Fort Lauderdale CF snapped its two-game losing streak as the Club came away with its first draw of the season, tying 2-2 against Forward Madison FC. The match at DRV PNK Stadium kicked off at 7:30 p.m. ET and aired live on ESPN+.
Inclement weather quickly dissipated early in the match, but the intensity lingered throughout the 90 additional minutes for both teams this evening. Fort Lauderdale drew first blood as forward George Acosta played a pinpoint long ball behind the defense to Mitch Curry, who outpaced his defender before rounding the goalkeeper and punctuating a dazzling display of athleticism by striking a precision shot to slide the ball into the back of the net from a tight angle. The goal was Curry’s first of the season, coming in just his fourth appearance and first start. The assist was Acosta’s USL League One-leading fifth of the season, placing him halfway to the league record.
The visiting team, meanwhile, had a few opportunities in the beginning of the match to find the back of the net, but were limited to a scoreless first half thanks to the defensive contributions of Noah Allen at left back and Inter Miami loanee Edison Azcona in midfield.
The second half of the match drew an offensive spark from both teams, as the momentum continued to sway well into the final minutes. At the 59-minute mark, Madison’s Jake Keegan struck a shot at the right side of the goal from just outside the eight-yard box, tying the game at 1-1.
Substitutions by both teams at the 69-minute mark proved fruitful for Fort Lauderdale as a cross initiated by second-half sub Shaan Hundal led to a deflection from Madison’s recent substitute Christian Diaz, resulting in an own goal from Diaz that returned the lead to the home team.
The final goal of the night, however, came at the 85-minute mark by Madison’s Derek Gebhard as the forward dribbled into position before striking the ball with his left foot, delivering a curled shot flying over the defender and into the top-left corner of the net for the equalizer.
Next Up for Fort Lauderdale is a road matchup versus North Carolina FC at the WakeMed Soccer Park on Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m. ET.
