LAKELAND, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC’s USL League Two Men’s side won its matchup with Kings Hammer Sun City on Saturday afternoon, 2-1, in an impressive comeback on the road. Midfielder Andres Morral delivered a brace in a standout performance, securing a vital road win for the resilient, dominant FTL UTD squad. With the victory, Fort Lauderdale improves to seven wins in its first eight matches of the season, and the team now turns its focus to a road clash with Sarasota Paradise on Wednesday, June 18 – a rematch against the lone team to hand FTL UTD a defeat this season, a 2-1 setback at home on June 4.
The match opened with high intensity from both sides, setting a competitive tone early. In the 17th minute, the match was delayed due to lightning in the area, resulting in a significant break in play. When action resumed, Kings Hammer struck first in the 31st minute with a low, near-post finish, marking the first time Fort Lauderdale trailed in the first half this season. After 45 minutes, FTL UTD entered the halftime break down 1-0 for the first time in its inaugural campaign.
Just moments into the second half, Morral brought Fort Lauderdale level with a high-effort play. After forward Michael Appiah applied pressure, a Kings Hammer defender played a slow pass back to the goalkeeper. Morral reacted instantly, sprinting into the box. As the keeper attempted to clear, Morral stuck out a foot and deflected the ball into the net to equalize. His first goal of the season came at a crucial moment for the Fort Lauderdale side, as it swung the momentum in the 48th minute.
In the 62nd minute, captain Mathys Lefebvre put a cross into the box toward a crowd of Fort Lauderdale attackers. The initial ball was cleared, but just moments later, forward Lucas Costa was struck in the stomach by a Kings Hammer defender inside the area. The hard foul resulted in a straight red card for the defender, giving a penalty to Fort Lauderdale. Morral stepped up to the spot, sent the keeper the wrong way and fired the ball into the right side of the net to give Fort Lauderdale a 2-1 advantage in the 65th minute, giving him a brace in the match and his second goal of the season. With the lead and a man advantage, Fort Lauderdale United FC controlled the final half hour, closing out a hard-fought 2-1 win on the road at Kings Hammer Sun City.
Back In Action
Fort Lauderdale United FC’s USL League Two side returns to action on Wednesday, June 18, for its third road match of the season, this one against Sarasota Paradise. With kick-off set for 7:30 p.m., Fort Lauderdale United will be eager to settle the score against a Sarasota team that handed the club its only loss of the season just two weeks ago.
