Sun Drop Battle against Gotham FC in League Crossover -Match

Tampa-when there was a question about the ability of the sun to get together with her opponent from the more ambusted National Women's Soccer League on Sunday evening in the Riverfront Stadium, it was answered by the scoreboard.

At the end of the regulation, the teams were tied 1-1.

Although Gotham FC from the NWSL won the exhibition game in penalty kicks. The sun of the Usl Super League had already given its explanation in one of the first matchups between teams of the two first -class leagues from Professional Women's Soccer.

Suntrainer Denise Schilte-Brown was proud of the ability of her first year to stand on the occasion and said she was excited that they could highlight what they are capable of. “

“I think they took the moment and handled well without getting involved,” said Schilte-Brown.

The excitement was noticeable from the opening pipe, with both teams wanted to present their skills. The amount, a mixture of Usl and NWSL supporters, created an electrical atmosphere that has the intensity on the field.

Gotham scored first when Gabi Portilho scored in the third minute.

The sun reacted in the 15th minute when striker Parker Goins achieved a well -placed pass from Natasha Flint.

“It was all about getting into the box,” said Goins. “(Tash and I) made eye contact, and it was literally just a perfect pass.”

The sun played strong in the second half in the second half and gave Gotham goalless through the rest of the regulation.

The Usl Super -League games end with a tie when the game is coordinated at the end of the regulation. But because this was an exhibition, the pages agreed to switch to a shootout.

Gotham made four his penalty while the sun scored two goals.

Schilt-Brown said she was not surprised that her team against the NWSL champions 2023 asserts.

“I believe in our team,” she said, “and I believe in this group.”

Goins agreed and said she thought the sun was “well stacked”.

The sun used the Matchup to give its second team a valuable playing time against Gotham's experienced squad and switch off all 11 players at half -time.

Schilte-Brown said it made it possible for the younger players from the Usl Super League, which were in the first season, to show their talent against teams that existed longer than our brand new league “.

One of these players was Sun Defender Jordan Zade, who made her professional debut less than a month ago.

“I just think it was a great opportunity, and I am only grateful that I am on the field and can learn from our players, but also from theirs,” said Zade. “It helps me to see how I can improve in every game.”

The historical matchup also had a broader influence.

“It only shows how much women's football continues to grow,” said Gotham middle field player Jaelin Howell. “You can say that the fans (in Tampa) are really invested.”

Gotham head coach Juan Carlos Amorós repeated the feeling and found that the crossover “contributes to growing the players and expanding the relationships between the teams.

“I think it is very important that the professional game is summarized,” he said.