Visa issues finally resolved, Sun get infusion of international talent

TAMPA — The wait is finally over.

Three international players who had been signed for months recently joined the Tampa Bay Sun at practice after resolving lengthy visa issues.

Midfielders Andrea Hauksdottir and Jade Moore, and forward Natasha “Tash” Flint are expected to make their Tampa Bay debuts Friday against Carolina Ascent FC in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“We started the process way back in March, so it’s been a long time coming,” said Sun president Christina Unkel.

Since the USL Super League is playing its inaugural season, the government had to ensure that the new league met the requirements to grant its players a P-1 visa. The non-immigrant visa type allows overseas athletes to participate in U.S athletic programs to promote themselves and/or their sport.

Hauksdottir and Flint first practiced with the team on Sept. 17. Moore’s first full day of practice was Tuesday. Unkel said the new players are grateful to finally be able to join their teammates on the field.

“They are incredible football players, but they are incredible individuals off the field,” she said. “Even though they physically have not been here, they are coming in already proud of what we have accomplished in Tampa Bay.”

Through four matches, the Sun are 1-1-2, putting them in fifth place in the eight-team league, which plays at the highest level in the United States for professional women’s soccer.

Head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said she is excited about the infusion of talent the new players bring.

“The level of competitiveness has already risen at practice,” she said, “and we are learning new things that the players can do every day.”

Hauksdottir, from Kópavogur, Iceland, first came to the United States to play at USF from 2016-19. She won back-to-back AAC midfielder of the year awards in 2018-19. As a professional, she made over 100 appearances with Iceland’s Breiðablik, helping the team to two league titles.

“After coming to school here, I just fell in love with the city of Tampa,” said Hauksdottir. “It became my home.”

Flint, a seasoned professional with experience across various leagues in England and Scotland, arrived in the U.S. for the very first time ahead of practice on Monday. She said the Sun stood out from among several USL Super League teams that were interested in signing her.

“When I spoke to Coach Denise, the club’s ambition intrigued me,” said Flint, who brings proven goal-scoring ability.

Moore has played for numerous big-name clubs, such as Leeds United and Manchester United, as well as England’s national team. She said she is excited to be on the same team as Flint, as the two previously faced each other in international play.

Moore said she is eager to add her experience to the team’s roster of veteran players and looks forward to the chance to build something new, with the hopes of helping the Sun grow into a championship team.

“There’s more of an element of opportunity with this team rather than pressure,” Moore said. “Rather than joining on a journey that has already begun, we get to build that journey ourselves.”