Fortunes in the USL Super League seem to change every week, and this one was no different. Last weekend’s results showed how tight the competition is across the league and that all unbeaten streaks eventually come to an end.
Here are the three biggest takeaways from Week 23:
Tampa Bay is Fort Lauderdale’s kryptonite
Heading into Saturday, Fort Lauderdale United FC looked like it might be able to pull out the win against its interstate rival. United was at home, won its last two and four of its last five matches, and Jasmine Hamid was on a heater.
But just like when it met Tampa Bay Sun FC a few weeks ago, Fort Lauderdale couldn’t hold on for all three points. The hosts won the possession battle with 55 percent of the ball, but only one of its eight shots were on target. Meanwhile, the Sun had three shots on frame, with its goal coming from FTL’s backline being a step too slow and Hamid keeping Cecilie Fløe onside. Cosette Morché made a huge save in the 14th minute after Fort Lauderdale had a defensive breakdown, otherwise Tampa Bay could have come away with the win.
Against the other two teams Fort Lauderdale has faced this spring, its defense looked organized and has conceded just once to Carolina Ascent’s Mia Corbin. But Tampa Bay completely exposed FTL’s defensive weaknesses, and the sides split points once again.
Spokane and DC need to play with urgency sooner
Both Spokane Zephyr FC and DC Power FC opened their spring accounts with impressive performances that could’ve given them momentum to build off of in Week 23, especially being back at home. However, Carolina Ascent FC and Lexington SC spoiled their returns with both matches ending 2-1.
Ironically, DC and Spokane both prevented the shutout with goals in the 85th minute. It wasn’t until late in the second half that both teams picked up the pace and put their opponents on their heels with quality looks on goal. The fact remains eighth-placed DC is last in the league with 13 goals conceded in the first half, and seventh-placed Spokane isn’t far behind on 11 goals against. It’s a big reason why they’re in the spots they sit in.
What is happening to Brooklyn?
Nobody could’ve predicted the 6-0 smackdown that Brooklyn FC suffered against Dallas Trinity FC on Sunday. Not only had Dallas not scored against Brooklyn in either of their last two matches against each other, Brooklyn had conceded just nine goals all season, the only single-digit figure in the league. And to be shutout for the second week in a row is extremely unlike Brooklyn.
But since the group’s return to play last month, they’ve just looked a little off. They conceded early against Tampa Bay but battled back to earn a point. They looked slow and blunt in attack in the scoreless draw against Lexington. Against Dallas, they could barely get out of their own half, let alone connect two passes together. Brooklyn plays second-place Fort Lauderdale next week, and if it shows up how it has all spring, it can kiss that No. 1 spot goodbye.