WASHINGTON, D.C. – Fort Lauderdale United FC made history on Friday evening, winning its first match in club history, defeating DC Power FC 2-0 on the road. Addie McCain and Jasmine Hamid each scored a first-half goal in the historic inaugural win for the club.
A high-tempo, offensive masterclass from the United attack helped secure the win on the road. The creativity of McCain and Felicia Knox paired with the outside play of Hamid, Cameron Brooks and Sh’Nia Gordon allowed Fort Lauderdale to break down the DC press, and take advantage while on the counter attack in the 2-0 win.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS:
FTL UTD got off to a fast start, with Sh’Nia Gordon recording a shot in the 2nd minute. The scoring was opened in the 9th minute when Knox took a free kick that fell to the corner for Brooks. The left back took on a defender and crossed the ball into the box, where McCain used her right knee to put the ball into the back of the net to give Fort Lauderdale a 1-0 lead.
Starting goalkeeper Cosette Morche sustained an injury in the 32nd minute and couldn’t continue, making way for backup keeper Makenna Gottschalk to make her debut in the 36th minute.
Brooks continued to have a strong impact on the game when she played a long ball down the left sideline to Knox, who flicked a through ball pass onto Hamid. The left wing took the ball into the box, took a shot while sliding and fired the ball past the DC keeper to extend FTL’s lead to 2-0 in the 39th minute. Gordon continued to play with high intensity until the halftime whistle, recording a shot in the 45th minute.
Defender Reese Klein (54th) and midfielder Taylor Smith (66th) each entered the game in the second half, replacing Anele Komani and Gordon, respectively. United continued to play fast throughout the second half, controlling the tempo and staying on the attack despite carrying a 2-0 lead. Celia Gaynor (2) and Hamid (1) each recorded shots within the last 10 minutes of the match.
Gottschalk stepped up and recorded 4 saves in relief of Morsche, including a pair of saves in the 82nd and 83rd minutes, and helped Fort Lauderdale United FC secure a 2-0 win over DC Power FC, its first victory in club history.
Back in Action
Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to the field on Sunday, Sep. 22 when it travels to take on Lexington SC on the road. Kick-off is set for 4:00 p.m. EST and the match will be streamed on Peacock.
Tickets
Season ticket packages for all 14 home matches, as well as single-game tickets can be purchased here. FTL UTD’s historic home opener is set for Sunday, Sep. 29 when it takes on Dallas Trinity FC. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. EST.
Scoring Summary:
FTL: McCain, 9
FTL: Hamid, 39
For match Video click here