OVERVIEW
A tense and tactical rematch between the reigning champions and their 2024/25 final opponents ended in a stalemate. Tampa Bay Sun controlled possession and created the clearer chances, but Fort Lauderdale United held firm behind a disciplined defensive block and sharp goalkeeping from Bella Hara. Despite a flurry of late opportunities, the Sun were unable to find the breakthrough, settling for a point in front of a passionate home crowd.
WATCH VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS
FIRST HALF
The opening minutes reflected the intensity of a rivalry renewed. Fort Lauderdale started on the front foot, winning three corners inside five minutes and testing Tampa Bay goalkeeper Sydney Schneider early through Sh’nia Gordon. Once settled, the Sun began to dictate tempo through midfield anchor Jordyn Listro and creative outlets Natasha Flint and Sydny Nasello.
The Sun’s first real chance came in the 20th minute when Sabrina McNeill’s close-range header skimmed just over the bar. Two more corners followed as the pressure mounted, but Fort Lauderdale’s back line, led by Laurel Ansbrow and Julia Grosso, repelled the waves of attack.
Fort Lauderdale responded with a swift counter, forcing Schneider into a strong save at the near post from Princess Ademiluyi. The first half closed with both sides exchanging fouls and half-chances, neither able to capitalize before the break.
SECOND HALF
Tampa Bay emerged more assertive in the second half. Ava Tankersley’s drive from distance in the 52nd minute was blocked, and Flint’s delivery from set pieces kept Fort Lauderdale under sustained pressure. Coach’s substitutions at the hour mark injected new life, with McKenna Battilla and Sandrine Gaillard adding pace and physicality in the attacking third.
Gaillard nearly stole all three points in the 74th minute when her curling effort from inside the box grazed the far post. Moments later, Nasello forced a diving save from Hara after a neat exchange with Jordan Zade down the right.
As the match wore on, tempers flared. Four yellow cards were shown in the second half, underscoring the intensity of a fixture fueled by history. Despite late free kicks deep in Fort Lauderdale’s half, the Sun could not convert their territorial dominance into a decisive goal.
KEY PERFORMANCES
- Sydney Schneider: Commanded her box with confidence, producing two vital saves to preserve the clean sheet.
- Sydny Nasello: Dynamic on the right flank, drew multiple fouls and created Tampa Bay’s best chance late on.
- Brooke Hendrix & Vivianne Bessette: Anchored the back line, limiting Fort Lauderdale’s opportunities inside the box.
- Bella Hara (FTL): The standout for the visitors, making critical saves to deny Nasello and Gaillard.
QUOTES
Denise Schilte-Brown
“The opportunity to see these amazing women play, being in the front row to see to watch them live, I mean, it’s what I wanted growing up.”
Brooke Hendrix
“I think they have impressive threats up top. We worked on that all week. Getting our lineup to stay compact and together – we did that well as a team today.”
Sydny Nasello
“We’re not happy with the point, but, we’re happy with the forward trajection. We’re getting better every game and buying into our identity.”
FINAL THOUGHTS
While the draw extends Tampa Bay’s winless start to the season, the performance marked a defensive improvement and a clear statement of intent. The Sun showed resilience, tactical structure, and glimpses of the attacking rhythm that defined their championship run. With key players regaining fitness and form, the foundation is set. The goals will come.