FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 28, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC (1-1-0, 3 PTS) earned its first victory of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League campaign on Friday evening, defeating Brooklyn FC (0-3-0, 0 PTS) for the first win at the newly named Amerant Bank Field. Midfielder Nicole Vernis found the back of the net off an impressive assist from Sh’nia Gordon, securing all three points for the Sunshine State club. With the victory, Fort Lauderdale has earned its first win of the season and will look to carry that momentum into a two-match road trip, beginning with a visit to the Tar Heel State.
Fort Lauderdale United will return to action on Saturday, September 5 for its first road match of the season, traveling to take on Carolina Ascent FC in a rematch of the 2024/25 USL Super League Semifinal. With Fort Lauderdale looking to build on its first win of the campaign and spark a win streak, Saturday’s matchup will be a high-intensity battle in North Carolina.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2RGxwSbgGg
Fort Lauderdale opened the match strong on the defensive end, highlighted by a pair of impressive plays from Ella Simpson and Kelsey Oyler. Vernis showcased her elite passing ability throughout the first half, connecting with Kiara Locklear and Grace Cutler on dangerous through balls. Oyler’s left-footed crosses were another key component of Fort Lauderdale’s attack throughout the opening 45 minutes, with a 31st-minute switch finding Sh’nia Gordon inside the Brooklyn box. Despite a strong opening half, the sides went into the halftime break scoreless.
The second half opened with Tyrone Mears’ first change of the match, bringing Kelli Van Treeck onto the pitch for Emily Thompson. Within 30 seconds, Fort Lauderdale jumped out in front after an incredible run from Gordon found Vernis at the back post. The midfielder fired a one-touch shot into the near post, scoring the club’s first goal of the 2026 campaign and giving Fort Lauderdale the lead.
Goalkeeper Haley Craig was the star of the second half, making a pair of incredible saves to preserve the lead. The Stanford product made impressive quick-reaction saves in the 49th and 77th minutes, respectively, to earn her first clean sheet of 2026. Reinforcements entered throughout the second half to help close out the victory, with Taylor Smith, Abi Hugh, Farrah Walters and Daniela Todd all entering the match as Fort Lauderdale secured its first victory of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League campaign.
Scoring Summary
FTL: Vernis, 47’
Back in Action
Fort Lauderdale will continue the 2026 campaign on the road, heading to the Tar Heel State to take on Carolina Ascent FC on Saturday, September 5. You can watch the match HERE.
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Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to Amerant Bank Field on Friday, September 18 when it hosts Dallas Trinity FC in a high-stakes matchup. Click HERE to get your tickets! Stay tuned and follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with all things FTL UTD on Instagram, X(Twitter), LinkedIn, TikTok, and Facebook.
