Tampa Bay Sun eliminated from playoff contention after loss to Carolina

TL;DR

The Tampa Bay Sun were eliminated from playoff contention after a 2-1 loss to the Carolina Ascent, despite a late goal attempt. The team needed a win and help from Brooklyn FC to remain in the postseason race.

Key points

Tampa Bay Sun lost 2-1 to Carolina Ascent
The loss eliminated the Sun from playoff contention
Shea Connors scored her first goal for the team
The Sun needed a win and help from Brooklyn FC
Captain Jordyn Listro expressed disappointment

Mentioned in this story

Jordyn Listro

Tampa Bay SunCarolina Ascent

Tampa Bay Sun players rally around Shea Connors after she scores her first goal with the team on Saturday night against the Carolina Ascent. ©Mike Carlson

A last-minute goal couldn’t save the Sun from playoff elimination as Tampa Bay saw its postseason hopes slip away after a 2-1 loss to the Carolina Ascent at home on Saturday night.

With elimination scenarios looming coming into the match, the defending USL Super League champions needed a win, and some help from Brooklyn FC, to stay alive. Instead, a late surge from Carolina and an added time penalty sealed the Sun’s fate.

“It’s a terrible feeling,” captain Jordyn Listro said. “We came into this season wanting to do it all over again, and honestly, I kept feeling like there would be a moment where we’d just take off and go on a run. It just never happened.”

Fans showed up for the celebration of Pride Night, donning rainbow cowboy hats emblazoned with the Sun logo. The atmosphere was electric, but the breakthrough never came — at least not for Tampa Bay (4-12-9).

After a tightly-contested match for the first 80 minutes, Carolina (13-7-6) scored in the 84th minute when Jenna Butler found the back of the net.

Tampa Bay answered almost immediately, with Shea Connors scoring in her debut with the Sun, setting the teams equal at 1-all on a goal that gave hope back to the fans.

“It felt really incredible to finally score a goal with the girls. It’s been great being here the last few weeks, and it was really great to make an impact,” Connors said. “It really felt like it was gonna change the momentum.”

In the 93rd minute, Carolina, which has secured a postseason spot, was awarded a penalty and converted, reclaiming the lead and securing the 2–1 victory over the reigning champs.

“I didn’t think it was a PK,” head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said. “I feel like we hit the ball first. It’s just one of those seasons where sometimes it feels like that and it’s tough because I feel bad for the ladies and the fans.”

Q&A

Why were the Tampa Bay Sun eliminated from the playoffs?

The Tampa Bay Sun were eliminated from playoff contention due to a 2-1 loss to the Carolina Ascent, which required them to win and receive help from Brooklyn FC.

What did Tampa Bay Sun captain Jordyn Listro say about the loss?

Captain Jordyn Listro expressed that it was a terrible feeling and reflected on the team's hopes of repeating their championship success, which ultimately did not materialize.

What was the significance of Shea Connors' goal for the Tampa Bay Sun?

Shea Connors' goal marked her first with the team, but it was not enough to prevent the Sun's elimination from the playoffs.