DC Power FC was able to leave Beyond Bancard Field with a point on Saturday night as they fought to a 1-1 draw with Fort Lauderdale United FC. Gianna Gourley, in her return to South Florida for the first time since being acquired on loan by DC Power, scored the goal for DC Power, while Jasmine Hamid – sister of Bill Hamid – scored for Fort Lauderdale.

The match was pretty even throughout the first half, with both teams feeling each other out. At times, the match was wide open, while it was a sluggish affair during some sizeable stretches. Still, the match was scoreless at the half.

DC Power came out and they made an immediate impact to start the second half. 40 seconds in, Susanna Fitch fed Gianna Gourley, who scored the opening goal to make it 1-0 DC. It was Gianna’s fourth goal of the season.

I thought Sue did a great job,” Gianna Gourley said in comments made after the match. “She had a lot of confidence to take that player on. She I mean, she did all the work, and I just kind of made my run inside, did a little floater to get lost, and she placed the ball perfectly.”

DC Power was not able to hold the lead for long, as a few minutes later, Jasmine Hamid was able to head the ball off a corner to ricochet off the bottom of the crossbar and across the line to level the score at 1-1.

“[The goal was] just poorly marked,” interim coach Phil Nana stated after the match. “I think we were just a little slow to get off and twist and turn allowing [Hamid] to to be free and that’s where we struggle…It’s about our mindset. You know, you’re most vulnerable right after you score. And again, it comes back to bite us.”

The two teams fought back and forth in a match that was filled with “ups and downs,” and both teams were able to create a couple of opportunities. Still, the match ended 1-1 and despite needing a win, Phil Nana will take the point on the plane ride home.

“[It’s] always a positive when you can come on the road and get a point, especially [against] Fort Lauderdale,” Nana said. “I have a lot of respect for Tyrone [Mears], and the things he’s able to do, especially tactically, I think he’s one of the best in the league. So [the draw] bodes well for the team, and it also gives us a little bit of confidence. It’s been a tough week, the short games, the back-to-back..so for the girls to bounce back like this from such a tough loss against Carolina [Ascent], I think it’s nothing but positive.”

DC Power FC improves to 3W-11L-7D with 16 points, but remain in last place in the USL Super League standings. They’re back at home on Friday when they host Tampa Bay Sun.