FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 19, 2026) – On Wednesday morning, Fort Lauderdale United FC goalkeeper Nigel Van Haveren was named to the 2026 USL League Two Southern Conference Team of the Year after a standout campaign in goal. Van Haveren, who returned for a second year with the club in the 2026 season, led the club to the National Quarterfinals for a second consecutive year.
“Nigel has been one of our leaders over the past two seasons,” said Marc Lue Young, Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s USL League Two team. “He is an incredible person both on and off the field, and there is no player more deserving of this honor. Nigel is a true game changer who has the ability to win games when it matters most – and that was on full display during the National Quarterfinals – when he made numerous big saves to keep us in the game. His leadership, character and ability to rise to the occasion make him an invaluable player and a truly deserving recipient of this nomination.”
The elite shot-stopper started 14 matches and earned nine shutouts across the 2026 season, conceding just six goals as he led the club to the Southern Conference Final for the second year in a row. Van Haveren made a pair of clutch saves to keep the club alive in the penalty shootout of the quarterfinals, and the honor is the second of Van Haveren’s Fort Lauderdale career after being named to the League Two Team of the Month in May of 2025.
Back In Action
Our Fort Lauderdale United FC USL League Two team will return to the pitch in the summer of 2027 for the third season in franchise history. Follow @FTLUTDMENS & @FTLUTDACADEMY on Instagram to stay updated with all news regarding the squad!
