FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC’s USL Academy League team has had an impressive second season, sitting at a 7-2-1 record with two games remaining. It is currently in 2nd place of the Florida division, putting them in good position to qualify for the USL Academy Playoffs for the second straight year, which take place in early December.
Across the club’s ten games, they have scored 30 goals, with 17 different goalscorers. Midfielder Agustin Malec (7 apps, 6 starts) and forwards Ethan Mitler (8 apps, 5 starts) and Sebastian Fernandez (5 apps, 4 starts) are tied for most goals scored, each with three. Completing the dominant attack are forwards Carl Laurent (4 apps, 2 starts, 2 goals) and Raul Leyva, who has five starts and one goal, in addition to being named Broward County 4A-1A Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year.Malec, along with Jordan Mangatal (7 starts, 2 goals) and Angelo Rodriguez (8 apps, 2 goals), headline Fort Lauderdale’s midfield and lead the team’s aggressive and high-press style of play.
On the backline, Fort Lauderdale has Luca Echeumuna (8 apps, 6 starts), Alex Carre (8 apps, 7 starts), and Logan Hall, who has seven starts and two goals, in addition to being 2024-25 Florida Gatorade Player of the Year and Broward County 7A-5A Boys’ Soccer Player of the Year. Fort Lauderdale also utilizes the versatility and consistency of defender Jordan Herrera (7 apps, 3 starts, 1 goal) and midfielder Rafael De Almeida (8 apps, 4 starts, 2 goals), who are both able to impact games whether they start or come off the bench.
Four goalkeepers have defended the woodwork for Fort Lauderdale United, the main one being Nikolas Ricardo, who has seven starts and two shutouts. Samir Blouse (3 apps, 2 shutouts), Alan Flores (4 apps, 3 starts, 1 shutout) and Mateo Valencia (1 app) round out the squad’s goalkeeper room.
Winning out its final two games would put Fort Lauderdale in a great position to qualify for the USL Academy playoffs, especially with Miami FC close behind in the standings and having two extra games at hand. Fort Lauderdale’s remaining games are home against Inter Gainesville KF on August 10th and away against FC Miami City on August 20th.
