FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Ahead of the inaugural USL Super League Final, No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC (11-8-9, 42 PTS) is set to face off once again with No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC (12-6-10, 46 PTS), but the stakes couldn’t be higher this time. The in-state rivals met four times during the regular season, playing to three hard-fought draws before FTL UTD fell on the road in the final meeting. Both Fort Lauderdale (3W, 2D) and Tampa Bay (4W, 1D) enter the Final unbeaten in their last five matches, setting the stage for a high-powered duel. In the fifth and final showdown between these familiar foes, Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff is set to be an intense battle as the clubs vie for the league’s first-ever championship.
Fort Lauderdale United enters the Final on an incredible run of form, unbeaten in its last five matches – a run highlighted by a stunning win over top-seeded Carolina Ascent last weekend. The red-hot Kiara Locklear was the hero of the Semifinal win, recording a clutch brace, including the last-minute winner in extra time. In addition to Locklear, the dynamic Fort Lauderdale attack is led by All-League First Team selection Addie McCain (10G, 2A), the in-form Sh’nia Gordon (5G, 3A) and All-League Second Team honoree Jasmine Hamid (9G, 2A). On the defensive end, the back line of Julia Grosso, Cameron Brooks, Sabrina McNeill, and two-time Team of the Month standout Laurel Ansbrow has brought much-needed stability late in the season. In goal, Cosette Morché has been a force all season, earning 7 clean sheets in 23 matches and a Team of the Month selection along the way. The Texas A&M product will be a crucial piece to helping FTL UTD overcome Tampa Bay, and secure a victory in the Super League Final.
Tampa Bay enters the Final following an extra-time win over Dallas Trinity FC and carrying strong form, with four wins in its last five matches. A balanced squad, Tampa is led by four All-League selections: Tash Flint and Sydny Nasello (First Team), along with Cecilie Fløe and Vivianne Bessette (Second Team). The trio of Flint, Fløe and Carlee Giammona has combined for 29 goals, the most by any group in the league. Statistically, Tampa ranks second in both goals scored (44) and goals conceded (29), setting the stage for a heavyweight title clash that has all the ingredients of a memorable Final.
Matchup History
The first matchup between the two teams took place on November 10 at Beyond Bancard Field, where Anna Henderson delivered a clutch extra-time goal to earn Fort Lauderdale a 1-1 draw.
The second meeting came on February 8 in Tampa, kicking off the second half of the season. Gordon and Hamid gave FTL UTD a 2-0 lead, but Tampa clawed back to force a 2-2 draw.
On March 8, the third encounter returned to Fort Lauderdale and proved to be the most physical of the series. Hamid struck early, but Tampa once again responded to secure a 1-1 result.
The fourth and final regular season meeting came on April 5 in Tampa. Despite a hard-fought effort, Fort Lauderdale fell 2-0 in its only defeat of the season series.
Where to Watch
The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. ET and it will be streamed on the Peacock app. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.
Tickets
The 2024/25 regular season home schedule may be over, but don’t miss your chance to get ahead – register now to secure your spot for 2025/26 season tickets HERE! 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.
