Tampa Bay Sun Away to Lexington Preview
Written by James Knowles
Date: Saturday May 10, 2025
Kickoff Time: 7:00 pm EST at Lexington SC Stadium in Lexington, KY
Records: Tampa Bay Sun (39 pts 10W-9D-6L); Lexington SC (17 pts 4W-5D-16L)
Standings: The Sun are 3rd in the Super League and Lexington are 8th.
After taking a massive step forward in the playoff race, the Sun have what should be a comparatively easy assignment. But, therein lies the issue: one cannot get complacent this close to the end of the season. Lexington’s record is poor. This makes them the perfect banana peel team in the final month of Super League regular season games. Tune in this weekend on Peacock to take in the action from Kentucky!
Are you sure we can’t just be awarded the three points?
Much like was the case in prior games against Lexington, or the 1-0 win over DC, Tampa Bay does indeed have to complete the full 90 minutes of action before any points can be awarded. We at RBLR have consulted the rulebook, and it does enforce that a game will be played. Unfortunately, this banana peel match will go on.
The good news is the Sun know exactly what they need to do: win. Three points will put them in good stead with only two games to follow, one of which is away in North Carolina. If the Ascent as league leaders present the biggest challenge for Tampa Bay, this Saturday is the most direct route to three points beforehand. Lexington’s record speaks for itself.
With just 17 points all season, the Kentuckians have lost 16 games - ten more than the Sun. In fact, only DC also has losses in the double digits. Lexington hasn’t won a game since early March; although, for the sake of avoiding that slip, it should be noted they drew 1-1 away from home to Brooklyn FC in April. They’re not completely incapable of competing.
The added factor of intrigue will be Tampa Bay’s available players. Largely able to draw from her full roster, manager Denise Schilte-Brown will be without her captain Jordyn Listro. Jordy, as the team calls her, was sent off in the last game for a reckless challenge. Regardless of any argument about the red, the suspension will be served. Who takes her place?
Most likely in midfield will be Jade Moore and Carlee Giammona. The latter of these also left the last match before full time, in her case with a potential head injury that forced a concussion substitution. Assuming she is back and available, Giammona is perfectly capable of playing as a midfield partner to Moore against the upcoming opposition.
Tash Flint has taken up the mantle of a deeper, attack-minded midfielder lately after starting life with the Sun as the target forward. Last week, it was Hannah Keane who played that role - to incredible effect - and Flint’s ability to interchange with Moore and Listro has become more evident with each passing game. The midfield should already be sorted out, then.
Scoring goals has not been a problem for Tampa Bay of late. Assuming nothing outrageous happens, Lexington’s inability to keep a clean sheet should live on. At the back, the Sun will want to maintain focus and get a shutout of their own. It would be the second in two weeks and the third in four games if they did so. One more example of peaking before the playoffs.
DSB has her team firing on all cylinders. This is not the time to take your foot off the gas pedal. While some rotation for the sake of avoiding injuries is to be expected (probably another appearance for new signing Gabby Provenzano), an early goal or two would go a long way to putting this game to bed. Then, when Lexington knows they’re beat, bring on the subs.