FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (October 22, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC (2-6-1, 7 PTS) played to an intense draw against top-seeded Carolina Ascent FC (7-1-2, 23 PTS) on Thursday evening at Amerant Bank Field in the final meeting between the two clubs during the 2026 Gainbridge Super League campaign. Goalkeeper Haley Craig delivered a five-save performance against the league’s top attack to earn her second clean sheet of the season in Interim Head Coach Paul Jennison’s third match at the helm.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LZ73F5GAfk
A Battle in South Florida
It was a beautiful night for Thursday evening soccer in Fort Lauderdale, with the intensity evident from kickoff. Craig was the star of the first 45 minutes, recording four saves, including an incredible double save. Throughout the first half, Fort Lauderdale used its defensive pressure to create counterattacking opportunities. Gordon continued her strong run of form, creating several chances but coming up short on a pair of promising opportunities. Craig made the play of the half in the 25th minute, making an impressive double save to preserve the scoreless draw and bring the home crowd to its feet as her teammates surrounded her in celebration. Despite quality chances on both ends of the pitch, the clubs went into halftime scoreless.
An Intense Finish
The second half opened much like the first, with both teams trading chances as they searched for all three points. Fort Lauderdale created its best opportunity of the match in the 61st minute when Farrah Walters sent an in-swinging cross to the back post for Abi Hugh, whose volley was saved by the Carolina goalkeeper. The home side nearly struck again in the 74th minute when Hugh delivered a cross from the left side for Kelsey Oyler at the near post, but the effort was saved once again. Jennison made several changes throughout the remainder of the match, bringing Oyler, Daniela Todd, Amber Nguyen, Molly McDougal and Jules Cagle onto the pitch as Fort Lauderdale looked to secure all three points in the final stages. Craig delivered once again in stoppage time, making a point-blank save to preserve the draw and secure her second clean sheet of the season on Thursday evening against Carolina Ascent FC. With the result, Fort Lauderdale has earned points for the third time this season, handing Carolina Ascent its second draw of the campaign, and the club will look to carry that momentum into next Sunday’s road clash with Dallas Trinity FC.
Back in Action on November 1
Fort Lauderdale United will return to the pitch on Sunday, November 1, traveling to the Lone Star State to take on Dallas Trinity FC. The clubs will meet for the second and final time this season, with Dallas earning a 2-1 victory in a hard-fought matchup at Amerant Bank Field on September 18. With Fort Lauderdale looking to close out the season on a high note, next Sunday’s road clash will be an important opportunity to earn points.
Get Your Tickets
Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to Amerant Bank Field on Friday, November 6, hosting rival Tampa Bay Sun FC in the United For Good Game – supporting United Way Broward – in the final edition of the Florida Derby in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League campaign. 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.
