Second Consecutive Draw as Fort Lauderdale United drops two points to Ascent

An own goal spoils FTL United’s attempt at a victory inside second half stoppage time

Davie, FL- It’s early in the new season of the USL Gainbridge Super League, as the second week of the season is upon us. Fort Lauderdale United hosted the Carolina Ascent at the Beyond Bancard Field, fighting back from being down a goal, but after the full 90 minutes had finished, Fort Lauderdale was once again behind the eight ball as they ended their second home match with a two-goal draw.

Early Goal inside the first minute

Just as the opening whistle blew, Carolina attacked the Fort Lauderdale area and buzzed inside of it. The defense tried to clear the ball inside their area, but it was intercepted by Madison Mercado. She quickly made a turnaround shot that trickled toward the back post and converted the chance inside the back post. An early hole for the home side, 43 seconds inside the opening minute.

Late Goals for Fort Lauderdale

Since the opening goal, nothing else was going into the net for either side. It felt as if the Ascent was going to take the full three points on the road and back to the Carolina’s for safekeeping. But late in the second half, Fort Lauderdale finally got on the board. Sh’nia Gorden was fouled along the near side and close to the end line. Free kick for Fort Lauderdale as Kathrynn Gonzalez set up the chance.

Gonzalez delivered a good ball across the area, and leaping up with a header was Ella Simpson, as she redirected it from the far side of the area and landed inside the back post for the equalizer in the 72nd minute. Then the home side took the lead when Laurel Ansbrow moved the ball up and made a long cross toward Kiara Locklear. As she got close to the area, Locklear chipped the ball past the keeper for the lead in the 83rd minute.

Own Goal Dooms FTL UTD

As the fourth official posted four minutes of stoppage time, the opening minute saw disaster when the ascent was looking for the late equalizer. As they kept the ball in, Emily Moxley received the pass from the near side. As she tried to adjust and make a move, she took the shot, and unfortunately for Fort Lauderdale striker Sh’nia Gordon, the ball deflected off her left thigh and went past her keeper, Bella Hara.

Second consecutive match for Fort Lauderdale United earned a draw, and has now dropped four out of a possible six points. While it’s early, this can’t continue in this early season for this South Florida side.

“The girls showed resilience tonight. The first half wasn’t good enough, and it was below what is expected for us. But in the second half, they picked it up and played with a lot of energy. I thought Stella (Nyamekye) came on and changed the game for us. She connected the passes, was willing to drive, and attack the space as well. It was just a little bit naive at the end to try and see the game out, but it was a good learning curve for them.” Said Head Coach Tyrone Mears

Their next match is their first road match of the USL Gainbridge Super League, as they travel to the Pacific Northwest, where they face Spokane Zephyr FC at ONE Spokane Stadium in Spokane, Washington. 9 PM EDT – 6 PM PDT. You can watch live locally on WPLG Local Channel 10, or stream on NBC’s Peacock app or Website.