Match 15: Tampa Bay Sun FC vs. Spokane Review
Date: Saturday January 31, 2026
Result: Tampa Bay 2-2 Spokane
Records: Tampa Bay Sun (11 pts 1W-8D-6L); Spokane Zephyr FC (19 pts 4W-7D-6L)
Standings: The Sun sit 9th in the USL Super League and the Zephyr stayed 5th.
With a couple more arrivals and departures, the Sun began the second half of their second season in the USL Super League. Although they didn’t win, it could’ve been worse, as the team managed a draw against some playoff contenders in Spokane. Despite the weather, the girls came together and hopefully set themselves on a path to better fortunes. Fans also got to see more of what they’d been cooking up over the winter break.
A draw for our coldest game ever?
It was a game that’ll go down in history for multiple reasons. The same day as the annual Gasparilla Parade in Tampa, conditions were stunning, with possible snow flurries in the forecast later that evening. One was left thinking that if it hadn’t been so cold, more people in the stands could’ve come dressed in the festive pirate garb seen around town Saturday.
Fewer fans were willing to brave the temperatures for the Sun than for the Lightning in their outdoor game the following evening – it was also colder on Saturday. But, those that did got to see a new look side. Two players in the starting XI were making their professional debut, while things were also different in the way the Sun approached the game.
Goalkeeper Liz Beardsley started in net. On loan from Houston of the NWSL, she would go on to concede twice in her first match at the highest level. It should be noted that neither goal could truly be put down to her. Defender Taylor Chism also was making her pro debut, playing alongside the established partnership of Brooke Hendrix and Viv Bessette, with Sabrina McNeill lining up on the left.
Chism was unable to prevent the cross that led to the first goal of the game, scored by visitors Spokane. It’s harsh; but, any act can be punished at this level. There’s also little likelihood in any defender stopping all their opposite number’s crosses or passes, etc. The good news is that Sydny Nasello was able to tie it up before the halftime whistle.
Before anything could really happen in the second half, Zephyr restored their lead with a long shot over Beardsley’s head. This was yet another harsh one to concede. How many times is a shot from that far out even going to trouble the keeper? Home fans just had to take their hats off to a good hit from far out – and then put them back on to hide from the wind.
After getting the hit to level the game in the first half, it was Nasello who turned provider for the second Sun goal. Isolated against her defender, the winger zigged and zagged until she could get a shot off that was deflected into the path of Madi Parsons. You could feel the emotion from the latter at finally getting her first goal in Blue and Gold.
Seeing it in real time, you were forced to wonder how Spokane left such a dangerous player alone in space. Carlee Giammona did well to find Nasello on the run. The team held on to earn a point in the new year, with big help from their new keeper as well. Fans will always want the W. However, with the tinkering going on, this is a positive result.
With three more central midfielders and Nasello on the opposite wing to Jordan Fusco, there are some changes afoot for Tampa Bay. Multiple times, they were able to get the former alone in space. It’s unlikely that Fusco will play the exact same role on the left, so sorting out exactly how that wing fits in is key. It was often McNeill getting up high, and the nominal winger going central. Good movement overall.
Player of the Game:
Liz: Madi Parsons
JD: Gabby Provenzano
