WASHINGTON (September 22, 2026) — Despite a spirited second-half comeback and Abi Hugh’s first goal of the campaign, Fort Lauderdale United FC suffered a heart-wrenching 2-1 defeat to DC Power FC on a cold, rain-soaked Tuesday morning in the nation’s capital. A late 89th-minute strike by DC’s Gianna Thomason proved to be the difference, handing Fort Lauderdale its fourth consecutive loss in Gainbridge Super League play.

Navigating a slick pitch and a damp 60-degree morning, Fort Lauderdale came out with high-intensity pressing from the opening whistle. The visitors nearly broke the deadlock in the 10th minute off a brilliant sequence, with midfielder Nicole Vernis threading a ball to Kiara Locklear, whose driving effort struck the far post. Sh’nia Gordon maintained her blistering form as a primary playmaker on the wing, fueling multiple attacks throughout the opening 45 minutes. Attempts from Kelli Van Treeck, Hugh, and Gordon kept the pressure on, but the sides went into halftime deadlocked in a scoreless battle.

DC Power seized the upper hand early in the second half when Thomason found the back of the net in the 62nd minute. Unfazed, Fort Lauderdale responded with immediate urgency. Just four minutes later, Daniela Todd sparked the attack with a driving run, nearly equalizing on a sliding attempt that was deflected wide for a corner kick.

Setting up the set piece, Kelsey Oyler delivered a clever, low pass to the top of the 18-yard box. Hugh met it in stride, driving a sweeping one-touch strike off the far post and into the back of the net in the 67th minute. The slick equalizer marked Hugh’s first goal of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season and brought Fort Lauderdale back on equal terms.

Looking to claim all three points, Head Coach Tyrone Mears turned to his bench, introducing fresh legs in Grace Cutler and Taylor Smith. However, as the match neared full time, Thomason struck again for DC Power in the 89th minute, deflating Fort Lauderdale’s comeback bid.

Fort Lauderdale fought valiantly through seven minutes of stoppage time, nearly salvaging a point in the 97th minute when Hugh’s late chance flashed just wide right of the target.

With the result, Fort Lauderdale United moves to 1-5-0 (3 PTS) on the season, while DC Power FC improves to 3-2-2 (11 PTS). Fort Lauderdale will now benefit from a full week of rest before continuing its road trip with a matchup against Brooklyn FC, aiming to get back into the win column.

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