FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (March 13, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC (4-7-7, 19 PTS) returns to league play Saturday evening, hosting in-state foe Sporting JAX (10-4-4, 34 PTS) for the first time in the matchup’s history. The sides previously met twice during the fall portion of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, both in Jacksonville, with JAX claiming the first meeting (Nov. 22) before the clubs played to a thrilling 2-2 draw (Dec. 13). With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. at Beyond Bancard Field, Fort Lauderdale will look to secure its first victory against its surging in-state rival.
Fort Lauderdale enters Saturday’s clash following a week-long break ahead of its historic friendly against NWSL opponent Orlando Pride last weekend. The club will look to build momentum under Interim Head Coach Paul Jennison in the third league match of his tenure and begin a push toward the Gainbridge Super League Playoffs with 10 matches remaining. Fort Lauderdale’s dominant third-ranked attack is led by the dynamic quartet of Kiara Locklear (5G), Kelli Van Treeck (4G, 2A), Jasmine Hamid (4G, 1A) and Sophie Harding (1A), while defender Ella Simpson (4G) has also made an impact going forward and leads all Super League defenders in goals. In goal, Haley Craig and Bella Hara will look to steady a defense that has faced a difficult stretch in recent weeks, while the back line could see a boost with the addition of Maggie Mace as the club eyes three points at home against the league’s top attack.
Sporting JAX enters Saturday’s meeting as the hottest team in the Super League, winning four of its last five matches, including a 3-0 victory over previously top-seeded Lexington SC. The club leads the league in goals scored (35) and is paced by the Super League’s leading scorer, Ashlyn Puerta (11G), while Meg Hughes and Paige Kenton are tied for the league lead in assists (6), with Puerta just behind with 5. Defensively, goalkeeper Kaitlyn Parks leads the Super League in shutouts (7) and ranks fourth in saves (38), while defender Georgia Brown tops the league in clearances (126). With Fort Lauderdale aiming to secure three points at home, Saturday’s matchup is set to be a compelling in-state showdown.
Matchup History
The clubs met twice in Jacksonville during the first half of the 2025/26 season, with JAX taking the first meeting at home on November 22 before playing to a thrilling 2-2 draw on December 13 on the road.
Where to Watch
The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. ET. It will be streamed on the Peacock app and locally broadcasted on WPLG Local 10. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.
Tickets
Fort Lauderdale will take on in-state foe Sporting JAX when it returns to Beyond Bancard Field on Saturday, March 14. You can purchase tickets HERE! Playoff hopes are on the line, and Fort Lauderdale United FC needs you with us! The Playoff Push Package is officially on sale, giving fans access to all 5 remaining home matches as the club fights for a spot in the Gainbridge Super League postseason. Be there for every duel, every counterattack, and every pivotal moment at Beyond Bancard Field. Secure your Playoff Push Package HERE!
