FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (November 6, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC (2-8-2, 8 PTS) played to a draw against Tampa Bay Sun FC (2-5-4, 10 PTS) in the final Florida Derby of 2026 during Friday evening’s United For Good game at Amerant Bank Field. Goalkeeper Haley Craig recorded her 100th career save and third clean sheet of the season as Fort Lauderdale earned points for the fourth time this campaign. The club will have two more opportunities to earn points before the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season comes to a close.
An Intense, Physical Opening to the Derby
On a perfect evening in South Florida at Amerant Bank Field, the Florida Derby opened with a physical battle as both teams brought intensity from kickoff. Craig recorded her 100th career save within the first 20 seconds, stopping a dangerous shot to prevent an early breakthrough for the visitors. Fort Lauderdale nearly jumped out in front in the fourth minute after a tremendous effort from October Team of the Month honoree Sh’nia Gordon was saved at the near post. The club continued to search for an opening goal throughout the remainder of the half, with Kelsey Oyler putting a shot on target in the 32nd minute. Stoppage time proved just as eventful, with Craig making another tough save at the near post before Gordon sparked a counterattack and sent a shot toward the far post that narrowly missed. The clubs went into the halftime break scoreless.
A Thrilling Second Half
The second half remained quiet for the opening 13 minutes until Gordon was fouled just outside the Tampa Bay box, setting up a dangerous free kick. Kelli Van Treeck played a short pass to Gordon, who fired a low shot that deflected off Kiara Locklear and beat the Tampa Bay goalkeeper, but a defender cleared the effort off the goal line. Interim Head Coach Paul Jennison began making changes throughout the second half, bringing on Amber Nguyen, Farrah Walters and Molly McDougal for Grace Cutler, Abi Hugh and Maggy Henschler, respectively. Tampa Bay created one of its best chances of the match in the 73rd minute on a counterattack following a Fort Lauderdale corner kick. Gordon tracked back the length of the field to deny a Tampa Bay shot with a sliding tackle in one of the plays of the match. Tampa Bay was awarded a penalty kick in the 81st minute, but the attempt sailed left and struck the woodwork. Craig continued her dominant run of form with another one-on-one save in the 88th minute, securing her third clean sheet of the season as the clubs played to a scoreless draw.
Back in Action on November 13
Fort Lauderdale United will return to the pitch on Friday, November 13, traveling to take on Lexington SC in the penultimate match of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League campaign. The clubs will meet for the second and final time this season, with Fort Lauderdale earning a statement victory at Amerant Bank Field on Oct. 11. With Fort Lauderdale looking to close out the campaign on a high note, Friday’s road matchup presents another important opportunity to earn points.
Get Your Tickets
Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to Amerant Bank Field on Saturday, November 28, hosting DC Power FC in Fan Appreciation Night and the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season finale. Click HERE to get your tickets! Stay tuned and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with all things FTL UTD on Instagram, X(Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook.
