Match Analysis
Report: Tampa Bay Sun FC 1 – 1 Lexington SC
Tampa Bay Sun FC 1- 1 Lexington SC
Gainbridge Super League | Saturday, November 22, 2025 | Suncoast Credit Union Field
Tampa Bay Sun FC earned a hard-fought point at home, drawing 1–1 with Lexington SC in a match defined by commitment, resolve, and long stretches of defensive concentration. The night carried a competitive edge from the opening whistle as both sides searched for control in midfield and tested each other in the penalty area.
Lexington struck first in the twelfth minute when Catherine Barry finished from close range after a corner created traffic inside the box. Her strike gave the visitors an early lift. The response from Tampa Bay arrived quickly. Two minutes later Mackenzie Pluck delivered a driven cross into the area and Sabrina McNeill met it with a decisive header to the bottom corner. The equalizer restored balance and injected new life into the Sun attack.
The first half continued with sharp duels, repeated set pieces, and a steady rise in physical intensity. Tampa Bay tested goalkeeper Kat Asman through Carlee Giammona and Natasha Flint, while Lexington looked dangerous on second balls and crosses from the wings.
The second half belonged to the defenses and to the goalkeepers. Tampa Bay leaned on structure and timing, anchored by Sydney Schneider who delivered a composed and decisive performance. Schneider produced saves in key moments, including a strong stop on a Catherine Barry header in the sixty-seventh minute and another high-quality reaction effort on a long-range strike from Amber Nguyen in the eightieth.
Lexington pushed late and earned a series of corners. Tampa Bay held its ground through blocks, clearances, and disciplined defending, despite a sequence of dangerous deliveries inside the final ten minutes. Substitutions brought fresh legs into both midfields. Jordan Zade, Madi Parsons, Gabby Provenzano, and Emma Gaines-Ramos helped Tampa Bay close out the final stretch with composure.
The Sun showed resilience as stoppage time brought one last surge from Lexington. A pair of chances from Cassie Rohan and Shea Moyer flashed over the crossbar, but the Sun stayed organized and secured the draw.
It was a performance built on response and collective trust. After falling behind early, Tampa Bay found its equalizer, protected its goal, and carried the match to its conclusion with determination. The point keeps the climb moving forward as the Sun prepare for the next test in the league.
Next Match
Saturday, December 6 | Sporting Jax | Suncoast Credit Union Field
Tampa Bay gathers again under the lights as the season turns toward its most spirited stretch. The theme night is Holiday in the Sun, presented by The Baldwin Group, brings warmth, energy, and a chance to close the year with purpose. Sporting Jax arrives ready to compete, and the Sun look to rise with the full backing of their home crowd. The stage is set for a night that blends celebration with ambition.
Matchday Live: Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Lexington SC
Matchday Report: Tampa Bay Sun FC at Fort Lauderdale United FC
In South Florida, the Sun delivered a performance built on fight, structure, and belief. A tense first half saw both sides trade chances, with Isabella Kresche anchoring Tampa Bay through early pressure and the back line standing tall.
The breakthrough arrived in the seventy-third minute. Sydny Nasello stepped to the spot with calm conviction and buried her penalty down the middle to give the Sun a deserved lead. Her goal shifted the tempo and pushed Fort Lauderdale onto the back foot as Tampa Bay searched for the finish.
Deep into stoppage time, the hosts found an equalizer from close range, bringing the match level in the ninety-first minute. The final minutes were a test of resolve, and the Sun held firm to secure a point on the road.
Tonight showed effort, composure, and a team committed to the climb. The focus now turns to recovery and the work ahead as the Sun continue their rise.
Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown
“Proud of the way we fought tonight. We earned the lead in the second half through real hard work, and it’s frustrating to let it slip late. But this group has been trending in the right direction, and we’ll regroup quickly. The next win is coming.”
Sydny Nasello, Forward, On the Penalty
“In those few seconds, every emotion kind of hits you at once—pressure, adrenaline, excitement. But then it’s like everything just slows down and freezes. I just took a deep breath, blocked out the noise, and trusted myself in that moment.”
Isabella Kresche, Goalkeeper, on Tonight’s Effort
“The willigness to fight for the win every second.”
Next Home Match
The Sun return home for Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, November 22, presented by Tampa General Hospital, to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. Fans can expect special recognitions and matchday tributes throughout the evening as Tampa Bay hosts Lexington SC.
Tampa Bay Sun FC at Spokane Zephyr FC
Tampa Bay Sun FC Earn First Win of 2025-26 Campaign with 1-0 Victory Over Spokane Zephyr FC
SPOKANE, Wash. — Tampa Bay Sun FC earned their first win of the 2025-26 campaign Sunday afternoon, defeating Spokane Zephyr FC 1-0 behind a composed defensive performance and a decisive first-half header from defender Vivianne Bessette.
The Sun controlled possession through the opening stages and broke through in the 19th minute when Bessette headed home a pinpoint corner from Sabrina McNeill, placing the Sun ahead early.
Spokane pushed for an equalizer, but goalkeeper Sydney Schneider produced several key saves to preserve the lead, including a strong stop in the 66th minute to deny Aryssa Mahrt from close range. The back line, led by Bessette and Brooke Hendrix, held firm to secure the clean sheet and all three points on the road.
Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown reflected on the result
“Yeah, to be honest, it’s felt like the first game that we’ve had that we have healthy bodies and we have depth on the bench and and it’s going to be a lot more difficult for teams to manage us when we’re bringing players like Zade on the pitch and Gabby on the pitch and Emma and Parsons, and you know those players that are tough to play against – it’s more experience coming at you after that.”
Vivianne Bessette on her first professional goal and the team’s composure:
I’m super grateful to score my first professional goal. Even after going up, we knew we had to keep attacking with purpose while also protecting a one-goal lead. I think we managed that well by staying composed and connected defensively. That collective focus is what allowed us to close it out and finally get the result we’ve been working for.”
Goalkeeper Sydney Schneider discussed the team’s defensive resolve:
“The energy in front of me was outstanding. We stayed organized, communicated well, and never lost focus. It’s always rewarding to come away with a clean sheet, but the credit belongs to the entire team for staying composed under pressure.”
Tampa Bay Sun FC (1-3-5) will now turn their attention to the Florida Derby, traveling south to face Fort Lauderdale United FC on Saturday, November 15, in one of the league’s most anticipated fixtures of the season.
Next Home Match
The Sun return home for Military Appreciation Night on Saturday, November 22, presented by Tampa General Hospital, to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes. Fans can expect special recognition and matchday tributes throughout the evening as Tampa Bay hosts Lexington SC.
Tampa Bay Sun FC at Sporting Jax
Match Analysis: Tampa Bay Sun FC 1, Sporting JAX 1
Jacksonville, Florida (October 18, 2025) – Tampa Bay Sun FC earned a hard-fought point on the road Saturday night, drawing 1–1 with Sporting JAX Women in a match defined by physical play, defensive resilience, and moments of brilliance from both sides.
First Half: Nasello Strikes from Distance
The Sun asserted themselves early, pressing high and creating the first few chances of the evening. Their breakthrough came in the 18th minute when Sydny Nasello unleashed a stunning right-footed strike from over 35 yards out, curling into the top left corner to give Tampa Bay a 1–0 lead. The moment was emblematic of Nasello’s confidence and creativity, her fifth goal of the season coming from pure instinct and audacity.
The remainder of the first half saw Sporting JAX build pressure but struggle to find clear openings. Tampa Bay’s back line, anchored by Vivianne Bessette and Brooke Hendrix, blocked several dangerous attempts from distance, while goalkeeper Sydney Schneider calmly handled a series of corners to preserve the advantage heading into halftime.
Second Half: Set Pieces Shift the Tide
Sporting JAX emerged from the break with renewed intensity, controlling possession and testing Tampa Bay’s structure. Schneider produced a crucial save in the 54th minute on a long-range effort from Grace Phillpotts, keeping the Sun in front as the hosts pushed forward.
Tampa Bay made a series of tactical substitutions to manage tempo and add fresh energy, including the introductions of Emma Gaines-Ramos and McKenna Battilla. Despite several promising counterattacks, the Sun couldn’t find the second goal to seal it.
In the 83rd minute, Sporting JAX found their equalizer. After a set piece into the box wasn’t cleared cleanly, Ashlyn Puerta pounced on the loose ball, slotting a left-footed shot into the bottom corner to level the score at 1–1.
Final Minutes: A Battle of Wills
The closing stages were tense and physical, with both sides trading fouls and half-chances. Bessette nearly restored the lead for Tampa Bay in stoppage time with a powerful effort from distance, but her strike was saved by Kaitlyn Parks. The Sun held firm defensively through five added minutes to secure a point on the road.
HEAR FROM THE SUN
“I thought we started well and showed real intent in the first half. Sydny’s goal was a moment of quality, and we managed the game well for long stretches. But we let the tempo slip late, and at this level, those moments matter. We’re building a team that competes every minute, home or away, and tonight was another step in that process. I’m proud of the fight, but we expect more from ourselves in closing games out,” Denise Schilte-Brown on the result in Jacksonville.
“I picked up a loose ball, took one look at the keeper and saw she was off her line so I went for it with no hesitation and it worked in my favor, thank goodness,” Sydny Nasello on her long-distance goal.
“It’s not the result we wanted, but we’ll keep pushing. We haven’t found the win yet, but it’s coming. Earning a point on the road shows our mentality, we’re resilient, we believe in the process, and we’ll keep building,” Vivianne Bessette warning a point on the road.
Analysis & Takeaways
- Nasello’s Brilliance: Her early goal set the tone and underscored her importance as a creative outlet and finisher.
- Defensive Discipline: Tampa Bay blocked numerous attempts and maintained composure under sustained pressure.
- Set Piece Vulnerability: The equalizer again highlighted the fine margins of defending late-game restarts.
- Road Resolve: Despite conceding late, the Sun displayed grit and organization away from home, continuing their strong defensive trend across recent fixtures.
Next Match
Tampa Bay Sun FC next match continues on the road on November 9 heading to face Spokane Zephyr FC.
Tampa Bay Sun FC at Brooklyn FC
Match Analysis: Brooklyn FC 2, Tampa Bay Sun FC 2
October 2025 | Brooklyn, NY
Tampa Bay Sun FC walked away from Brooklyn with a hard-fought point in a dramatic 2–2 draw that stretched deep into stoppage time. It was a night of resilience, near-misses, and a reminder of how thin the margins can be at the top of the table.
First Half: Tampa Bay Strikes First
The Sun entered the match with purpose, asserting control in possession and pressing high. Their early dominance was rewarded in the 38th minute when Natasha Flint continued her fine run of form, converting from close range after clever link-up play with Sydny Nasello. The goal showcased Tampa Bay’s signature fluid attack—quick, decisive, and rooted in chemistry between the front line.
Goalkeeper Sydney Schneider kept Brooklyn at bay with two key saves in the opening ten minutes, commanding her box as Brooklyn threatened through Rebecca Cooke and Sam Rosette. Despite a physical first half, the Sun maintained composure and took a 1–0 lead into the break.
Second Half: End-to-End Football
Brooklyn came out energized after halftime, introducing Catherine Zimmerman and Sofia Lewis to shift the tempo. The hosts found their equalizer in the 61st minute when Rebecca Cooke finished calmly into the bottom corner after a well-timed assist from Leah Scarpelli.
The Sun responded with poise. Substitutions from Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown brought fresh legs and structure, and the impact was immediate. In the 80th minute, Ava Tankersley restored the lead with a brilliant curling strike to the top corner, assisted by Gabby Provenzano. It was a moment of individual quality that encapsulated Tampa Bay’s attacking depth.
Late Drama: A Cruel Finish
As the clock wound down, Tampa Bay looked set for all three points. Mackenzie Pluck nearly sealed the win with a thunderous effort off the crossbar in the 83rd minute, and moments later, Carlee Giammona forced a last-ditch block inside the six-yard box.
But football can be ruthless. Deep into stoppage time, Brooklyn capitalized on a set-piece delivery. Catherine Zimmerman rose above the defense to nod home the equalizer in the 91st minute, breaking Tampa Bay hearts and forcing a share of the spoils.
Key Performers
- Natasha Flint: Clinical finish, relentless work rate up top.
- Ava Tankersley: Created constant danger on the right flank; stunning goal.
- Sydney Schneider: Commanding presence in goal with several crucial saves.
- Mackenzie Pluck: A creative spark in midfield, nearly scored a spectacular winner.
Final Whistle
The 2–2 draw extends Tampa Bay’s unbeaten streak but feels like two points lost after leading twice. Still, there is much to build upon. The Sun’s attack continues to shine, their spirit unwavering. As the season deepens, this match may stand as a lesson in finishing strong—and in defending the Bay until the final whistle.
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Fort Lauderdale United FC
OVERVIEW
A tense and tactical rematch between the reigning champions and their 2024/25 final opponents ended in a stalemate. Tampa Bay Sun controlled possession and created the clearer chances, but Fort Lauderdale United held firm behind a disciplined defensive block and sharp goalkeeping from Bella Hara. Despite a flurry of late opportunities, the Sun were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a point in front of a passionate home crowd.
WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
FIRST HALF
The opening minutes reflected the intensity of a rivalry renewed. Fort Lauderdale started on the front foot, winning three corners inside five minutes and testing Tampa Bay goalkeeper Sydney Schneider early through Sh’nia Gordon. Once settled, the Sun began to dictate tempo through midfield anchor Jordyn Listro and creative outlets Natasha Flint and Sydny Nasello.
The Sun’s first real chance came in the 20th minute when Sabrina McNeill’s close-range header skimmed just over the bar. Two more corners followed as the pressure mounted, but Fort Lauderdale’s back line, led by Laurel Ansbrow and Julia Grosso, repelled the waves of attack.
Fort Lauderdale responded with a swift counter, forcing Schneider into a strong save at the near post from Princess Ademiluyi. The first half closed with both sides exchanging fouls and half-chances, neither able to capitalize before the break.
SECOND HALF
Tampa Bay emerged more assertive in the second half. Ava Tankersley’s drive from distance in the 52nd minute was blocked, and Flint’s delivery from set pieces kept Fort Lauderdale under sustained pressure. Coach’s substitutions at the hour mark injected new life, with McKenna Battilla and Sandrine Gaillard adding pace and physicality in the attacking third.
Gaillard nearly stole all three points in the 74th minute when her curling effort from inside the box grazed the far post. Moments later, Nasello forced a diving save from Hara after a neat exchange with Jordan Zade down the right.
As the match wore on, tempers flared. Four yellow cards were shown in the second half, underscoring the intensity of a fixture fueled by history. Despite late free kicks deep in Fort Lauderdale’s half, the Sun could not convert their territorial dominance into a decisive goal.
KEY PERFORMANCES
- Sydney Schneider: Commanded her box with confidence, producing two vital saves to preserve the clean sheet.
- Sydny Nasello: Dynamic on the right flank, drew multiple fouls and created Tampa Bay’s best chance late on.
- Brooke Hendrix & Vivianne Bessette: Anchored the back line, limiting Fort Lauderdale’s opportunities inside the box.
- Bella Hara (FTL): The standout for the visitors, making critical saves to deny Nasello and Gaillard.
QUOTES
Denise Schilte-Brown
“The opportunity to see these amazing women play, being in the front row to see to watch them live, I mean, it’s what I wanted growing up.”
Brooke Hendrix
“I think they have impressive threats up top. We worked on that all week. Getting our lineup to stay compact and together – we did that well as a team today.”
Sydny Nasello
“We’re not happy with the point, but, we’re happy with the forward trajection. We’re getting better every game and buying into our identity.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
While the draw extends Tampa Bay’s winless start to the season, the performance marked a defensive improvement and a clear statement of intent. The Sun showed resilience, tactical structure, and glimpses of the attacking rhythm that defined their championship run. With key players regaining fitness and form, the foundation is set. The goals will come.
Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Dallas Trinity FC
MATCH RECAP
Tampa Bay Sun FC fought back to secure a hard-earned point in a tense 1-1 draw against Dallas Trinity FC at Suncoast Credit Union Field. Dallas took the lead in the 6th minute when Allie Thornton finished calmly into the top corner after being set up by Chioma Ubogagu. Despite sustained pressure from the visitors, the Sun found their breakthrough in the 68th minute when Carlee Giammona’s precise strike from outside the box nestled into the bottom corner, assisted by Sydny Nasello.
The match was a physical contest, with both sides exchanging fouls and yellow cards as the intensity grew. Tampa Bay’s back line held firm against late Dallas chances, including a close-range header that flew over the bar in stoppage time. The Sun’s resilience and Giammona’s moment of quality ensured the points were shared, keeping momentum alive as the season moves forward.
VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS: TAMPA BAY SUN FC vs DALLAS TRINITY FC ON 09/20/2025
MATCH ANALYSIS
NEXT MATCH
The Tampa Bay Sun Football Club returns to Suncoast Credit Union Field on Saturday, October 4 at 7:30 pm EST for a clash with Fort Lauderdale United FC. This is a rematch of the 2024/25 Gainbirdge Super League Championship. The evening will spotlight our annual Kick for the Cure match, presented by Tampa General Hospital. Fans will experience a powerful night of football united with purpose, honoring survivors and raising awareness in the fight against breast cancer.