December 8, 2024 – USL Super League (USLSL)
Spokane Zephyr FC Press Release
Spokane Zephyr FC lost 2-1 to Fort Lauderdale United FC on Saturday night at Beyond Bancard Field.
Spokane (2-6-5, 12 points) maintained high pressure throughout the game, making it difficult for Fort Lauderdale (5-2-5, 17 points) to build up the defense. Two chances from set pieces gave Zephyr some early momentum, but the momentum quickly shifted once the league’s leading goalscorer took advantage of Zephyr’s defensive thinking.
Addison McCain scored his eighth goal of the season to put FTL ahead after nine minutes after receiving an unmarked ball on the penalty spot and calmly passing it into the back of the net.
Zephyr counterattacked relentlessly, creating several chances in the first half and providing excellent service into dangerous areas, but doing nothing to really test their opponents. Before the half-time whistle, Hope Hisey made a vital diving save to prevent FTL from going wide after a shot from outside the goalkeeper’s box.
After play resumed, both sides traded chances and engaged in end-to-end action once the match began. Emina Ekić had a lot of success on the left wing and gave Spokane several opportunities. Her best attempt came when she found Sophia Braun on the penalty spot. She had a shot on target but it was blocked by a sliding effort from an FTL defender in the 59th minute.
“It was a difficult result on the road,” said Ekić. “We’re hoping to finish the year on a high note in Tampa.”
Zephyr coach Jo Johnson turned things around in the 66th minute, bringing on Katie Murray and Jenny Vetter for Marley Canales and McKenzie Weinert. Eleven minutes later she brought on Mollie Rouse and Jodi Ülkekul for Emma Jaskaniec and Braun.
Hisey, back in action as the game slowed, produced another brilliant dive to parry a wide open FTL header. It was her second game-changing save. Hisey, who kept Spokane alive, made her third diving save in the 85th minute, but the ball deflected perfectly to the back post where Fort Lauderdale substitute Sheyenne Allen was waiting to put the ball into the net.
“It was a disappointing performance tonight,” Hisey said. “We have a week left to regroup and finish the year strong.”
Julianne Vallerand found her chance in the 89th minute, resulting in a Zephyr corner and Spokane’s final chance. Johnson’s lineup change paid off when Murray and Rouse connected seconds after a Zephyr corner to earn a 91st-minute consolation goal and Rouse’s first professional goal with Zephyr.
“I’m really happy to have scored my first goal for the club,” Rouse said. “We are obviously disappointed with the final result and will work hard to make things right in our next game against Tampa. There will be more to come from us!”
While Zephyr were chasing a last-minute equaliser, the final whistle blew and the match ended 2-1 with a win for the hosts. Fort Lauderdale has moved up to fourth in the league table, while Zephyr remain in seventh with one final game left before the winter break.
Spokane is scheduled to conclude the Fall Finale on Dec. 14 in Florida against No. 5 Tampa Bay Sun FC. The game begins at 4pm PST and will be streamed on Peacock.
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