FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 20, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the addition of former Samford and Orlando Pride defender Ella Simpson to the roster ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ella Simpson to Fort Lauderdale United,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Coming from her time with the Orlando Pride, we expect her to make an immediate impact. Simpson is a composed, technical player who’s confident on the ball, a lockdown defender, and strong in the air. She brings quality and competitiveness that will elevate our group right away.”
A versatile defender who can line up at both center and outside back, Simpson brings an attacking edge with her ability to score while also strengthening Fort Lauderdale United’s retooled back line. At 5’10”, her aerial presence adds another dimension on both ends of the pitch for the club heading into the 2025/26 campaign.
“Ella is a fantastic addition to our roster,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She had an outstanding college career at Samford and gained valuable experience with Orlando Pride. Her versatility, aerial strength, and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball make her a perfect fit for the identity we’re building here in Fort Lauderdale.”
A native of Orlando, Florida, Simpson starred at The First Academy before continuing her career at Samford University in Alabama, where she became an immediate contributor and earned SOCON All-Freshman honors in 2020-21. Simpson went on to start all 97 matches she played for the Bulldogs, logging 8,379 minutes while tallying 21 goals and 4 assists across five seasons. The defender helped lead Samford to three SOCON Championships (2021, 2022, 2024), earning All-Tournament Team honors after each victory.
Simpson’s standout senior campaign in 2024 saw her earn First Team All-SOCON recognition after scoring five goals and adding an assist, including the game-winner in the conference title match against Western Carolina. Following her collegiate career, Simpson signed a temporary injury-replacement contract with the NWSL’s Orlando Pride before joining Fort Lauderdale United ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
A versatile defender with a proven scoring touch, Simpson strengthens Fort Lauderdale’s back line as the club looks to open its season with a victory on Saturday evening.
Season Tickets Available NOW!
Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!
About Fort Lauderdale United FC
Relentlessly striving for greatness at every level – from nurturing our youth talent to embodying the enduring values of Fort Lauderdale – our club stands as a beacon of global competition, unifying our community under the banner of soccer. Through our dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch, and our unwavering pursuit of success, we create a pathway from aspiring youth to professional mastery, ensuring that passion meets opportunity. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s and women’s pre-professional teams in USL League Two and the USL W League, respectively. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.
