FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (February 27, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC announced today that its USL League Two pathway to the professional ranks has taken a significant step forward, with midfielder Carlos Zambrano signing a professional contract with New England Revolution II ahead of the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro campaign. Zambrano, a foundational piece of the club’s inaugural USL League Two side, becomes the first men’s player to progress through Fort Lauderdale United’s developmental pathway and sign at the professional level.
Zambrano began his collegiate career at Daytona State College, where he spent two seasons before transferring to Syracuse University for his final three years of eligibility. After his first season in the Empire State, the Miami native returned to South Florida to join Fort Lauderdale United’s USL League Two side ahead of its inaugural season.
Zambrano delivered a standout 2025 USL League Two campaign, earning Southern Conference Player of the Year and Team of the Year honors while helping guide Fort Lauderdale United to the League Two Quarterfinals in the club’s initial season. The dynamic midfielder showcased his versatility in front of goal across the entirety of the season, scoring on curling free kicks, long-range strikes and clinical finishes inside the box while his signature backflips and passionate celebrations took center stage. Zambrano recorded five goals and two assists during the campaign, also earning League Two Player of the Month honors in May while establishing himself as one of the premier players in USL League Two.
“We had a great environment with the coaching staff and all the facilities that were provided allowed us to be successful,” Zambrano said. “That helped us get into our rhythm early in the season and allowed me to help the team win big games. Getting those awards meant a lot to me because last summer, I didn’t get a lot of playing time when I knew I could’ve excelled. Fort Lauderdale – my home – gave me the opportunity and confidence I needed to be a key player. Overall, I enjoyed football at its finest in the 954.”
“We had a great environment with the coaching staff, & the facilities that were provided allowed us to be successful. FTL gave me the opportunity & confidence I needed to be a key player.”
– Carlos Zambrano
After his standout summer, Zambrano carried that momentum into his senior season at Syracuse. He appeared in all 20 matches with 12 starts, recording five goals and three assists while helping lead the Orange to the ACC Semifinals and an NCAA Tournament appearance. Zambrano earned the team’s Golden Boot as Syracuse’s leading scorer, an honor previously won by professional standouts Miles Robinson and Tajon Buchanan.
“The confidence I felt after that summer was like no other,” Zambrano said. “I knew what was at stake at Syracuse after we didn’t have a great year the season before. I knew I had to step up, and that’s what I did.”
The South Florida native’s ascent to the professional ranks underscores the growth he experienced across every level of the pathway, culminating in an opportunity at the next stage of his career. For Zambrano, the call was both validation and fulfillment.
“Signing my first professional contract is something I’ve been chasing since I moved here,” Zambrano said. “I always believed that with the work I’ve put into this sport, God would provide an opportunity – and He delivered. When New England gave me a call, I knew this was my chance to achieve my dream. It’s been a blessing for my family and me, but the real work starts now.”
Zambrano’s signing at the professional level further extends the club’s developmental pipeline as Fort Lauderdale ramps up preparations for its men’s professional USL League One side to debut in 2027.
Tickets
Fort Lauderdale will host Orlando Pride in the Sunshine Showdown at Beyond Bancard Field on Saturday, March 7 in another historic meeting between the NWSL and Gainbridge Super League. Get your tickets HERE! Don’t miss your chance to witness history in South Florida!
