This story was first published in the Tampa Bay Times on Jan. 31.
By Ella Zinken
TAMPA, Fla.– Olympic gold medalists and World Cup veterans will put their talents on display when the Tampa Bay Sun host Gotham FC in March in the first match between teams from the United States’ top two professional women’s soccer leagues.
The matchup between the Sun of the USL Super League and 2023 National Women’s Soccer League champion Gotham will take place March 2 at 6 p.m. at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Tampa.
The game will help bring recognition to professional women’s soccer, Sun president and general manager Christina Unkel said, as its impact will be “not only for club, but for country as well.”
Gotham’s roster includes Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson and Emily Sonnett, who were part of the United States’ gold medal-winning squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Sun have no shortage of talent themselves, boasting three of the top goal-scorers in the USL Super League: Carlee Giammona, Cecilie Fløe Nielsen and Natasha Flint.
“I think we are building something really special here at the Riverfront Stadium,” said Sun midfielder Jade Moore.
Both the NWSL, in its 13th season, and the USL Super League, which started play in the fall, are still in their relative infancy, Unkel said. The collaboration will set a high bar for women’s professional sports, she said.
“This game represents a significant milestone for both leagues and serves as a testament to the growing strength and visibility of women’s professional soccer in the United States,” Unkel said.
[Courtesy of ACC]
“Whether you’re a longtime soccer fan or just want to have a great time, we’re excited for everyone to join us at Riverfront Stadium for this one-of-a-kind game.”
For Gotham and former Florida State midfielder Jaelin Howell, the game’s setting will carry a sense of nostalgia. Her father, John, played safety for the Buccaneers from 2001-04 and was a member of their Super Bowl 37 championship team.
“(Tampa is) a super special city to me,” she said, and I still love it.”
Visit TampaBaySunFC.com for ticket information.
Following its winter break, the Sun will resume its inaugural season Feb. 8 against Fort Lauderdale United at Riverfront Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.
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Thumbnail Image Caption [Courtesy of Tampa Bay Sun]: Of the March 2 match against Gotham FC of the National Women’s Soccer League, Sun midfielder Jade Moore said, “I think we are building something really special here at Riverfront Stadium.”