DC Power FC was able to fight back to gain a road point with a 1-1 draw on Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Sun. Claire Constant’s 63rd minute goal was enough to offset Jordan Fusco’s 23rd minute opening goal to allow both teams to share the points.

The match started slow, with both teams struggling to get their footing and momentum. Both teams had trouble maintaining substantial possession in the opening 20 minutes, but still there was some opportunities that were left without serious shots on goal.

In the 23rd minute, Tampa Bay struck first. DC couldn’t get the ball out of the box, and after Jordan Fusco took a shot, it ricocheted back to her. Fusco was able to slide a second shot through the defense and past DC Power goalkeeper Morgan Aquino to make it 1-0 to the Sun.

DC tried to open the game up a bit before halftime, but they couldn’t get the break through. Tampa Bay had the chances on goal, including one just as it hit first half stoppage time, but the match went to the half still at 1-0.

Gianna Gourley, who leads the team in goals so far this season, picked up a knock in the 52nd minute. She walked off slowly but under her own power after receiving treatment. Still, head coach Omid Namazi opted to replace her in the 56th minute, subbing on Loza Abera.

DC Power was pressing to get a goal, and in the 63rd minute, they were finally able to get one. After a couple of shots were cleared out by Tampa Bay, a loose ball on the right side of the box fell to Emily Colton, who found Alexis Theoret on the back pass. Theoret sent a cross towards net that Liz Beardsley couldn’t handle. The loose ball fell to Claire Constant right in front of the net, who poked it home to make it 1-1. It was DC Power’s first goal ever against Tampa Bay Sun.

A couple minutes later, Loza Abera had a chance to take the lead. On a long ball, Loza Abera just sprinted past everyone to win the ball and get a shot off that Beardsley saved out of bounds for a corner kick. Tampa Bay got their chance a few minutes after that, but Claire Constant and Morgan Aquino combined to stop the shot from Gabby Provenzano off a Sabrina McNeill headed pass.

DC Power continued to push forward to try and get a game-winner, and it felt like momentum was moving their way. However, they weren’t able to push through. Deep into stoppage time, Tampa Bay had what they though was one final chance off a DC Power turnover. However, their shot was deflected into the air and calmly collected by Aquino. DC Power went on the break immediately and had an opportunity. However, Susanna Fitch’s shot went high and wide of the net.

Tampa Bay quickly was able to get the ball back downfield and get an opportunity on the break. Faith Webber was able to flick a shot that Morgan Aquino parried away. The rebound fell towards goal, and Jordan Zade had a chance to steal 3 points at the death. However, her volley in front of an open goal went high over the bar. That proved to be the final kick of the match, and both teams shared the point.

With the draw, DC Power moves to 4W-5L-7D and 19 points on the season, just 3 points below the playoff line. They now have a 3.5 week break until their next match against Dallas Trinity on March 12th at Audi Field. That match will serve as the spring home opener for DC Power.