Tampa Bay Sun can’t dig out of early deficit against DC Power
Tampa Bay Sun goalkeeper Emory Wegener makes a save during Saturday night's loss to DC Power at Suncoast Credit Union Field in Tampa. ©Mike Carlson Despite entering the night unbeaten all-time against DC, the Sun conceded two early goals that would set the tone for the rest of Saturday’s game. “It’s two teams fighting for every point.
It was aggressive, and it really just came down to who got on the board first,” Sun striker Faith Webber said after the 2-0 loss at Suncoast Credit Union Field. DC (7-9-8) wasted no time jumping out to a quick start, with forward Alyssa Walker finding the net in the 18th minute. Just six minutes later, DC struck again, on midfielder Dasia Torbert’s header, assisted by former Sun defender Paige Almendariz.
Almendariz, who joined the Power in the offseason, was honored pregame when she received her USL Super League championship ring in her return to Tampa. “It’s nice to see familiar faces, but when the game starts, you’re not really friends,” said Sun captain Jordyn Listro with a laugh. While possession time was about even, with Tampa Bay (4-10-9) holding a slight edge at 51.
6%, the Sun had several opportunities at the goal line, but struggled against a stingy DC defense. “We had so many looks on goal. It’s just frustrating,” Tampa Bay head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said.
Schilte-Brown said her team “dominated the second half,” creating chances but failing to convert. “We had nothing to lose at that point, so everyone just gave it their all and didn’t think too much, just went based on instinct, and you could see that,” Listro added. The loss comes after a strong stretch for the Sun, who saw both Webber and defender Taylor Chism named to the Gainbridge Super League’s Team of the Month for March.