FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (September 10, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC (1-2-0, 3 PTS) is set to close out its two-match road trip on Saturday evening, traveling to take on Tampa Bay Sun FC (1-1-1, 4 PTS) in the first Florida Derby of the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season. Fort Lauderdale is looking to earn its first win over its in-state rival, while Tampa Bay is searching for a victory in its home opener at Suncoast Credit Union Field. With Fort Lauderdale looking to bring points back to Amerant Bank Field, Saturday’s rivalry clash promises to be a high-intensity matchup.
Fort Lauderdale United enters Saturday’s meeting after falling to Carolina Ascent in its first road match of the season and will play its second consecutive match away from home. The matchup also marks the beginning of a three-match stretch across the next 10 days. The club’s dynamic attack has remained dangerous through the opening three matches, led by Kiara Locklear, Grace Cutler, Sh’nia Gordon and Farrah Walters. The midfield features Nicole Vernis, Kelli Van Treeck, Emily Thompson and Shea Moyer, while Haley Thomas, Ella Simpson, Kelsey Oyler and Maggie Mace anchor a strong defensive unit. Goalkeeper Haley Craig will look to record the second clean sheet of her career after blanking Brooklyn FC just two matches ago. With Fort Lauderdale looking to close out its road trip on a strong note, Saturday’s matchup presents an important opportunity to earn points.
Tampa Bay Sun FC enters Saturday’s match ready for its home opener after opening the season with three road matches, including a 2-0 victory over Carolina Ascent on August 29. The club is led by its veteran core of Jordyn Listro, Sydny Nasello, Vivianne Bessette and Brooke Hendrix, while Shea Connors ranks tied for third in the league with two goals. Coming off a bye week, Tampa Bay enters the matchup well-rested and is one of just three teams in the league to have recorded a win, draw and loss this season. The inaugural Gainbridge Super League champions are also the only team to have played both seasons that Fort Lauderdale has yet to defeat, with the clubs meeting nine times. With Fort Lauderdale searching for its first win over its in-state rival, Saturday’s meeting sets the stage for another important Florida Derby in Tampa Bay.
Matchup History
The clubs met four times during the 2025/26 campaign, with Tampa Bay winning two meetings while the other two ended in draws.
Where to Watch
The match is set to kick-off at 6:00 p.m. ET. It will be streamed on the Peacock app and locally broadcasted on WPLG Local 10. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.
Get Your Tickets
Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to Amerant Bank Field on Saturday, September 18, hosting Dallas Trinity FC in a highly anticipated matchup during the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season. 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.
