Tampa Bay Sun Weekly – Next Up: LEX
Date: Sunday October at 5:00 pm at Riverfront Stadium
Upcoming Game: Tampa Bay Sun vs. Lexington
How close are we to a playoff spot?
As it stands, the Sun sit on eight points, one behind Lexington, who are one behind Dallas. The latter of those is fourth overall, currently claiming the last berth. Both Tampa Bay and their upcoming opponents have two games in hand over Trinity. Incidentally, that’s true for the clubs that sit third, second, and first: Jax, DC, and Carolina, respectively.
All of that is to say a lot is riding on this game. Lexington need points to jump ahead of Dallas and grab fourth. If the Sun win, they will be challenging for second and third, depending on goal differential. Still early in this sprint season, the Kentuckians have a slightly better record. They’ve won three of their five matches, one of those on the road away to vaunted Sporting Jax.
That being said, that was their only away game so far. It’s an impressive win, to be sure. But, it might not say much about how we can expect Lexington to compete away from home. Their lineup has been consistent, and local fans should expect the visitors to take up a rough 4-4-2 formation. Among those players to keep an eye on – yet again – is old villain Addie McCain.
The former Fort Lauderdale attacking mid has two goals so far, one behind team leader Catherine Barry. Together, they have formed an attacking unit for Lexington that has only been shut out once. McCain is capable as a slightly deeper option or, when switching spots, of playing the role of the finisher. The players behind them will be developing plenty of chemistry as well.
McKenzie Weinert and Sarah Griffith have lined up as the wingers for the last two games, while central midfielders Darya Rajaee and Katie Murray have played together since the former’s loan to Tampa Bay was cut short. Manager Kosuke Kimura has seemingly found a formula he likes, and his goal is to keep working these patterns until they bear fruit. It is the Sun’s goal to slow that roll.
Tampa Bay manager Denise Schilte-Brown has been more open to change with her side. Last week against DC, in particular, she decided to try out new options. Samar Guidry got her first start for the club, while Parker Goins played in front of her for her first start of the season. Tori Zierenberg, fresh off of two successful sub appearances, also got a first start. It was enough to earn a draw on the road.
Now back at home, the Blue and Gold will want to bury the Green coming to visit. Whatever the starting XI, the Sun will need to continue to work on their defensive positioning to shut down Lexington. This is a strong attacking team, and they are much more likely to punish sloppy passes than the Power were over a week ago. Hopefully, that is an easy thing to work out of their game.
The second half vs. DC was a much better display for Tampa Bay. Taylor Chism, who had started every game until then, came on. This seemed to add a bit more balance. The Sun were also able to isolate Power players more often as well as their own attacking players against opposition defenders. This worked well in moments for Guidry, now higher up, and for Sydny Nasello, a true talisman.
Getting some good production out of Syd would help the team immensely. Key to this is drawing Lexington away from her so she doesn’t have to beat a whole defensive unit before getting a shot or cross off. If there are dual threats on either side of the field, it may go a long way toward creating space, as Lex will not be able to overload one side or the other at any given time.
Three points are absolutely crucial right now. If possible, the Sun need to win every game to give themselves the best position in the playoffs. As that is unlikely, home games are still extremely important. DSB and co. need to dig in this weekend and earn the W. Playoffs are already on the line. The team knows that. The coaches do, too.
RBLR Score Predictions:
Liz: 1-1 D
JD: 1-0 W
Yurika: 2-1 L
James: 2-0 W
RBLR Score Predictions Standings:
Lizzie: 4
JD: 1
Yurika: 7
James: 4
