News

Tampa Bay Sun FC proudly announces the signing of goalkeeper Braelynn Galt, a standout player from Chicago Inter ECNL and a member of the Class of 2027.

Galt brings an impressive skill set to Tampa Bay. Known for her elite shot-stopping, confident play under pressure, and sharp distribution, she commands the game with poise and leadership from the back line.

Over the summer, Galt competed in the USL W League with River Light FC, gaining valuable minutes against top-tier competition. She now continues her development with Florida Premier FC, one of Florida’s premier youth soccer programs.

Galt’s international resume adds even more depth to her game. Holding dual citizenship, she has represented Scotland at both the U16 and U17 levels. In 2024, she joined the Scotland U17 Women’s National Team for the International MIMA Cup, facing Sweden and England, and later took part in the UEFA Women’s Euro Qualifiers against Denmark, Poland, and North Macedonia. As captain of the Scotland U16 squad, she led her team in international matches against Switzerland.

While overseas, Galt also trained with the Rangers Women’s First Team, further sharpening her technical and tactical abilities at the professional level.

Tampa Bay Sun FC welcomes Braelynn to the Sun family. Her international experience, professionalism, and competitive mindset will strengthen the club’s goalkeeper group and raise the standard within the academy.

TAMPA, Florida. (July 22, 2025) — Tampa Bay Sun Football Club today announced the addition of forward Emma Gaines-Ramos on loan from the Washington Spirit through June 30, 2026. Emma is a dynamic young striker with an opportunity to contribute immediately as Tampa Bay continues its pursuit of sustained excellence in the Gainbridge Super League.

A promising talent with speed, intelligence, and composure in the final third, Emma joined the Spirit in January on a two-year deal with club options through 2028. She returns to full fitness following recovery from injury and is now ready to take the next step in her professional career with the Sun.

“We are thrilled to welcome Emma Gaines-Ramos to Tampa Bay,” said Christina Unkel, President and General Manager of Tampa Bay Sun FC. “Emma brings technical quality, attacking instinct, and a hunger to grow. This loan reflects our ambition to evolve our squad while creating a competitive environment where top young players can flourish.”

Emma impressed during her time in Washington, showing glimpses of elite potential in preseason and early training sessions before injury delayed her debut campaign. Now healthy, she adds depth and pace to Tampa Bay’s frontline.

Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown added “Emma is an exciting addition to our team. Her technical ability, creativity, and explosive one‑on‑one dribbling make her a dynamic player. Her energy and skill set will raise the level of our entire squad.”

TAMPA, Florida (July 21, 2025) — Tampa Bay Sun Football Club proudly announces the signing of Austrian goalkeeper Isabella “Bella” Kresche, adding European pedigree and Champions League experience to an already formidable back line ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season.

Kresche brings nearly a decade of elite European competition to Tampa Bay, having started her professional career with Austrian powerhouse SKN St. Pölten during the 2015/16 season. She made 37 appearances in domestic league and cup competitions before transferring to Italy’s Serie A with US Sassuolo in 2022. During the 2024/25 campaign, Kresche joined AS Roma, making 12 appearances for one of Europe’s premier clubs.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper also boasts 12 appearances in the UEFA Women’s Champions League across stints with St. Pölten and Roma. Internationally, Kresche has represented Austria at the senior level with six caps, in addition to 32 appearances for her country’s youth national teams.

“We’re building a club with global ambition – one that looks beyond borders to find players who can grow the game here in Tampa Bay and across the Gainbridge Super League. Bella brings experience that adds to our foundation and reflects the kind of talent we want representing the Sun,” said Christina Unkel, President & General Manager.

Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown added, “Bella is a tremendous addition to our team. She brings both talent and experience, and her time at Roma was invaluable for her development. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll make here in Tampa Bay.”

Tampa, FL (July 18, 2025) – Tampa Bay Sun FC is proud to announce the acquisition of defender and midfielder Emerson Elgin on loan from Boston Legacy FC for the 2025/26 fall season.

Elgin, 22, joined Boston Legacy FC earlier this week, signing a professional contract through 2027 before being loaned to Sun FC and becoming available for Gainbridge Super League fall fixtures this year. A former standout at the University of North Carolina, she played every minute en route to the Tar Heels’ NCAA national championship title in December 2024.

Emerson brings versatility, excelling both as a dynamic left back and as a capable midfielder. Most recently, she had a stint with Gotham FC in the NWSL as an injury replacement player during the spring of 2025.

“We are thrilled to integrate Emerson’s high-energy and attacking flair into our squad,” said Christina Unkel. “Her winning pedigree and adaptability enhance our ambitions on both ends of the pitch.”

Elgin’s loan promises to elevate Tampa Bay’s defensive stability and offensive momentum this season. She joins a roster determined to connect with our vibrant Tampa Bay community and build upon the club’s inaugural title success.

Tampa, FL (July 18, 2025) – Tampa Bay Sun FC today announced the signing of Sabrina McNeill, a composed and commanding defender, from Fort Lauderdale United FC. The move brings one of the Gainbridge Super League’s most consistent back-line performers to the reigning champions and shifts the narrative between two of the league’s fiercest competitors.

McNeill started 17 matches last season for Fort Lauderdale, anchoring a defense that reached the inaugural USL Super League Final. Known for her intelligence in one-on-one duels, calm distribution under pressure, and relentless motor, McNeill now brings that same tenacity to Riverfront Stadium.

“Sabrina defends with heart and intelligence,” said Christina Unkel, President & General Manager. “She’s battle-tested, consistent, and brings the kind of presence you build a back line around. We’ve respected her from the other side – now she’s one of us.”

A native of Whitby, Ontario, McNeill developed her craft at Auburn University and Eastern Michigan, earning All-MAC honors and excelling as both a student and athlete. Her versatility allows her to play centrally or wide, giving Tampa Bay a new dimension in both defensive structure and transitional play.

Her signing sends a clear message across the league—Tampa Bay Sun FC is not resting on its laurels. It is evolving, strengthening, and preparing for the next rise.

Tampa Bay Sun FC and Napoli Femminile have reached an agreement for the transfer of Cecilie Fløe Nielsen to the Italian club.

Fløe departs Tampa Bay having written her name into club history. As our leading scorer during the 2024/25 season, her clinical finishing, relentless work rate, and fearless spirit played a defining role in our inaugural campaign culminating in a championship that will forever mark the beginning of our journey.

She arrived with a striker’s instinct and a competitor’s mindset, embracing every challenge with grace and grit. From her first touch in Sun colors to her final goal in front of a sold-out Riverfront Stadium, Cecilie embodied the fight and flair of this city. Her goals lifted us. Her presence inspired us.

But Cecilie’s legacy runs deeper than the goals. In a season that shaped our identity, she helped define who we are a club that dreams boldly, plays bravely, and rises together.

Now, she begins a new chapter in one of football’s most storied cities. We thank her for everything and wish her continued success in Naples and beyond. This club, this city, and this league will always be a part of her story.

Thank you, Cecilie.

An accomplished collegiate career brings proven leadership and high-level performance to Tampa Bay

TAMPA, Florida (July 18, 2025) — Tampa Bay Sun Football Club today announced the signing of goalkeeper Emory Wegener ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season.

A native of Johns Creek, Georgia, and a 5‑7 shot‑stopper, Wegener rose to prominence at the University of Georgia. During her senior year in 2021, she led the Bulldogs with 1,734 minutes, starting 19 games and posting an 11‑5‑3 record. She amassed a career‑high 70 saves, ranking fifth in the SEC in both shutouts (6) and saves per game (3.68). Her junior season was equally stellar – with a spot on the SEC Preseason Watchlist, a Second Team All‑SEC nod, seven shutouts, 53 saves, and named to the SEC Honor Roll, Dean’s List, and the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics Honor Roll Wegener began her collegiate journey with Georgia in 2018, playing 17 matches and recording five shutouts as a freshman—a performance that placed her among the program’s top in fewest goals allowed and shutout counts.

Wegener continued her ascent as a graduate transfer at the University of Maryland for the 2022 season. In six appearances (491 minutes), she tallied 15 saves and earned her first Terrapin shutout against St. Joseph’s on September 11, 2022.

“Emory brings not only a commanding presence in goal but also a legacy of resilience and excellence,” said Christina Unkel, President & General Manager of Tampa Bay Sun FC. “Her journey through top collegiate programs has honed her leadership and performance – qualities we embrace as we build toward championship aspirations.”

Off the field, Wegener majored in sport management at Georgia and pursued public safety leadership and administration at Maryland. Her dedication to academics ran parallel to her athletic excellence.