4-1 Win Over Lexington Review
Date: Saturday April 12, 2025
Result: Tampa Bay 4-1 Lexington
Records: Tampa Bay Sun (33 pts 8W-9D-5L); Lexington FC (16 pts 4W-4D-13L)
Standings: The Sun stayed at 5th in the table.
After their first ever win against Fort Lauderdale United, the Sun went and scored the most goals in a single game in their history. April has been a banner month for the club. With just six games left, this improvement could not come at a better time. The club will go on the road next; but, the confidence they will take to DC should be sky high.
Now that was a lot of fun! Part 2!
The truth is that Lexington was never likely to pose a serious threat to Tampa Bay when they traveled down to Florida. However, it cannot be stressed enough how big a result this is. The Sun managed a tough draw away to Brooklyn, at times league leaders, right before the month started. Since then, two strong wins have the team looking like playoff contenders.
It was a slow start – if only on the scoresheet. Once the Sun got going, though, they were able to put the game to bed rather quickly. Wonderful buildup characterized the first half, culminating in several chances. Finally, it was the work of Sydny Nasello that converted one of those. She stole the ball just inside the Lexington box and put it away herself.
This is promising for a number of reasons. For one, the Sun often try to play with a high press when out of possession. Winning the ball back in good positions is the best possible result. Nasello also showed a directness people haven’t seen in other games. After taking a few pop shots against FLOOTD, she found the back of the net. This should lead to more shots from her.
The other two goals in the first half, one from a Jordyn Listro pass and one from a Tori Haugen cross, displayed further good buildup play. Although Lexington don’t have the players to truly clog the midfield, Tampa Bay showed that they can play through the middle when they want to. In particular, Listro’s pass with her lesser foot was fantastic. Jordi Alba Listro strikes again.
Haugen was playing in a different role from how she has been used. Previously, she was deeper as one of the players on the back line of three. Paige Almendariz moved back, allowing Haugen to step out wide. She got high for this goal and whipped in a good ball as well. Tash Flint was the one who got the ball out wide. She was also playing a different role in this game.
Often dropping deeper into the midfield, Flint would aid in Tampa Bay keeping possession. This ability to add numbers will further contribute to the Blue and Gold’s buildup against stiffer competition. There are positive signs everywhere for Sun fans. The only person who might be happier is Denise Schilte-Brown. Her hard work is finally bearing fruit at both ends of the pitch.
The last thing to note is related to the last goal. It’s easy to focus on goals when a game ends 4-1. There’s actually a lot to point to, as opposed to a 0-0 draw where most of the trends could lead to goals in future – be there goals for or goals against. The final strike of the night went to Hannah Keane. This was only her third appearance for her new side.
After moving to the Super League from Australia, Keane has been dealing with a knee injury for the last several months. She has finally returned to the field and already found the back of the net. More options in any given position is generally positive. Although the Sun haven’t needed a ton of help up top, DSB will welcome this development all the same.
Her side is clicking right now. The next step, of course, will be to go away from home and prove they can do it in another setting. The chance to do that comes this weekend. Everything they should do on the training pitch between now and then should be reinforcing the work they’ve done until now. The win vs. Lexington should be yet another springboard to better things.
Player of the Game:
Liz: Hannah Keane
Tom: Cecile Floe
RBLR Score Predictions Standings:
Lizzie: 19
Tom: 11
Yurika: 13
James: 9
