FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC (10-8-8, 38 PTS) closed out its road trip with a draw against DC Power FC (5-13-8, 23 PTS) on Tuesday evening, 1-1. Sabrina McNeill scored her first goal of the season in the thrilling draw, leading the club earning a point on the road. With the draw, Fort Lauderdale United has earned points in back-to-back matches after going six matches winless, and will look to carry its momentum into its final home match of the season against Dallas Trinity FC on Saturday night. With just two matches remaining in the inaugural USL Super League season, Saturday’s duel will be a monumental one as both sides have their eyes on the postseason.
Fort Lauderdale United will return to the pitch on Saturday night in its final home match of the season on May 24. The two sides have faced off a trio of times this season, with the clubs owning a purely even split thus far with a win, loss and draw a piece. Fort Lauderdale fell in the first meeting in Dallas 0-1 on November 2. FTL UTD bounced back and earned a hard-fought 2-1 home victory courtesy of goals from Hamid and McCain on December 1 at Beyond Bancard Field, and the two clubs tied on April 19 in Texas in the most recent clash.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKWUJmxzGeM
Fort Lauderdale United was aggressive on the attack early, led by Sh’Nia Gordon down the right side. The chemistry was there for Sabrina McNeill, Felicia Knox and Addie McCain in the beginning stages of the match, putting together a strong run of one touch passes on the left side.
Goalkeeper Cosette Morché made a clutch save on a hard shot in the 15th minute to keep the game tied at 0-0. In the 18th minute, Knox took a shot on a free kick that was saved by the DC keeper, and the rebound fell to Jasmine Hamid – who’s header was saved on the rebound.
Cameron Brooks, McNeill and Hamid were crucial in defeating the DC Power press, using their chemistry to get the ball into FTL’s half of the field. Kiara Locklear and Laurel Ansbrow continued being physical on both ends of the pitch, setting the tone for the match.
Hamid nearly broke through, hitting the outside of the net on a shot in the 34th minute. McCain put a header on target just three minutes later, but it was saved by the DC keeper. Just as halftime approached, DC took the lead after a Morché save rebounded into the box, and FTL UTD went into the break trailing 0-1.
Midfielder Darya Rajaee opened the second half with an unreal through-ball pass for Hamid in the 51st minute, sparking a bit of creativity for the FTL side. McCain played an amazing pass for Knox in the 57th minute, who’s shot just missed the net in the 57th minute.
McNeill made a terrific run down the left side from end to end, earning a throw-in down in DC territory. Knox continued to hunt for the net, taking another shot that just missed the net to the right in the 60th minute. The first wave of reinforcements entered the match for FTL UTD in the 64th minute, with Anele Komani and Delaney Lindahl entering the match for Taylor Smith and Knox.
In the 69th minute, McCain played a perfect chest pass to McNeill. The Canadian took a shot, but it was saved by the DC keeper. Another wave of subs entered the match in the 76th minute, with Sheyenne Allen and Jorian Baucom making their way onto the pitch for Hamid and Locklear.
On a goal kick in the 83rd minute, Morché sent the ball all the way to just in front of the DC box, where a defender got in front of the ball and attempted to shield it. McNeill – showing tenacity and intensity – made her way around the shielding defender and fired the ball into the back of the net to equalize the match.
Just after the goal, Tati Fung came onto the field for Rajaee in the 85th minute to keep the pressure on the DC defense. Both clubs continued to apply pressure and chase the winning goal, but after 90 minutes, Fort Lauderdale United FC and DC Power FC tied, walking away with a point each.
Scoring Summary
DC: Loza, ‘45
FTL: McNeill, ‘83
Back in Action
Fort Lauderdale United will return to the pitch on Saturday, May 24 for a home matchup with Dallas Trinity FC in the final home showing of the year for the club. The two sides have each won a match at home while drawing in the third matchup in Dallas, and the fourth and final matchup will have everything at stake as the playoffs near closer.
Tickets
Season ticket packages for all home matches, as well as single-game tickets can be purchased here. FTL UTD’s next – and final – regular season home match is scheduled for Saturday, May 24 against Dallas Trinity FC for Fan Appreciation Night. The two sides are evenly matched this season, with one win apiece and a draw in their three meetings.
