For Fort Lauderdale United FC, Sunday night’s 2-1 victory over defending Gainbridge Super League champions Lexington SC was about much more than what happened on the pitch. It was a celebration of courage, resilience and the power of a community coming together to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
As part of the club’s inaugural “More Than Pink” match supporting Susan G. Komen, Amerant Bank Field became a place where survivors were celebrated, personal stories were shared and the South Florida community united behind a cause that touches so many families.
The evening also featured a $2,500 donation from Fort Lauderdale United FC to Susan G. Komen, reinforcing the club’s commitment to supporting breast cancer awareness, education, research and those affected by the disease.
A Night Filled With Emotion and Inspiration
The evening began with a powerful pregame ceremony as breast cancer survivors proudly led Fort Lauderdale United players onto the pitch. The special walkout provided an opportunity for the club and its supporters to recognize the strength of those who have faced breast cancer and honor the journeys that brought them to this moment.
Among those recognized was Karli Cooke, a breast cancer survivor who served as the club’s honorary captain for the match. Standing alongside the players, Cooke represented the courage and determination of countless women and families whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer.
“Walking onto that field and seeing the support from the players, the fans and the entire community was something I’ll never forget,” said Cooke. “When you’re going through breast cancer, there are moments when you feel like you’re facing everything alone. Events like this remind survivors that we have an entire community standing behind us. I’m incredibly thankful to Fort Lauderdale United and Susan G. Komen for giving us this moment.”
The celebration extended throughout the stadium, where the first 250 fans received a limited-edition pink Fort Lauderdale United replica jersey T-shirt presented by Pretty, helping turn the stands pink in a visible show of solidarity.
Karli’s Story Takes Center Stage
One of the evening’s most meaningful moments came at halftime, when Cooke’s personal journey was shared with fans through a special video tribute. Her story offered an intimate look at her experience with breast cancer, the challenges she faced and the important role Susan G. Komen played in her journey.
For supporters, it was a reminder that behind every pink ribbon is a real person, a family and a story worth hearing.
“Sunday night was a powerful reminder of what makes this club special,” said Ali Hassan, General Manager of Fort Lauderdale United FC. “Seeing those survivors walk onto the field with our players, hearing Karli’s story and feeling the support from everyone in the stadium was incredibly emotional. We talk a lot about building a club that represents this community, and this is exactly what that means. Of course, we’re proud of the result on the field, but the impact we made together off the field is what we’ll remember most.”
Turning Awareness Into Action
A highlight of the evening was Fort Lauderdale United FC’s presentation of a $2,500 donation to Susan G. Komen, supporting the organization’s ongoing mission to end breast cancer.
The contribution represented another important step in the growing partnership between the two organizations, which was established to expand breast cancer awareness, increase access to education and resources, and create meaningful opportunities for community engagement throughout South Florida.
For Susan G. Komen, the evening demonstrated how professional sports can bring people together around a shared mission.
“What Fort Lauderdale United created was so much more than a soccer match,” said Gil Zepeda, Development Manager at Susan G. Komen. “They gave survivors a platform to be celebrated, families an opportunity to come together and our organization a chance to connect with the community in a deeply personal way. When a professional sports organization makes this kind of commitment, it helps people understand that breast cancer awareness isn’t just about wearing pink. It’s about showing up, supporting one another and taking meaningful action. We’re incredibly grateful to Fort Lauderdale United for creating an experience that will stay with so many people.”
The “More Than Pink” match also helped raise awareness ahead of Susan G. Komen’s Miami/Fort Lauderdale MORE THAN PINK Walk on October 17, bringing additional attention to the organization’s mission during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
More Than a Game. A Commitment to Our Community.
Fort Lauderdale United FC’s partnership with Susan G. Komen is designed to continue beyond Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Through community events, survivor storytelling, education and continued engagement, the club hopes to build an annual tradition that brings South Florida together in support of those affected by breast cancer.
Sunday night’s “More Than Pink” match was just the beginning.
To learn more about Susan G. Komen, breast health resources and ways to get involved, visit komen.org.
Join Fort Lauderdale United FC on November 11 as we take on Tampa Bay in our next community theme night supporting United Way Broward County. Get your tickets HERE.
