTS AND STATS

• Goals: Zimmerman 56, Williams 72; Giammona 90+4.
• Substitutions: Shimkin (45’), Provenzano (64’), Gaines-Ramos (68’), Keane (85’)

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WHAT’S NEXT

Tampa Bay Sun FC return home on Saturday, August 30, for a marquee clash with Sporting Jacksonville, marking the club’s official home opener and trophy presentation night.

Tampa, FL (February 22, 2025) –  Tampa Bay Sun FC scored first, but Brooklyn FC came back to tie the game with a final score of 1-1 in a tough battle at Riverfront Stadium in Downtown Tampa. This is the fifth straight home game without a loss for the Sun.

The Sun took an early 1-0 lead against the first place Brooklyn FC into the locker room at the break. Brooklyn FC came back to tie it up 1-1 in the second half. 

MATCH RECAP

Tampa Bay took the early lead while holding Brooklyn FC scoreless in the first half.

Jade Moore put Tampa Bay on the board first with a goal in the 42nd minute. That was Moore’s first goal with the Sun. Tash Flint had the assist. 

MacKenzie Pluck of Brooklyn FC scored in the 58th minute to tie it up.

Ava Tankersley played her professional first game of her career after joining Tampa Bay Sun earlier in the week. She was a two-time SEC Forward of the Year with Arkansas.

QUOTES

Coach Denise Schilte-Brown on the result:

“I was really really proud of the ladies tonight. I think that they listened, they executed what we asked them to do tactically. We got the tie, and I thought we could have won.”

Jade Moore on her goal:

“Good for the group, happy for myself to do something the coaching staff has asked me to perfect. In that moment, I actually swapped with Tash in the nine, and I was like ‘You go be a midfielder for a minute.’ I found myself in the nine position, which is very rare for me. But I just thought execute, hit the target, and lucky for me obviously it went in.”

NEXT MATCH

Tampa Bay will host a historic match against Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League on Sunday, March 2 at 6:00 p.m. This groundbreaking game will be one of the first times a team from the newly established USL Super League has taken on a team from America’s other top-tier women’s professional soccer league—the long-established NWSL. The matchup will feature Olympic gold medalists, members of the U.S. Women’s National Team, and veterans of World Cup competition.

The Sun’s next league match takes them on the road to cross-state rival Fort Lauderdale United FC on March 8 at 6:30 p.m. 

 FINAL RESULT

Brooklyn FC 1 – Tampa Bay Sun FC 1

Saturday, February 22 | 7:00 p.m. | Riverfront Stadium at Blake High School

About Tampa Bay Sun FC

Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team in Tampa, Florida. The Sun light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly-renovated riverfront stadium situated along Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information, visit TampaBaySunFC.com

Dallas, TX (February 15, 2025) – Tampa Bay Sun FC held second-place Dallas Trinity FC to a 1-1 tie on the road in Texas tonight, keeping the Sun squarely in the playoff hunt—and their dominant performance on the field against one of the league’s top teams previews a promising Spring Season. Part of that promise comes from two new arrivals who are delivering for the Sun after just joining the team.

• Parker Goins Scores in First 5 Minutes
  • Only five minutes into her tenure with Tampa Bay Sun FC, Parker Goins took a centering pass from Carlee Giammona and rapidly redirected it into the back of the Dallas net.
  • Signed during the league’s winter break, Goins (pronounced like “coins”) did not play last week vs. Fort Lauderdale.
  • Tonight, she came off the bench to start the second half and made her presence felt almost immediately, scoring a goal in the 50th minute.

• Zade’s Head-Over-Heels Moves
  • Newcomer Jordan Zade has had Instagram flipping over her signature somersault throw-in.
  • She forward-flips along the sideline, catapulting the ball into attacking territory.
  • After making her pro soccer debut last week, Zade flung at least four of the tumbling throw-ins during tonight’s game (twice at 8’, then at 24’, and 33’).

• Playoff Battle Continues
  • With the draw, both Dallas and Tampa Bay claim one point in the standings, keeping them at second and fourth in the league, respectively.
  • Only the top four teams will advance to the USL Super League playoffs at the end of the regular season.

• National Team Call-Ups
  • Two Tampa Bay Sun FC players have received call-ups to join their national teams for the upcoming FIFA international competition period.
    • Andrea Hauksdóttir
      • Iceland National Team
        • (“On-DRAY-uh” “Hokes-DAH-teer”)
    • Cecilie Fløe
      • Denmark U23 National Team
        • (“Seh-SEE-lee-uh” “Flu” (like French “bleu”))

QUOTES

Parker Goins on the Sun being able to fight back from deficits:

“We are quite a resilient team. We went down and we fought hard to come back. We got a point from this game. We wanted three points, but a point will do for now.”

Coach Denise Schilte-Brown on the result:

“Our league continues to grow stronger. Going on the road against a tough opponent and earning a tie wasn’t the result we wanted, but I’m proud of the squad for once again showing the resilience to battle back. We’ll take this point and build on it as we move forward.”

NEXT MATCH

Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. vs Brooklyn FC

Saturday, February 22 | 7:00 p.m. EST

Riverfront Stadium, Tampa, FL

Honoring Black History

TONIGHT’S FINAL RESULT

Dallas Trinity FC 1 – Tampa Bay Sun FC 1

Saturday, February 15 | 6:30 p.m. EST | Cotton Bowl Stadium

About Tampa Bay Sun FC

Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team in Tampa, Florida. The Sun light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly-renovated riverfront stadium situated along Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information, visit TampaBaySunFC.com

Tampa, FL (February 8, 2025) – After falling behind 2-0 to cross-state rivals Ft. Lauderdale United FC in the second half, Tampa Bay Sun FC battled back to a 2-2 draw through grit and pinpoint shooting in extra time tonight at Riverfront Stadium.

One of the comeback goals came from the Sun’s Carlee Giammona, who moved into a tie for second in the USL Super League for goals scored this season, with 6. The match also celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day (Feb. 5th) with special guests and ceremonies.

GAME RECAP

Tampa Bay held Ft. Lauderdale scoreless through the first half. But the 0-0 deadlock broke in the 54th minute with a goal by Ft. Lauderdale’s Jasmine Hamid. Another Ft. Lauderdale goal followed five minutes later, as Sh’Nia Gordon found the back of the net.

Down by 2 but still energized, the Sun’s Carlee Giammona beat Ft. Lauderdale’s goalkeeper with a penalty shot in the 71st minute to bring the score to 2-1. As the match crossed the 90th minute, the Sun stayed on the attack into extra time, and the persistence paid off. In the 95th minute, the Sun’s Cecilie Fløe Nielsen fired a penalty shot into the bottom right corner to turn what would have been a Ft. Lauderdale win into a 2-2 draw.

“They showed a lot of courage and fight to get back those goals,” said Coach Denise Schilte-Brown said about her team’s effort. “It got ugly, but sometimes that’s what you need to do at the end of the game to get back in it.”

Hometown favorite Kaylan Marckese, who grew up in St. Petersburg, made her first start in goal for the Sun. However, she left the game with an injury midway through the first half, with Ashley Orkus taking over in the net. Two new Sun players who arrived during the winter break made their professional soccer debuts Saturday, with defenders Victoria Haugen and Jordan Zade—standouts at Virginia Tech and Nebraska, respectively—starting for the Sun.

“It was electric,” Zade said about her first Riverfront Stadium experience. “Being able to play with such talented players is such a gift, and I’m very grateful.”

NEXT MATCH AND PLAYOFF PICTURE

The Sun’s next match takes them on the road at Dallas Trinity FC on Feb. 15, followed by the Sun’s next home match at Downtown Tampa’s Riverfront Stadium vs. Brooklyn FC on Saturday, Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. Tonight’s result keeps the Sun at 5th place in the league, close to the 4th-place cutoff line for the playoffs. This marks the midway point of the season, with 14 USL Super League matches remaining between now and the regular season finale on May 24th.

STORYLINES FROM THE MATCH

• Hurricane Make-Up Match
  • As Tampa Bay continues to recover from back-to-back hurricanes, the Sun started their Spring schedule with this match, which was rescheduled from October due to Hurricane Milton.

• National Girls and Women in Sports Day
  • As Tampa Bay’s first women’s pro sports team, the Sun celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day (Feb. 5) at tonight’s match. Among the special guests honored at the game, the Sun recognized at halftime the University of South Florida women’s volleyball team—the 2024 AAC regular season champions.

• New Players Take the Pitch
  • Joining Tampa Bay Sun FC ahead of the team’s playoff push are defender Jordan Zade, defender Victoria Haugen, forward Parker Goins, defender Jaqueline (Jackie) Simpson, and mascot Solé.
    • The Sun’s new mascot, Solé (pronounced “so-LAY”), is a stylized lizard with bright colors, who is not just a mascot, she’s the club’s new “forever teammate.” She has her own jersey and a role on her team that is just as important as all the others: supporting her teammates and the Tampa Bay community

 FINAL RESULT

Ft. Lauderdale United FC 2 – Tampa Bay Sun FC 2

Saturday, February 8 | 7:00 p.m. | Riverfront Stadium at Blake High School

About Tampa Bay Sun FC

Tampa Bay Sun FC is the first professional women’s soccer team in Tampa, Florida. The Sun light up the pitch, playing their home games in a stunning newly-renovated riverfront stadium situated along Hillsborough River in Downtown Tampa. Joining the USL Super League’s historic inaugural season, the Tampa Bay Sun FC is one of eight initial markets paving the way for a national expansion of first-division professional women’s soccer. With a shared vision to become a global leader in the sport, both on and off the field, paves the way for increased opportunities for talented female athletes across the country, fostering growth and empowerment within local communities. For more information, visit TampaBaySunFC.com

Tampa, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2024) – The Tampa Bay Sun delivered an unforgettable performance in their Fall Finale, overcoming a 2-1 deficit to defeat the Spokane Zephyr 3-2 in a dramatic match. Natasha Flint emerged as the game-changer for Tampa Bay, scoring twice within three minutes in the second half to secure the victory for the home side.

The festive atmosphere at the stadium was palpable from the moment the players arrived, sporting their “Holidays in the Sun” themed festive sweaters. Adding to the cheer, Academy player Siena Bryan, transformed into an elf on the shelf, greeted fans with high-fives and holiday cheer, setting the tone for a fun and exciting game day experience.

A physical battle from the outset, both teams committed numerous fouls with yellow cards being issued to players from both sides. The Sun struck first in the 15th minute, when Giammona capitalized on a Paige Almendariz corner kick. However, the Zephyr quickly responded, equalizing minutes later via a Haley Thomas goal.

The action didn’t slow down in the second half. Spokane took the lead with a goal from Julianne Vallerand to start the half, but the Sun refused to set. Flint ignited the comeback effort with a powerful left-footed strike in the 66th minute, and then sealed the victory with a poised finish 3 minutes later.

“This was an incredible display of character and resilience from our team, ” said Head Coach Denise Shilte-Brown. “We faced challenges, but we never doubted ourselves and found a way to win. I’m incredibly proud of every single player.”

The team will now turn head into a USL Super League-wide winter break through mid-January when they return to training.

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.

Tampa, FL (Nov. 16, 2024) Tampa Bay Sun FC earned a statement win Saturday night at Riverfront Stadium with a 2-1 victory over previously undefeated Carolina Ascent FC.

The Sun started the game the more aggressive side, controlling possession and taking multiple shots early on.

With the Sun looking threatening, Vivianne Bessette played a long ball to Natasha Flint in the 22nd minute, who was able to slot in the opening goal.

Carolina responded swiftly in the 35th minute, with Rylee Baisden managing to dribble past Ashley Orkus and put in the equalizer.

The momentum seemed to have turned in favor of the visitors as halftime approached, however, a deflected pass that ended up at the feet of Sydny Nasello provided the Sun the perfect opportunity to regain the lead.

Nasello connected with Giammona for the second-straight game, and the Sun took a 2-1 lead into the break.

The second half saw Tampa Bay playing to their advantage. The Sun took their time in possession and limited Carolina’s opportunities to find a late leveler.

“The girls were disciplined on first and second balls,” said Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown about her team defending the second-half lead. “We were really great with game management. Picked up two yellows, but that’s okay.”

Tampa Bay Sun FC improves to 4-4-3 on the season following the win and remains in fourth place in the league standings.