Last Sunday night was a memorable evening for soccer fans in Tampa Bay as the newly formed Tampa Bay Sun Women’s Football Club made its professional debut. Facing off against Dallas Trinity FC, the Sun played to a 1-1 draw in a match that marked not just the team’s first game but also the official entry of the Tampa Bay region into women’s professional soccer. The game, held at Tampa’s newly renovated Riverfront Stadium, was the opening match for the inaugural season of the USL Super League (USLS), a new professional league designed to spotlight emerging talent in women’s soccer.
A New Era for Tampa Bay Soccer
The Tampa Bay Sun was established in 2023 when the USL Super League named Tampa a primary market. This new league, which is the brainchild of the United Soccer League (USL), aims to provide a youth-to-pro pathway for women’s soccer players. With eight clubs participating in its first season, the USLS has quickly become a beacon for young athletes eager to make their mark in the sport. The league’s teams periodically host open tryouts, which means that literally anyone who thinks they have to make the team can give it a shot.
The Sun’s formation was made possible through the efforts of three prominent local figures: real estate developer Darryl Shaw, Bern’s Steak House owner David Laxer, and former BluePearl Pet ER executive Jeff Fox. Together, these owners invested $6 million into transforming Tampa’s Blake High School Stadium into a professional-grade venue now known as Riverfront Stadium. The stadium, which will serve as the home field for the Sun, has been outfitted with state-of-the-art facilities, benefiting not only the team but also the high school, whose students are allowed to use the venue when it’s not in use by the franchise.
A Hard-Fought Opening Match
The excitement was palpable as over 5,200 fans filled the stands, eager to witness the Sun’s debut. The game itself was a tale of two halves, with Dallas Trinity FC controlling the first half and Tampa Bay finding its rhythm in the second. Dallas opened the scoring with a header from Dallas Trinity’s #2 Hanna Davison, during a dominant first half. Despite the early goal, Tampa Bay’s goalkeeper, Ashley Orkus, kept the Sun in the game with six crucial saves.
The second half saw a resurgence from Tampa Bay. After weathering Dallas’s initial pressure, the Sun seemed to have found their footing, culminating in a somewhat historic moment for the team 70 minutes into the match. Fullback Brooke Hendrix, wearing number 15, connected on a header from the center of the box, scoring the Sun’s first-ever goal. The crowd erupted in celebration as the Sun equalized, a moment that felt as if it symbolized the dawn of a new era for Tampa Bay soccer.
Although the match ended in a draw, it was a promising start for the young team. “It was one of those rare sports events,” said one fan, “where a group of hungry, unseasoned players showed that they belong at the professional level.”
The USL Super League
The USL Super League, established in 2021, was initially planned as a second-division competition. However, after gaining division one sanctioning from U.S. Soccer, it now stands alongside the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as one of the top tiers of the sport in the country.
What sets the USLS apart is its focus on accessibility and development. The league operates without a draft system, allowing teams to build their rosters through open tryouts and free agency. This structure is designed to give young and lesser-known players a chance to compete at the highest level. Additionally, while the league’s minimum salary hovers around $35,000 to $37,000, there is no salary cap, which provides teams with flexibility in building their squads.
For many players, the opportunity to play in the USLS is about more than just financial gain. The love of the game is evident on the field, where the players’ passion and commitment shine through in every match. The league’s ethos resonates with both players and fans, creating an atmosphere of sheer enjoyment and competition.
What’s Ahead
The Tampa Bay Sun’s inaugural season has just begun, with 14 matches scheduled through December 14th. Their next game is set for Saturday, August 24th, when they will take on DC Power FC at Riverfront Stadium. Tickets start at $12, making it an affordable and exciting option for sports fans in the area.
As the Sun continues its journey in the USL Super League, the team hopes to build on the momentum from its first match. With a dedicated ownership group, a passionate fan base, and a squad hungry to prove themselves, the future looks bright for Tampa Bay’s newest professional sports team.
For more information on the team, including the full schedule and ticket purchases, fans can visit the official website at www.tampabaysunfc.com.
