FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In a pivotal battle with USL Super League playoff implications, Fort Lauderdale United FC (9-7-7, 34 PTS) will host Brooklyn FC (9-9-7, 34 PTS) at Beyond Bancard Field on Saturday evening. The two sides have faced off three times this season, with Fort Lauderdale holding the edge in the series after a pair of wins. Entering the weekend tied at 34 points – alongside Tampa Bay Sun FC – Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff could prove to be one of the season’s most decisive moments for Fort Lauderdale United.
Coming off its second loss in the last four matches, Fort Lauderdale United FC is eager to return to the win column against a familiar foe – one it has already defeated twice this season. The team’s high-powered attack is led by the league’s most prolific duo: Addie McCain (10 goals) and Jasmine Hamid (9 goals), who have combined for 19 goals – the most by any pairing in the USL Super League. Supporting the front line are Kiara Locklear (4 goals, 4 assists) and Sh’Nia Gordon (3 goals, 2 assists), helping Fort Lauderdale rank 4th in the league with 30 goals scored.
Defensively, the club is anchored by center back Laurel Ansbrow and goalkeeper Cosette Morché, both March Team of the Month selections. Fort Lauderdale has conceded just 27 goals, the third-fewest in the league. With both clubs level on points in the standings, Fort Lauderdale will look to seize a crucial three points and create separation in the playoff race.
Brooklyn FC enters the weekend winless in its last 11 matches (6 losses, 5 draws), managing just 5 goals while conceding 22 during that stretch. Despite the skid, Brooklyn features a trio of capable scorers: Mackenzie George and Jessica Garziano have each tallied 4 goals, while Luana Grabias leads the squad with 5. On the defensive side, goalkeepers Neeku Purcell and Sydney Martinez have combined for 8 clean sheets and 70 saves. Defenders Allison Pantuso (1st – 1,483 passes) and Kelsey Hill (4th – 1,274) both rank in the league’s top four in total passes, but the club’s back line has struggled, allowing 31 goals – the second-most in the league. Brooklyn faces a major test this weekend against one of the Super League’s most potent attacks in Fort Lauderdale United.
Matchup History
The two teams first met on October 6 in Fort Lauderdale for a rainy, hard-fought home match. The thriller was decided by a rocket of a shot in the 82nd minute, securing a gritty three points for FTL UTD.
Their second meeting came just three weeks later on October 27 in Brooklyn. Felicia Knox netted her first goal of the season, but Fort Lauderdale fell 1–3 on the road.
The third clash took place on March 15, again in Brooklyn. Sh’Nia Gordon recorded a brace, leading Fort Lauderdale United to a 2–0 win. The victory briefly put FTL UTD alone at the top of the USL Super League standings.
Where to Watch
The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. and it will be streamed on the Peacock app and available for local viewing on FanDuel Sports Network. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.
Tickets
Season ticket packages for all home matches, as well as single-game tickets can be purchased here. FTL UTD’s next home match is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 against Brooklyn FC for Youth Night/FYSA Girls in Soccer Night. The clubs have met three times this season, with Fort Lauderdale United FC leading the series 2-1 after a pair of wins.