Fort Lauderdale United Draws Tampa Bay in Florida Derby

A late goal from the home side saves a point

Davie, FL- Fort Lauderdale United returned home to Beyond Bancard Field for their big derby match against the Tampa Bay Sun. As always, these games are intense and difficult when these two sides representing the state of Florida want to prove they are the best in the Sunshine State. Once again, after a rousing 90 minutes, it ends in another draw, but this time a one-goal draw.

Tampa Bay gets a penalty

The Sun gained possession of the ball, then went on the attack. As the play entered the area, Kelli Van Treeck tried to take the ball away; instead, she fouled her marker inside the area, and the referee blew her whistle and pointed to the spot. Sydny Nasello took the spot kick and buMadison McComaskyried it for the lead in the 73rd minute.

Fort Lauderdale levels it late

FTL United kept pushing and pushing to get the equalizer. Nothing came inside regulation, so off to second half stoppage time they went. It finally happened inside the first of four minutes. Kiara Locklear received a great ball for the chance to win it, but was stopped by the keeper, leaving a rebound. Rushing in was Madison McComasky, who finally punched it home to split the points.

“Yeah, looks really good. I honestly didn’t expect it, but, you know, I saw Kiara going for her shot, and I was like, Look, follow it up to the end. Look, I’m really happy to get my first goal for the team. Do I wish it were the three points? Yeah, but, you know, I’ll take the one point, sure,” said McComasky

The Florida Derby had it all

Once again, both sides gave a great fight out on the pitch, either in Tampa or in Davie, but you got a quality match as these two sides continued to put on a strong performance. While this is the second draw of the season between these two clubs, you saw United battle back when they were behind within the final 17 minutes of regulation.

“I say it all the time. Our team is relentless. We have this character about us. We show up every single day. Doesn’t matter if it’s a recovery day; their mentality is top notch. It’s exactly what I expect from this team. And we’re looking at a big photo right now, and yeah, we didn’t find the back of the net as much as we wanted to. We created a lot of opportunities. We were essentially in our attacking half the entire game. And it’s gonna come, and it’ll flow wholeheartedly. Just have to believe in it and just keep moving the needle for it every day,” said Head Coach Ali Rogers.

Fort Lauderdale United’s next match is on the road as the Florida Derby moves on to Northeast Florida, as they travel to face Sporting Jax in Jacksonville. Playing at Hodges Stadium on the campus of the University of North Florida at 7:30 PM on Saturday, November 22nd. You can watch on Stream on NBC’s Peacock app or website.

Fort Lauderdale United News:

• Fort Lauderdale United Falls to DC Power in Mid-Week in our Nation’s Capital
• One Goal gives Fort Lauderdale United a Huge Victory on the road
• Ten Women Fort Lauderdale United hold off Brooklyn FC with a One Goal Draw

“Exciting Fort Lauderdale United Matches make you celebrate a good game. — Michelob Ultra celebrates the superior athletes who excel wherever the game takes them. Superior light beer for superior competitors.”

“This exclusive Fort Lauderdale United coverage is brought to you by Bad Dawg Sports — your insider source for South Florida’s most compelling Gainbridge Super League stories. From the first minute till the last.

📧 Upgrade to our Premium Newsletter for exclusive World Cup qualifying insights, European football coverage, and match analysis from credentialed journalists who understand the beautiful game.