FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 12, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC’s USL League Two Men’s squad closed out its 2026 regular season on Sunday evening, defeating Lakeland United FC, 1-0. Forward Michael Appiah found the back of the net for the first time this season in the victory, helping Fort Lauderdale close out the season with three points. With the victory, Fort Lauderdale United enters the USL League Two Playoffs unbeaten in its last seven matches – winning six – and the club will look to carry that momentum into Thursday’s Southern Conference Quarterfinal matchup against Swarm FC.
The match got off to a fast start, with both teams creating chances, but the match opened up in the 36th minute. Malher Santi Possu used his physicality to take the ball away from a pair of Lakeland defenders, and sent a pass to Ronaldo Belgrove in the middle of the park. Belgrove then sent a perfectly weighted through-ball down the right wing for the speedy Cole Frame, who fired a cross into the box that found Belgrove, but his shot was blocked and landed at the feet of Appiah. The second-year forward fired a one-touch rocket into the far post, giving Fort Lauderdale the lead as the clubs went into the halftime break.
Head Coach Marc Lue Young opened the second half with a quartet of changes, bringing in Logan Hall, Owen Barnett, Kameron Lacey and Simon Wittman to bring fresh legs for the final stretch. The second half was physical, with Lakeland chasing an equalizer while Fort Lauderdale protected the net with everything it had. In his first start of the season, goalkeeper Ryan Rivas played a near-perfect match in the net, earning a clean sheet as Fort Lauderdale closed out its regular season with a 1-0 victory over Lakeland United.
Back In Action
Our Fort Lauderdale United FC USL League Two team will return to the pitch in the Southern Conference Quarterfinals, taking on Swarm FC on July 16 in Dothan, Alabama. Kick-off is set for 4:00 p.m., and can be watched HERE.
