FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (September 4, 2026) – Fort Lauderdale United FC (1-1-0, 3 PTS) is set to hit the road for the first time in the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season, traveling to face Carolina Ascent FC (2-1-0, 6 PTS) on Saturday evening. Fort Lauderdale is coming off its first win of the campaign, while Carolina enters the matchup looking to rebound after dropping its home opener to Tampa Bay. With Fort Lauderdale aiming to extend its winning streak and start its first road trip on a positive note, Saturday’s matchup will be an important early-season test in the shortened campaign.
Fort Lauderdale United enters Saturday’s meeting coming off its first victory of the 2026 campaign, defeating Brooklyn FC at Amerant Bank Field last weekend. The new-look squad is headlined by the dynamic attacking trio of Kiara Locklear, Grace Cutler and Sh’nia Gordon, while the dominant back line features captain Haley Thomas, August Team of the Month selection Kelsey Oyler and returning defenders Ella Simpson and Maggie Mace. Goalkeeper Haley Craig is coming off her first professional clean sheet, while the midfield trio of Shea Moyer, Nicole Vernis and Emily Thompson continues to dictate play. All-League Second Team honoree Kelli Van Treeck made an immediate impact as a substitute last match, sparking the attack that produced the game-winning goal. With Fort Lauderdale beginning a two-match road trip, Saturday’s matchup presents another important opportunity to build on its strong start and continue its positive run of form.
Carolina Ascent FC enters Saturday’s clash in the midst of a two-match homestand after recently falling to Tampa Bay Sun FC at home. The club opened the 2026 campaign with two consecutive victories before suffering its first loss, setting the stage for a crucial matchup at American Legion Memorial Stadium. As the only team to make the Playoffs in both seasons, Carolina retained key pieces from its first two campaigns, including Mia Corbin, Audrey Harding and Jill Aguilera, while adding league all-time saves leader Hope Hisey to an already talented squad led by Head Coach Philip Poole. With Carolina looking to avoid a winless homestand, Saturday’s meeting promises to be an intense matchup in North Carolina.
Matchup History
The clubs met four times during the 2025/26 campaign, with each side earning one victory while the other two meetings ended in draws.
Where to Watch
The match is set to kick-off at 7:00 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.
Get Your Tickets
Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to Amerant Bank Field on Saturday, September 18, hosting Dallas Trinity FC in a highly anticipated matchup during the 2026 Gainbridge Super League season. Click HERE to get your tickets! 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.
