Gainbridge Super League News

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 7, 2025) – Today, Fort Lauderdale United FC finalized a record-breaking move that sends midfielder Addie McCain to Lexington SC for the highest transfer fee in Gainbridge Super League history, pending league and federation approval.

“Today, we announced a record transfer fee for Addie McCain after just one season at the club, a milestone that reflects both her talent and the strength of our training model,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Player development is at the heart of everything we do, and we’ll continue building a club that delivers results.”

This historic transfer is a reflection of Fort Lauderdale United’s core mission, and it is a testament to the elite player development system established within the club.

After limited opportunities across three seasons in the NWSL, McCain joined Fort Lauderdale United FC ahead of its inaugural campaign and quickly blossomed into a central figure. The Texas A&M product started all 30 matches, captained the squad and earned All-League First Team honors while showcasing her elite quality, professionalism and leadership throughout the season.

“This record-breaking transfer represents another important milestone for our club,” said Sharon Lacey, CEO of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “It sets the standard for what we aim to achieve – developing talent, and getting the very best out of our players. This is what our club is all about.”

This groundbreaking transfer underscores Fort Lauderdale United’s commitment to developing world-class talent through a culture of excellence, ambition, and high performance.

We thank Addie for her incredible contributions to our inaugural season and wish her all the best as she begins this new chapter with Lexington SC.

About Fort Lauderdale United

Founded in 2023, Fort Lauderdale United (FTL UTD) is the premier youth-to-pro sports organization in South Florida and serves as the parent organization of the Fort Lauderdale United Football Club, the Fort Lauderdale United Youth Academy, and Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball. Fort Lauderdale United is owned by South Florida native and local entrepreneur, Tommy Smith. Growing up as a parent in youth soccer culture, Smith knew he wanted Fort Lauderdale United to be a unique club with clear standards that does things the right way – like the best leagues in the world! The Fort Lauderdale United Football Club and Fort Lauderdale United Youth Academy are managed by Chief Executive Officer Sharon Lacey, a UK native and longtime soccer executive at Crystal Palace FC. Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball is managed by Club Director Steve Patella. 

About Fort Lauderdale United FC 

Relentlessly striving for greatness at every level – from nurturing our youth talent to embodying the enduring values of Fort Lauderdale – our club stands as a beacon of global competition, unifying our community under the banner of soccer. Through our dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch, and our unwavering pursuit of success, we create a pathway from aspiring youth to professional mastery, ensuring that passion meets opportunity. The Fort Lauderdale United Football Club fields two professional soccer teams — the women’s Division One USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC and the men’s professional USL League One team (arriving in 2026) – as well as men’s pre-professional and women’s pre-professional teams in USL League Two and the USL W League, respectively. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.

Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to launch its 2025/26 Season Ticket Packages for the upcoming Gainbridge Super League campaign! After an unforgettable inaugural year that was capped off with a dramatic Semifinal win and a run to the first-ever Super League Final, we’re ready to go even bigger in 2025/26. Whether you’re looking for a premium matchday experience or a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, there’s something for everyone with us. Season tickets are now available for purchase HERE!

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Season Tickets From Just $98!

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Juniors

**Juniors Season Ticket is only available for selected areas.

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General Admission

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GA/Sideline

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Midfield

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Field Side Rail Seating

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Midfield Premium East

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Field Side

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Executive Boxes

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To book your seats online, click HERE!

Unsure of which seat is best for you? Just book an appointment with a member of our Sales team to visit the stadium and select your seat in person!

Phone: 954-241-0618

Email: boxoffice@ftlutd.com

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For Terms & Conditions, view and download below!

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – With the inaugural USL Super League season in the books, it’s time to reflect on Fort Lauderdale United FC’s unforgettable debut campaign. From record-breaking performances to a thrilling run all the way to the Final, here’s a look back at the 2024/25 season – by the numbers.

37: Goals scored in our inaugural season. In the 2024/25 campaign, Fort Lauderdale United tallied 37 goals across its 30 matches. The dominant Addie McCain led the way with 10, while the electric Jasmine Hamid contributed 9. The explosive Kiara Locklear added 7, and the versatile Sh’nia Gordon chipped in 5. Together, the four attackers accounted for a remarkable 83.7% of the team’s goals in its opening season. Adding to the effort, Felicia Knox, Sheyenne Allen, Sabrina McNeill, Anna Henderson, and Reese Klein each found the net once throughout the year. Notably, 36 of the 37 goals were scored by Fort Lauderdale United players, with one own goal rounding out the total tally.

19: Team of the Month selections. Across the eight-month season, ten Fort Lauderdale United players were named among the Super League’s best. McCain led the way with four selections (Sep/Dec/Feb/Apr), while Hamid followed closely with three (Sep/Dec/Feb). Laurel Ansbrow (Feb/Mar), Knox (Aug/Nov), McNeill (Dec/May) and Gordon (Mar/May) each earned two nods throughout the year. Additionally, Locklear (May), Cosette Morché (Mar), Celia Gaynor (Oct), and Laveni Vaka (Aug) each earned one selection.

17: Years old on the day of signing. Midfielder Taylor Smith made history this season as the first player in USL Super League history to sign a professional contract directly from an academy deal. At just 17, Smith also became the youngest player ever to sign a pro contract in the league. She went on to play a major role in Fort Lauderdale United’s run to the Final, appearing in 29 matches (24 starts) and logging 2,050 minutes. Smith ranked 3rd on the team in tackles (56), 5th in tackles won (30), 7th in both duels (189) and aerial duels (32), 9th in passes (601) and 11th in clearances (33).

12: Victories in our opening act. Throughout the inaugural 30-match season, Fort Lauderdale United secured a dozen wins – evenly split with six at home and six on the road, showcasing the balanced nature and resiliency of the squad. The club notched its historic first ever victory against DC Power FC on September 13 with a commanding 2-0 result in just its third match. Fort Lauderdale earned its first win at Beyond Bancard Field on October 6 in a thrilling 1-0 showdown against Brooklyn FC. While the season featured many memorable triumphs, none was bigger than the extra-time victory over Carolina Ascent in the USL Super League Semifinal on the road.

9: Match unbeaten streak. Starting on December 1, Fort Lauderdale United put together the second-longest unbeaten streak in league history. Over nine matches, the club recorded six wins and three draws before a loss on April 5 ended the run. Between December and April, Fort Lauderdale secured impressive victories over some of the league’s best teams, including two wins against Carolina (the eventual top seed), a home victory over Dallas (the eventual third seed) and a road triumph against Brooklyn (who held the top seed at the time).

8: Straight games with at least one goal. Fort Lauderdale United set a league record by scoring in eight consecutive matches – still the longest such streak in Super League history. Beginning on December 1, the club tallied 15 goals during the run, with Hamid (5) leading the way and McCain (3), Gordon (3), Locklear (3), and Allen (1) contributing. After a scoreless draw on March 22, the historic scoring run came to an end. 

3: Players named to All-League Teams. At season’s end, three Fort Lauderdale United players earned All-League honors, recognizing them among the Super League’s top 22. McCain secured a First Team spot after an outstanding campaign, ranking in the league’s top three across multiple offensive categories (goals, goals + assists, chances created) and defensive stats (tackles won, duels won, aerial duels won). The club also boasted two Second Team selections in Hamid and Vaka. The Towson product’s nine goals and back-to-back Player of the Month awards cemented her place on the squad, while Vaka’s defensive presence over 18 matches before her season-ending injury showcased her league-wide dominance.

3: League leaders in statistics. McCain was the only Fort Lauderdale player to top an individual stat, finishing the season with a league-best 198 duels won while anchoring the midfield. As a team, Fort Lauderdale led the Super League in tackles won (439) and tied for the top spot in passing accuracy (77%), completing over 12,000 passes across the season.

2: Player of the Month nods. The dynamic Hamid became the first – and only – player to earn multiple Player of the Month awards, picking up back-to-back honors in December and February. Over five matches during that two-month stretch, Hamid tallied 3 goals and 2 assists, providing a consistent spark in the FTL UTD attack and helping power the club to four wins and a draw across an unbeaten December and February.

2: Coach of the Month honors. Like Hamid, coach Tyrone Mears earned the league’s Coach of the Month award twice. He became the second coach in league history to win the honor after a two-win September that featured the club’s first-ever victories, both of which were on the road. Mears earned his second nod in March following an unbeaten month (2W, 2D), including key wins over teams above FTL UTD in the standings. He was one of just three coaches – alongside Poole (CAR) and Schilte-Brown (TB) – to claim the award twice this season.

1: Unforgettable season. But the story’s just getting started. Fort Lauderdale United FC returns to the pitch on Saturday, August 23rd to kick off the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season. Be part of the next chapter – come make memories with us. 

Register your interest for 2025/26 Season Tickets here: https://t.co/e6b2x7HDo4

TAMPA BAY, Fla. – In the inaugural USL Super League Final, No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC fell against No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC, 0-1, in a thrilling, physical match that extended into extra time on the road. Despite the narrow defeat, Fort Lauderdale demonstrated the heart and tenacity that defined their inaugural season throughout the Final’s full 120 minutes.

Fort Lauderdale caps its historic debut season with a 12-9-9 record across 30 matches, highlighted by a stunning Semifinal upset over top-seeded Carolina Ascent FC. Over the course of the season, the club scored 37 goals, earned two Player of the Month honors, 17 Team of the Month selections and two Coach of the Month awards. Three players were also recognized on the inaugural All-League Teams, cementing Fort Lauderdale United’s place among the league’s elite in its first campaign.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmUAMtvteCg

The game got off to a quick start, with both teams creating clear chances in the opening three minutes, but neither was able to convert. Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Cosette Morché was called on early, making a pair of strong saves in the 6th minute to keep the match level at 0-0.

The Fort Lauderdale attack played with a heavy emphasis on building the attack from behind, highlighted by a 10th minute highlight pass from Cameron Brooks to Julia Grosso down the right side, sparking a promising chance. On the other end, Cosette Morché continued her strong form, making key saves in the 15th and 17th minutes to keep the match scoreless.

Brooks and Sabrina McNeill each came up with key defensive stops in the 19th minute, holding off a physical Tampa attack. Sh’nia Gordon brought an explosive presence early, nearly opening the scoring with a curling shot toward the top corner in the 20th minute that was saved by the Tampa keeper. McNeill, pushing forward from her left back position, continued to be a threat down the wing, making a pair of driving runs that kept the Tampa defense on edge.

Gordon continued to push the attack as the first half progressed, notching shots in the 36th and 42nd minutes following impressive solo dribbling runs. In first-half stoppage time, she executed a brilliant cutback that sent a Tampa defender to the ground, but her shot narrowly missed the target. Just moments later, in the third minute of added time, Morché came off her line with pace to clear a loose ball at the edge of the box, helping FTL UTD head into the halftime break level at 0-0 with Tampa Bay.

The opening 20 minutes of the second half saw both teams trading chances and engaging in physical play, with each side testing the goalkeeper. In the 68th minute, Morché came up big again, making a crucial save to deny a strong effort from Tampa and preserve the 0-0 scoreline. The first reinforcements entered the match for FTL UTD in the 76th and 82nd minutes, respectively, with Anele Komani and Jorian Baucom coming onto the pitch for Taylor Smith and Jasmine Hamid.

Both clubs continued pressing for a winner as the second half wound down, highlighted by a sharp individual effort from Gordon whose shot drifted just wide of the left post. After four minutes of stoppage time, neither side was able to find the breakthrough, sending the match into extra time locked at 0-0.

Morché stayed sharp in extra time, notching her fifth save of the match in the 98th minute. Just a minute later, Thelma Hermannsdóttir came on for Julia Grosso to provide fresh legs on the field. Tampa Bay took the lead in the 100th minute, scoring just before the end of the first half of extra time. In the halftime break, Head Coach Tyrone Mears made his final substitutions, looking to shift tactics and spark a late equalizer.

Before kick-off of the second half of extra time, Tati Fung and Celia Gaynor entered the match for Darya Rajaee and Thelma Hermannsdóttir. In the 117th minute, Addie McCain nearly brought FTL UTD level after a perfect ball from McNeill, but her volleying shot bounced just wide of the post. The shot would prove to be the club’s final chance of the night, and after 120 minutes, Fort Lauderdale United FC fell 1-0 to Tampa Bay Sun FC in the inaugural USL Super League Final. 

Scoring Summary

TB: Fløe, ‘100

Season Tickets

The 2024/25 season has concluded, but don’t miss your chance to get ahead – register now to secure your spot for 2025/26 season tickets HERE! 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Ahead of the inaugural USL Super League Final, No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC (11-8-9, 42 PTS) is set to face off once again with No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC (12-6-10, 46 PTS), but the stakes couldn’t be higher this time. The in-state rivals met four times during the regular season, playing to three hard-fought draws before FTL UTD fell on the road in the final meeting. Both Fort Lauderdale (3W, 2D) and Tampa Bay (4W, 1D) enter the Final unbeaten in their last five matches, setting the stage for a high-powered duel. In the fifth and final showdown between these familiar foes, Saturday’s 7:30 p.m. kickoff is set to be an intense battle as the clubs vie for the league’s first-ever championship.

Fort Lauderdale United enters the Final on an incredible run of form, unbeaten in its last five matches – a run highlighted by a stunning win over top-seeded Carolina Ascent last weekend. The red-hot Kiara Locklear was the hero of the Semifinal win, recording a clutch brace, including the last-minute winner in extra time. In addition to Locklear, the dynamic Fort Lauderdale attack is led by All-League First Team selection Addie McCain (10G, 2A), the in-form Sh’nia Gordon (5G, 3A) and All-League Second Team honoree Jasmine Hamid (9G, 2A). On the defensive end, the back line of Julia Grosso, Cameron Brooks, Sabrina McNeill, and two-time Team of the Month standout Laurel Ansbrow has brought much-needed stability late in the season. In goal, Cosette Morché has been a force all season, earning 7 clean sheets in 23 matches and a Team of the Month selection along the way. The Texas A&M product will be a crucial piece to helping FTL UTD overcome Tampa Bay, and secure a victory in the Super League Final.

Tampa Bay enters the Final following an extra-time win over Dallas Trinity FC and carrying strong form, with four wins in its last five matches. A balanced squad, Tampa is led by four All-League selections: Tash Flint and Sydny Nasello (First Team), along with Cecilie Fløe and Vivianne Bessette (Second Team). The trio of Flint, Fløe and Carlee Giammona has combined for 29 goals, the most by any group in the league. Statistically, Tampa ranks second in both goals scored (44) and goals conceded (29), setting the stage for a heavyweight title clash that has all the ingredients of a memorable Final.

Matchup History

The first matchup between the two teams took place on November 10 at Beyond Bancard Field, where Anna Henderson delivered a clutch extra-time goal to earn Fort Lauderdale a 1-1 draw.

The second meeting came on February 8 in Tampa, kicking off the second half of the season. Gordon and Hamid gave FTL UTD a 2-0 lead, but Tampa clawed back to force a 2-2 draw.

On March 8, the third encounter returned to Fort Lauderdale and proved to be the most physical of the series. Hamid struck early, but Tampa once again responded to secure a 1-1 result.

The fourth and final regular season meeting came on April 5 in Tampa. Despite a hard-fought effort, Fort Lauderdale fell 2-0 in its only defeat of the season series.

Where to Watch

The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. ET and it will be streamed on the Peacock app. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.

Tickets

The 2024/25 regular season home schedule may be over, but don’t miss your chance to get ahead – register now to secure your spot for 2025/26 season tickets HERE! 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (June 11, 2025) – Tomorrow, at 12:00 pm EST, Fort Lauderdale United FC (FTL UTD), the only women’s professional soccer team in South Florida, will host a press conference ahead of Saturday’s first-ever USL Super League Final.

Who: Speakers tomorrow will include:

• Tyrone Mears, Head Coach
• Addie McCain, Team Captain
• Kiara Locklear

What: FTL UTD Championship Final Pre-Match Press Conference

When: Thursday, June 12, at 12:00 pm EST. Doors open at 11:30 am. Press conference will begin promptly at Noon.

Where (in-person): Media Room, Fort Lauderdale United Training Facilities, 7601 SW 39th Street, Davie, FL 33328

Where (virtual): Media requesting a virtual link to the Press Conference should email media@ftlutd.com before 11:00 am EST on Thursday, June 12.

Why: Fort Lauderdale United is headed to the inaugural USL Super League Final! After knocking off the top seeded team in the semifinals in an extra-time thriller, the club now heads to Tampa for the first-ever league championship – a high-stakes matchup against a familiar in-state opponent they faced four times during the regular season, with three of those contests ending in draws. Fort Lauderdale United FC has emerged as one of the most resilient and battle-tested clubs of the USL Super League, and with a chance to become the league’s first champion, the club’s postseason run is a testament to grit, momentum, and belief.

About Fort Lauderdale United

Founded in 2022, Fort Lauderdale United (FTL UTD) is the premier youth-to-pro sports organization in South Florida and serves as the parent organization of the Fort Lauderdale United Football Club, the Fort Lauderdale United Youth Academy, and Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball. Fort Lauderdale United is owned by South Florida native and local entrepreneur, Tommy Smith. Growing up as a parent in youth soccer culture, Smith knew he wanted Fort Lauderdale United to be a unique club with clear standards that does things the right way – like the best leagues in the world! The Fort Lauderdale United Football Club and Fort Lauderdale United Youth Academy are managed by Chief Executive Officer Sharon Lacey, a UK native and longtime soccer executive at Crystal Palace FC. Fort Lauderdale United Volleyball is managed by Club Director Steve Patella.

About Fort Lauderdale United FC

Relentlessly striving for greatness at every level – from nurturing our youth talent to embodying the enduring values of Fort Lauderdale – our club stands as a beacon of global competition, unifying our community under the banner of soccer. Through our dedication to excellence both on and off the pitch, and our unwavering pursuit of success, we create a pathway from aspiring youth to professional mastery, ensuring that passion meets opportunity. The Fort Lauderdale United Football Club fields two professional soccer teams — the women’s Division One USL Super League Fort Lauderdale United FC and the men’s professional USL League One team (arriving in 2026) – as well as men’s pre-professional and women’s pre-professional teams in USL League Two and the USL W League, respectively. For more information, please visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter.

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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Today, the USL Super League announced its inaugural All-League teams, with three Fort Lauderdale United FC players earning honors. Midfielder Addie McCain was named to the All-League First Team, while forward Jasmine Hamid and defender Laveni Vaka were selected to the Second Team. The first-ever All-League selections, voted on by technical staffs from across the league, recognize the top-performing players from the 2024-25 season.

McCain was named to the All-League First Team after serving as the heart and soul of the Fort Lauderdale United FC squad throughout the 28-match regular season. The Texas A&M product started every game and logged 2,433 of a possible 2,520 minutes, more than any other outfield player on the team. One of the most complete and dominant players in the Super League this year, McCain ranked third league-wide in goals (10), combined goals and assists (12), and chances created (38). Her impact was just as significant on the defensive side of the ball, where she finished second in tackles won (61), aerial duels won (65), and total duels won (187) while she also ranked seventh in interceptions (38). A four-time Team of the Month honoree and a potential Player of the Year candidate, McCain was a standout presence in every phase of the game and a major reason Fort Lauderdale is in the Super League Final.

A dynamic threat on the wing, Hamid was a crucial part of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s success throughout the season. The Towson product scored 9 goals and added 2 assists, finishing the campaign with 22 shots on target and demonstrating her two-way ability with 18 interceptions. Hamid started 24 matches and logged 1,888 minutes, consistently stretching opposing defenses with her pace and creativity. The electric Hamid made history as the only player in league history to earn back-to-back Player of the Month honors (December & February), underscoring her consistency and impact across the campaign.

Vaka was a dominant presence on Fort Lauderdale United FC’s back line, earning All-League Second Team honors while starting all 18 matches she played before a season-ending knee injury in March. The BYU product anchored the defense with elite consistency, completing 977 passes and tallying 65 clearances, 45 duels won, 15 tackles won, 14 blocks and 5 interceptions. Despite appearing in 10 fewer matches than the rest, Vaka still ranked near the top of the team in clearances (3rd), blocks (3rd), and passes completed (4th), a clear sign of her influence and importance to the FTL UTD squad.

Back in Action

Fort Lauderdale United will return to the pitch on June 14 for the USL Super League Final in a road matchup with Tampa Bay Sun FC. The teams met on four occasions in the regular season, tying in the first three matches before Tampa won the final match. With the Super League title on the line, this final meeting between rivals has everything at stake.

Tickets

The 2024/25 regular season home schedule may be over, but don’t miss your chance to get ahead – register now to secure your spot for 2025/26 season tickets HERE! 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.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over No. 1 Carolina Ascent FC on Sunday evening in the USL Super League Semifinals, earning a place in next week’s inaugural Final. North Carolina native Kiara Locklear delivered a pair of clutch, highlight-reel goals in her home state, both assisted by Sh’nia Gordon and Julia Grosso, to lift Fort Lauderdale in an instant classic on the road. With the win, FTL UTD extends its unbeaten streak to five matches (3W, 2D) and advances to face rival Tampa Bay Sun FC in a showdown for the league’s first-ever championship.

Fort Lauderdale United will travel to face Sunshine State rival and No. 2 Tampa Bay Sun FC on Saturday, June 14 in the USL Super League Final. The two clubs met four times during the regular season, and their first three matchups ended in draws: 1-1 on November 10 at home, 2-2 on February 8 in Tampa, and 1-1 on March 8 at home before Tampa earned the only win in the season series with a 2-0 victory on April 5 in Tampa. A rivalry matchup between two talented, physical teams with the league title on the line is everything. With all to play for, these evenly matched sides are set for a must-watch showdown next week.

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xv__PcxYbmo

The match got off to a fast start, with Fort Lauderdale United applying pressure early. The club earned a corner kick just two minutes in, setting the tone for an aggressive first half. In the 9th minute, defender Sabrina McNeill delivered a tremendous through ball to Jasmine Hamid, whose shot was denied by the Carolina keeper. In the 17th minute, Fort Lauderdale strung together a sharp sequence of one-touch passes that freed forward Locklear behind the Carolina back line, but her right-footed shot drifted just wide of the net. 

The defense came up big in the 24th minute to keep the match level. Addie McCain made a perfectly timed sliding tackle inside the box to deny a Carolina attacker with an open net. Moments later, McCain turned defense into attack, sending a pinpoint pass to Hamid on the counter, but her shot was deflected out for a corner after a quick touch. Goalkeeper Cosette Morché was called into action late in the half, tipping a rocket of a shot over the bar in the 42nd minute. After a back-and-forth opening 45 minutes, the sides went into the break tied at 0-0.

Fort Lauderdale United made its first change of the match coming out of halftime, with Sheyenne Allen replacing Hamid. The early stages of the second half were marked by strong defensive play, as Morché made an impressive near-post save in the 47th minute. Just minutes later, defenders Laurel Ansbrow and Grosso came up with crucial stops in the 52nd to keep the game tied at 0-0. Just three minutes later, Carolina took the lead and put the pressure on FTL UTD. 

The club continued to bring fresh legs on the pitch to spark the attack, putting Anele Komani and Jorian Baucom into the match for Taylor Smith and the injured Allen in the 54th and 68th minutes, respectively. Shortly after the changes, momentum shifted. Following a Fort Lauderdale throw-in, Grosso found Gordon, who took a touch and threaded a perfect through-ball to Locklear. The North Carolina native took a few strides before calmly slotting a shot to the far post, leveling the match at 1-1 in the 69th minute. After scoring, Locklear celebrated with her signature backflip, silencing the home crowd while igniting the FTL UTD squad. The final minutes of regulation saw both teams trade chances in a tense back-and-forth, but after 90 minutes, the match remained tied at 1-1 and sent the semifinal into extra time.

Extra Time

The first 15 minutes of extra time were marked by tired legs on both sides, but Fort Lauderdale carved out the best scoring opportunity of the stretch. Baucom nearly put FTL UTD ahead, but her attempt was cleared off the line by the Carolina defense. In the second half of extra time, Fort Lauderdale was forced into another change as McNeill exited with an injury. To replace the Auburn product, Delaney Lindahl entered the match in the 110th minute to reinforce the back line.

Three minutes later, Locklear slipped a precise pass through to Baucom, who fired a shot toward the near post, but it was saved by the Carolina goalkeeper to keep the score level in the 113th minute. With the match seemingly headed towards a penalty shootout, Tati Fung entered the game for Darya Rajaee in the 118th minute. Just moments later, the improbable happened.

Defender Cameron Brooks launched a free kick towards the Carolina box from the halfway line at the 120th minute. The ball bounced to Grosso, who delivered a perfectly placed, looping pass to Locklear inside the box. With her eyes on the prize, Locklear struck a stunning volley that caught the Carolina defense off guard, sending the ball into the back of the net in the dying seconds of the match. The goal proved to be the winner, as just moments after, the final whistle was blown. Courtesy of Locklear’s brace, Fort Lauderdale United secured a stunning 2-1 victory over Carolina Ascent FC in the USL Super League Semifinal, and punched its ticket to next weekend’s Final.

Back in Action

Fort Lauderdale United will return to the pitch on June 14 for the USL Super League Final in a road matchup with Tampa Bay Sun FC. The teams met on four occasions in the regular season, tying in the first three matches before Tampa won the final match. With the Super League title on the line, this final meeting between rivals has everything at stake.. 

Tickets 

The 2024/25 regular season home schedule may be over, but don’t miss your chance to get ahead – register now to secure your spot for 2025/26 season tickets HERE! 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.

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – In the inaugural USL Super League Playoffs, No. 4 Fort Lauderdale United FC (11-8-9, 42 PTS) is set for a Semifinal road showdown against No. 1 Carolina Ascent FC (13-6-9, 48 PTS) on Sunday evening. The season series between the two clubs was evenly matched, with each side claiming two wins across four meetings during the 2024/25 campaign. Notably, both earned road victories in their most recent encounters, setting the stage for a thrilling and decisive 7:00 p.m. kickoff in North Carolina to determine who advances to the USL Super League Final next Saturday.

Fort Lauderdale United enters the Playoffs riding a wave of momentum, unbeaten in its last four matches (2W, 2D). Once sitting on the outside looking in, FTL UTD now finds itself getting hot at the perfect time. The attack is led by Player of the Year candidate Addie McCain (10G, 2A), alongside the red-hot Sh’nia Gordon (5G, 3A), two-time Player of the Month Jasmine Hamid (9G, 2A) and the dynamic Kiara Locklear (5G, 4A). Between the posts, goalkeeper Cosette Morché has been a rock all season, recording 7 clean sheets in 22 matches. In front of her, defender Laurel Ansbrow has been a model of consistency, playing every minute of all 14 spring matches, an anchor for a back line that’s battled injuries throughout the campaign. With a spot in the Final on the line and momentum building, Sunday’s clash could add another historic chapter to FTL UTD’s inaugural season.

Despite finishing atop the Super League standings, Carolina Ascent FC heads into Sunday’s Semifinal on its toughest run of form all season. The club went winless in May, managing just two draws and a loss in its final three regular season matches. Carolina still boasts one of the league’s most talented rosters, led by Golden Boot runner-up Mia Corbin (12G), Golden Playmaker winner Jill Aguilera (7A) and Golden Glove winner Meagan McClelland (0.97 GA). With the season series evenly split between the two sides, Sunday’s clash promises to be a tightly contested battle with everything on the line.

Matchup History

The two clubs first met on September 6 in Carolina, in just the second match in club history for both teams. Hamid scored her first goal of the season, but Fort Lauderdale came up just short in a 2-1 result.

The second meeting came on December 14 at Beyond Bancard Field, where Locklear delivered a standout performance with a brace to lift Fort Lauderdale to a convincing 2-1 win in the final match of the first half.

The third matchup, held on March 2 in Carolina, proved to be a gritty, physical battle. After falling behind in the 28th minute, Fort Lauderdale responded with goals from Hamid and Locklear to secure a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win on the road.

The fourth and final regular season meeting took place on April 26 in Fort Lauderdale. Hamid continued her strong form against Carolina with her third goal in four matchups, and McCain added another, but Fort Lauderdale came up short in a high-scoring 5-2 contest.

Where to Watch

The match is set to kick-off at 7:00 p.m. ET and it will be streamed on the Peacock app. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.

Tickets

The 2024/25 regular season home schedule may be over, but don’t miss your chance to get ahead – register now to secure your spot for 2025/26 season tickets HERE! 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.