FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC has hit the ground running in its inaugural season in the USL Super League. For a club just beginning its journey, having familiar faces on the roster can be a comforting and stabilizing advantage – and for two key players, that familiarity has made all the difference.
Two of the most essential pieces of the FTL UTD lineup – midfielder Addie McCain and goalkeeper Cosette Morché – spent two seasons together at Texas A&M (2017–2018), forming a bond and friendship that began as college teammates.
“We’ve been a part of each other’s lives since college, and just to know that we have each other’s back – that we’re going to be there for each other in the great, positive moments, but also the tough ones,” said Morché. “I think we’re both each other’s rock.”
“I think we’re both each other’s rock.”
– Cosette Morché
The College Days
McCain and Morché played together for a pair of seasons at Texas A&M, as Morché transferred to Aggieland for her final two years of eligibility just as McCain arrived as a freshman. During their time in College Station, the duo started 38 games together, helping the Aggies compile a 35-7-3 record over that span. Both were key contributors in the lineup that captured the 2017 SEC Tournament title – the third conference championship in program history. McCain finished her collegiate career with 16 goals and 16 assists, earning 2020 SEC Midfielder of the Year and All-SEC First Team honors in her final season. Morché, meanwhile, recorded 142 saves and 20 clean sheets in her two seasons, and was named the team’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2018.
The duo made the Texas A&M coaching staff and program proud during their time as Aggies – and they continue to represent Aggieland well in their professional careers today.
“It’s so cool seeing Addie and Cosette playing together for Fort Lauderdale United in the USL Super League,” said G Guerrieri, Head Coach at Texas A&M. “They both are such wonderful examples of what any team would want – great people, fully dedicated athletes, and great teammates. Both of them were special players for Texas A&M, leading us to SEC Championships during their time in Aggieland.”
McCain and Morché remain grateful for their time as college teammates, where their friendship first took root. They created countless memories on and off the field – moments they’ll carry with them for a lifetime.
“Our friendship started while we were in college together, and we’re really good friends,” McCain said. “Cosette is an awesome person – she’s loyal and very fun to be around.”
“I just feel like our college team was such a family, and I loved little things like dancing before games in the locker room with our disco ball,” said Morché. “Winning the 2017 SEC Tournament meant everything to us. Tournament play is very difficult, so to push and win back-to-back games over that exhausting short period of time – just the fact that we were able to win shows our group dynamic. It was really exciting and very heartwarming.”
“Our friendship started while we were in college, and we’re really good friends.”
– Addie McCain
The Early Pro Days
After their memorable run at Texas A&M, both McCain and Morché successfully made the leap to the professional ranks after leaving College Station. Morché took her talents overseas, playing for a trio of European clubs – GPSO 92 Issy, Valencia CF, and Montpellier HSC – making 30 appearances over three seasons. McCain, meanwhile, spent three years in the NWSL after being selected 17th overall by the KC Current in the 2021 NWSL Draft, most recently suiting up for the Chicago Red Stars in 2023.
Both players were rotational pieces for their respective clubs and endured difficult periods as they searched for a place that offered the opportunity and respect they felt they had earned.
“We both had similar stories – not necessarily getting the opportunities that we wanted or felt that we deserved,” said McCain. “I think having each other to go through those moments – to compare stories, to be a shoulder to cry on if needed – those are some of the best memories that I have and will continue to share. I’m grateful to have Cosette as a friend because of that.”
As they continued their search for a new home, both players landed on the radar of Fort Lauderdale United FC, a brand-new club preparing for its inaugural season in 2024.
“When we were both looking for a new team, we kind of talked about it,” McCain said. “We were like, ‘How fun would it be to play together again?’ We both said we were interested in Fort Lauderdale United, and if they wanted both of us, it would be so cool to be with each other again.”
Reunited in the Sunshine State
“Being a pro athlete is difficult, and the fact that we’re both here together on a top professional team – it’s kind of surreal, and it makes all the hard things you go through worth it.”
– Cosette Morché
Ahead of its inaugural season in the USL Super League, McCain and Morché reunited after both players signed with Fort Lauderdale United FC in the early stages of 2024. The friends were thrilled to reunite – as joining a brand-new team filled with unfamiliar faces isn’t always easy, especially when adjusting to a new environment.
“It’s been nice having a familiar face here with me. I’ve been in multiple situations where I’ve been on a team where I knew nobody, and it was a completely different language and a different country,” said Morché. “Just being back in the U.S. in general, and then having Addie – someone I already knew – made everything feel much more comfortable and easy.”
The duo have been crucial pieces for a Fort Lauderdale United squad with its eyes firmly set on the postseason in its opening season. McCain has been the heartbeat of the FTL UTD team, starting all 24 matches while leading the club in goals (10), minutes played (2,073), interceptions (30), duels won (159), and tackles won (53). She’s also earned four Super League Team of the Month honors. Morché, meanwhile, has been a brick wall in goal, appearing in 18 matches and logging 1,566 minutes. The Texas A&M product has recorded 28 saves and earned a Team of the Month selection for her standout performances.
The struggles and setbacks both players faced make their current success all the more meaningful. Where they are now is a testament to the challenges of being a professional athlete – and to the hard work and perseverance it takes to finally reach the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’ve always respected Addie as a person and a player, and seeing how both of our careers have gone – we’ve both been through tough experiences. Since we’re both here on the same team – and doing really well – I think it’s a bit emotional,” said Morché. “I’m very happy that both of us are in a place where we’re playing and enjoying it. Being a professional athlete is difficult, and the fact that we’re both here together on a top professional team – it’s kind of surreal, and it makes all the hard things you go through worth it.”
Full Circle
Looking back at how far they’ve come since their college days at Texas A&M, and now reunited on the same professional team, the significance of the moment isn’t lost on either of them. The chance to play together again and continue building their friendship is something neither of them expected.
“It feels awesome,” said McCain. “I think we would both be really proud of ourselves, and it’s probably not something either one of us would have predicted. We’ve both played on different professional teams, but to be together again and continue building our friendship on and off the field has been really cool.”
What began in College Station has come full circle in Fort Lauderdale – two friends playing the game they love side-by-side. Fort Lauderdale United FC has just four matches remaining in its inaugural season, and the duo will be relied upon heavily as the club has its focus solely on earning a postseason berth.