Gainbridge Super League News

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 23, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC announced today the return of 10 players from its inaugural roster ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season. Following a run to the league’s first-ever Final, the club brings back a strong core of talent as it looks to build on last year’s success in year two.

• #3 – Sheyenne Allen – Defender
• #5 – Laveni Vaka – Defender
• #7 – Nia Christopher – Forward
• #11 – Sh’nia Gordon – Forward
• #12 – Darya Rajaee – Midfielder
• #17 – Jasmine Hamid – Forward
• #20 – Kiara Locklear – Forward
• #23 – Taylor Smith – Midfielder
• #27 – Julia Grosso – Defender
• #28 – Laurel Ansbrow – Defender

Forwards

Fort Lauderdale United enters 2025/26 with its dynamic front line intact. The attacking trio of Sh’nia Gordon (5G, 4A), Kiara Locklear (7G, 4A) and Jasmine Hamid (9G, 2A) combined for 21 goals and 10 assists during the inaugural campaign, overwhelming defenses with relentless pace and pressure. Gordon earned two Team of the Month honors, Locklear was named once, and Hamid collected three Team of the Month nods while becoming the only player in the league to win Player of the Month twice. Wing threat Nia Christopher adds creativity and finishing depth, rounding out a unit expected to rank among the most dangerous in the Gainbridge Super League.

Midfielders

Darya Rajaee and Taylor Smith return as the lone holdovers in the midfield group. The pair combined for 45 starts and 3,982 minutes last season, bringing invaluable experience and composure to a retooled midfield. Their leadership and consistency will be central as Fort Lauderdale pushes for another deep postseason run.

Defenders

The Fort Lauderdale back line returns four productive pieces from its inaugural season. Laurel Ansbrow — despite signing with Boston Legacy in the offseason — is back in South Florida on loan and was a crucial part of the run to the Final, playing every minute of all 17 matches she featured in after arriving midseason. All-League Second Team selection Laveni Vaka, still rehabbing a season-ending knee injury suffered in March, is expected to play a key role in the second half of the campaign. Outside backs Julia Grosso and Sheyenne Allen each provided reliable minutes in year one and will look to build on their contributions as the defensive unit takes shape for 2025/26.

Back in Action

Fort Lauderdale United opens the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season on August 23 in a home matchup with Lexington SC at Beyond Bancard Field. The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. ET and 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.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (August 22, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC fans will see a familiar face return to the back line this season, as defender Laurel Ansbrow rejoined the club on loan following her signing with the NWSL’s Boston Legacy ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season. 

After helping Fort Lauderdale reach the inaugural Super League Final in her rookie campaign – following a full collegiate season (and postseason) at Wake Forest – Ansbrow returns refreshed from her first true offseason, ready to take on another demanding campaign.

After starting 23 of 24 matches for Wake Forest and logging 2,073 minutes en route to a historic run to the NCAA National Championship match, Ansbrow had little time to rest before signing with Fort Lauderdale United. Her collegiate season ended December 9, and less than two months later, she made her professional debut for Fort Lauderdale on February 8.

Jumping straight from the college game into a pro environment is no small feat, but Ansbrow believes the timing worked in her favor.

“I think that my last season with Wake Forest really prepared me for my first pro season because of the level at which we were playing,” Ansbrow said. “Every day, I was working with such a driven and enthusiastic group of girls. Playing for a National Championship allowed me to compete at the highest level prior to coming to Fort Lauderdale.

“With such a quick turnaround, I think it was great for my confidence to come from such an extended collegiate season. However, there definitely wasn’t much time for rest. Overall, I feel like the minutes I got at Wake Forest were advantageous for my debut season.”

Ansbrow immediately became a key figure in Fort Lauderdale’s back line during the second half of the USL Super League season. The Wake Forest product started all 17 matches in the second half of the season, amassing 1,590 minutes while playing every possible second on the pitch. Her debut came at a time where she was much needed, as just a few games into her professional career, veteran center back Laveni Vaka suffered a season-ending injury. Soon after, defenders Julia Grosso and Adrienne Jordan also missed time. Ansbrow’s presence became essential for a defense hit hard by injuries.

With time to reflect, Ansbrow is proud of what she accomplished during her first year as a professional, though she admits the grind took a toll.

“I’m really proud looking back on my first professional season and very grateful to have gotten to play so many minutes with the team,” said Ansbrow. “On an individual level, I feel that I competed well and got to play with and against high-level players day in and day out, so there’s a lot of positives to take away.

“However, I’m also critical of my performance, and I feel like there’s a lot of room for development, which will come with time and experience. By the end of the season, I definitely was feeling the toll of such a short period of rest, as my body was recovering slower between games.

“I think it’s always important to consider the mental aspect, staying locked in for a long college season and then figuring out where I was going next, and going straight into an extended professional season. I definitely felt a bit of a mental toll.”

In total, Laurel Ansbrow logged 3,663 minutes and appeared in 31 matches across her 2024/25 campaigns with Wake Forest and Fort Lauderdale United, spanning from Aug. 15 to June 14. The physical demands were immense, but Ansbrow made recovery a priority to keep her body and mind in top shape.

“This season, I really focused on recovery and realized how important it was outside of the game,” said Ansbrow. “I spent a lot of time after training in the training room, whether it was in the ice bath or stretching. I also took up yoga and meditation to help myself mentally reset. Then, Fort Lauderdale United partnered with Restore Hyper Wellness, which allowed me to go and do cryotherapy and recovery boots.”

With the offseason now behind her, Ansbrow is refreshed and ready to begin her second season as a professional.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (August 22, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is set to kick off the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season on Saturday evening, welcoming Lexington SC to South Florida. The clubs met four times in the 2024/25 campaign, with Fort Lauderdale taking the season series on the strength of three victories, but both sides enter the new season with new faces and revamped rosters. With kick-off set for 7:30 p.m. at Beyond Bancard Field, Saturday’s duel will mark the start of a new chapter for both clubs as they each have their eye on the Gainbridge Super League Playoffs.

After a terrific run to the inaugural Super League Final just over two months ago, Fort Lauderdale enters the new season with several key returning pieces from last year’s squad. The club returns its dynamic attacking trio of All-League Second Team forward Jasmine Hamid (9G, 2A), Kiara Locklear (7G, 4A) and Sh’nia Gordon (5G, 4A), while adding dominant Australian forward Sophie Harding to the frontline. 

Despite a number of offseason departures in the middle of the park, Fort Lauderdale’s midfield remains strong with the return of the experienced duo of Taylor Smith and Darya Rajaee, complemented by the addition of former Carolina attacking midfielder Kat González. The back line has been retooled with the arrivals of Madison McComasky, Allie George (on loan from the NWSL) and Ella Simpson, joining returners Laurel Ansbrow, Julia Grosso and Sheyenne Allen. Defender Laveni Vaka, an All-League Second Team honoree, is also back as she continues to recover from injury. In goal, newcomers Haley Craig and Bella Hara headline a refreshed goalkeeping corps. The revamped Fort Lauderdale United squad will face its first true test after a productive preseason against a Lexington side that looks very different from the team it fielded last season.

After finishing last in the inaugural 2024/25 Super League season, no team had a more eventful offseason than Lexington SC, which added two All-League First Team players – Spokane’s Emina Ekic, the reigning Player of the Year, and Fort Lauderdale’s Addie McCain. The new-look Lexington squad – which returns just seven players from last season – also features brand-new head coach Masaki Hemmi and has plenty of star power, but with the new season getting under way, Saturday’s matchup could come down to chemistry and tactics as two teams with their eyes on the Final open the 2025/26 campaign.

Matchup History
Fort Lauderdale and Lexington faced off four times during the 2024/25 Super League season, with Fort Lauderdale taking the season series behind three victories.

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

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (August 20, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the addition of former Samford and Orlando Pride defender Ella Simpson to the roster ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Ella Simpson to Fort Lauderdale United,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Coming from her time with the Orlando Pride, we expect her to make an immediate impact. Simpson is a composed, technical player who’s confident on the ball, a lockdown defender, and strong in the air. She brings quality and competitiveness that will elevate our group right away.”

A versatile defender who can line up at both center and outside back, Simpson brings an attacking edge with her ability to score while also strengthening Fort Lauderdale United’s retooled back line. At 5’10”, her aerial presence adds another dimension on both ends of the pitch for the club heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

“Ella is a fantastic addition to our roster,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She had an outstanding college career at Samford and gained valuable experience with Orlando Pride. Her versatility, aerial strength, and ability to contribute on both sides of the ball make her a perfect fit for the identity we’re building here in Fort Lauderdale.”

A native of Orlando, Florida, Simpson starred at The First Academy before continuing her career at Samford University in Alabama, where she became an immediate contributor and earned SOCON All-Freshman honors in 2020-21. Simpson went on to start all 97 matches she played for the Bulldogs, logging 8,379 minutes while tallying 21 goals and 4 assists across five seasons. The defender helped lead Samford to three SOCON Championships (2021, 2022, 2024), earning All-Tournament Team honors after each victory.

Simpson’s standout senior campaign in 2024 saw her earn First Team All-SOCON recognition after scoring five goals and adding an assist, including the game-winner in the conference title match against Western Carolina. Following her collegiate career, Simpson signed a temporary injury-replacement contract with the NWSL’s Orlando Pride before joining Fort Lauderdale United ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

A versatile defender with a proven scoring touch, Simpson strengthens Fort Lauderdale’s back line as the club looks to open its season with a victory on Saturday evening.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (August 18, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is excited to announce the signing of Guam international and former Cal Poly Pomona goalkeeper – and NCAA Division II National Champion – Bella Hara ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval.

“Hara is coming off a National Championship victory and brings a strong technical foundation, sharp footwork, elite athleticism and the ability to make game-changing saves,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She adds another layer of quality and depth to our goalkeeping group.”

Known for her poise under pressure and fierce competitive drive, Hara combines quick reflexes with the athleticism to make difficult saves look routine. Comfortable commanding her area and confident with the ball at her feet, Hara also brings the distribution skills to initiate attacks and complement Fort Lauderdale’s possession-based style.

“Bella has the pedigree, mentality, and skill set to make an immediate impact,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “From winning a national title to representing Guam on the international stage, she’s shown she can perform at the highest levels. We’re proud to bring her into our club.”

A native of San Diego, California, Hara began her college career at Azusa Pacific before transferring to Cal Poly Pomona for her final two seasons. She started all 43 matches for the Broncos, earning back-to-back All-CCAA Second Team honors and conceding just 28 goals. Hara’s standout 2024 campaign included a program-record 14 shutouts, captaining a Cal Poly Pomona side that took home the NCAA Division II National Championship.

Hara has been a consistent presence for Guam on the international level since making her debut in late 2023 at the EAFF Championships against Macau and Hong Kong-China. She captained the national team at the 2024 WAFF Championships, starting three matches and recording a shutout victory over Saudi Arabia. Most recently, Hara featured in three AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in June and July, facing the United Arab Emirates, Maldives and Vietnam.

A well-rounded presence in goal, Hara brings championship pedigree and quality depth to a fully rebuilt goalkeeper room as Fort Lauderdale aims for a return to the Super League Final.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (August 12, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the arrival of defender Allie George on loan from the NWSL’s Racing Louisville FC ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval.

“George is a high level addition to our backline. With experience at the professional level with Racing Louisville FC, she brings a proven defensive pedigree,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She is a composed, intelligent defender, difficult to beat in 1-on-1 situations, strong in the air, and technically proficient in possession. Her ability to contribute on both sides of the ball aligns seamlessly with the demands of our defensive structure.”

A towering, physical defender, George brings the tools to make an immediate impact for Fort Lauderdale United on both ends of the pitch. With a background as an attacker, a 5’11” frame and technical ability with the ball at her feet, George has the potential to be a threat in the air and on the back line for the club. Paired with 6’1” newcomer Madison McComasky, the duo could form a dominant aerial partnership for a retooled Fort Lauderdale United defense in the 2025/26 campaign.

“George is a physically dominant and technically sound defender who adds real presence to our backline,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She’s already shown what she can do at the professional level, and we believe she’s ready to make an immediate impact here in Fort Lauderdale.”

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, George starred as both a forward and defender at Sacred Heart Academy before taking her talents to Virginia Tech to play her collegiate soccer. George was a staple for the Hokies over her four-year career, making 77 appearances – including 44 starts – while logging 4,351 minutes.

George delivered a standout final season in Blacksburg, tallying 4 goals and 2 assists across 21 starts and 1,825 minutes, helping lead Virginia Tech to the Quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s College Cup. Her performances across the campaign earned national recognition, including All-Atlantic Region Third Team honors, ACC Defensive Player of the Week (9/3/2024) and a spot on TopDrawerSoccer’s Team of the Week (11/26/2024). She was also named the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) Defensive Player of the Year after her dominant season.

After wrapping up her collegiate career, George signed with her hometown club – Racing Louisville FC of the NWSL. The defender made a pair of appearances for the club, making her professional debut in a friendly against Lexington SC and later featuring in a match against São Paulo FC during The Women’s Cup.

A dominant defender with a nose for goal, George’s arrival puts Fort Lauderdale United’s backline in great shape as the club continues to build its roster with sights set on a return to the postseason.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (August 8, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is excited to announce the signing of veteran midfielder Carlyn Baldwin ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval. 

“Baldwin brings a wealth of experience to our group, having competed at both the Youth National Team level and across several top clubs throughout her professional career,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Her time in competitive European environments has shaped her into an experienced, intelligent player. She adds valuable leadership, composure and a high level of professionalism that will elevate our team.”

A tenacious presence in the midfield, Baldwin brings intelligence, experience and toughness to the middle of the park for Fort Lauderdale. The veteran’s ability to ignite counterattacks with composed and incisive passing, combined with her strength in winning tackles and reading play defensively, makes her an ideal fit for Fort Lauderdale United’s retooled midfield.

“Carlyn is a true professional who brings toughness, composure, and a winning mentality to our midfield,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Her presence on and off the field will be key as we continue to strengthen the spine of our squad.”

A native of Oakton, Virginia, Baldwin played collegiate soccer at the University of Tennessee, where she made an immediate impact by earning SEC All-Freshman honors in 2014. Over three seasons in Knoxville, she started 52 matches and tallied six goals and four assists. Following her college career, Baldwin made history as the first-ever foreign signing for Sporting CP in Portugal.

Baldwin spent eight seasons in Portugal, playing for Sporting CP (2017-2021), Torreense (2021-2022), Benfica (2022), Damaiense (2022-2023) and SC Braga (2023-24) before returning to Torreense in 2024-25 for her final season abroad. During her time overseas, Baldwin appeared in 148 matches, scoring 14 goals, and earned a spot on the Onze Do Ano – the Liga Portuguesa Feminina’s Best XI – for the 2018/19 season after a standout campaign. Over eight seasons, Baldwin collected multiple trophies, including two Portuguese Cups, two Portuguese Super Cups and a Portuguese League title. 

At the international level, Baldwin represented the United States with the U-20 National Team at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, appearing in matches against Germany and China. The midfielder later joined the U-23 team for the 2019 Nordic Tournament, making another appearance for the States in a trio of matches against Norway, England and Sweden. In 2024, Baldwin was one of 18 players called up to take part in the U.S. Women’s National Futsal training camp ahead of the 2025 Concacaf Women’s Futsal Championship.

A veteran midfielder with years of overseas experience, Baldwin adds depth and leadership to a Fort Lauderdale midfield built with eyes on a return to the Final.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (August 4, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is thrilled to announce the addition of former West Virginia midfielder Lilly McCarthy to the roster ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval.

“McCarthy joins us following a successful collegiate career at West Virginia, where she consistently demonstrated her qualities as a highly technical and intelligent midfielder,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “She has a natural ability to control the rhythm of the game and cover ground effectively on both sides of the ball. Her vision, composure and creativity in possession will add both depth and versatility to our midfield unit.”

A well-rounded midfielder, McCarthy is calm and confident on the ball, able to cover ground effectively and play with composure under pressure. McCarthy’s skill set fits perfectly into Fort Lauderdale United’s tactical approach, where she’ll add depth and youth to a retooled midfield group.

“McCarthy is a young, talented player with a bright future ahead,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Her combination of skill, intelligence, and versatility makes her an important piece of our midfield both now and moving forward.”

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, McCarthy moved to the Mountain State to play college soccer at West Virginia University. She made an immediate impact, earning Big 12 All-Freshman Team honors after her debut season with two assists across 12 appearances, including six starts. Over five seasons as a Mountaineer, McCarthy featured in 91 matches with 68 starts, totaling more than 5,100 minutes.

McCarthy capped off her collegiate career with a standout 2024 season, recording 4 goals and 6 assists across 20 starts. The midfielder was named to the All-Big 12 First Team, the All-Midwest Region Second Team and was honored as West Virginia’s Team MVP after her dominant year. At the conclusion of her college career, McCarthy finished just outside the top 10 in career appearances in program history.

McCarthy is the second Mountaineer to sign with Fort Lauderdale, as forward Sh’nia Gordon also played her college soccer in Morgantown. A midfielder with plenty of potential and a versatile skill set, McCarthy will look to impact the game on all levels as Fort Lauderdale United continues to build its roster with its eyes on another deep playoff run.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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, Fla. (July 29, 2025) – Fort Lauderdale United FC is excited to announce the signing of Australian defender Madison McComasky ahead of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season, pending league and federation approval. 

“McComasky brings a wealth of professional experience to our backline. She’s composed and confident in possession, with the vision and technical ability that align seamlessly with our playing philosophy,” said Ali Rogers, Associate Head Coach of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Defensively, she’s intelligent and disciplined, reads the game well, and consistently wins her individual duels. Her ability to organize those around her and anchor the backline makes her a vital part of our defensive unit.”

A versatile defender with the ability to play as a center half or outside back, McComasky pairs composure on the ball with strong one-on-one defending, making her a natural fit for Fort Lauderdale’s back line. Standing at 6’1”, she brings valuable height, aerial dominance, and physicality to a defensive unit that prides itself on toughness and control.

“McComasky gives us an important blend of composure in possession and physical dominance,” said Aly Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Her ability to win balls in the air and stay calm under pressure adds a lot to our defensive identity.”

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, McComasky left the Land Down Under after high school to pursue her collegiate career in the United States, beginning at Wayland Baptist University (2018) before moving to Northeast Texas Community College (2019). She made the jump to Division I in 2020, joining Incarnate Word for her final two seasons. In 2021, she starred for the Cardinals, starting all 21 matches, earning All-Southland Third Team honors and helping lead the program to the Southland Conference Final.

After wrapping up her collegiate career, McComasky signed with Canberra United for the 2022/23 campaign, where she delivered a breakout rookie season. The defender returned home the following year to join her hometown club, Western Sydney Wanderers, on a two-year deal starting with the 2023/24 season. Across a pair of campaigns with the Wanderers, McComasky logged 2,770 minutes, scored two goals, and racked up 46 tackles won, 46 blocks and 44 interceptions. The Australian native also completed 996 passes at a 71.2% accuracy rate, including 117 progressive passes. 

McComasky is the second Wanderer to join the team this offseason, reuniting with forward Sophie Harding after two seasons together from 2023 to 2025. A dynamic defender with toughness, poise, and a commanding aerial presence, McComasky will look to be a key part of a revamped Fort Lauderdale United backline as the club sets its sights on a return to the Super League Final.

Season Tickets Available NOW!

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale – and you won’t want to miss what’s coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 14 of Fort Lauderdale United FC’s action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket – a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn’t just about soccer; it’s about making memories with your family. Come make memories with us – click HERE to secure yours today!

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. Fort Lauderdale United FC fields two professional soccer teams: a women’s team in the Division One Gainbridge Super League, a USL property, and a men’s USL League One team (arriving in 2026). The club also operates men’s 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.