Fort Lauderdale United FC 2-0 Lead Slips, Settles for 3-3 Tie with Lexington SC in Season Opener
Hamid’s Late Penalty Rescues Fort Lauderdale in 3-3 Season Opener
Fort Lauderdale United midfielder, Darya Rajaee (#12), against Lexington SC on Saturday, Aug. 23. Photo | Gasner Delvarin Jr.
Gasner Delvarin Jr.
August 23, 2025
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC (FTLUTD) began its new campaign in the Gainbridge Super League with a 3-3 draw against Lexington last Saturday.
Both sides opened in a 4-3-3 formation, testing each other's defense in a physical start marked by fouls and quick transitions. Lexington produced the first chance in the 7th minute when Ekic broke through the back line on a well-timed pass, but failed to convert.
In the 10th minute, Fort Lauderdale United built an attack down the left flank. Jasmine Hamid backheeled a pass to Ella Simpson, who quickly returned the ball to Hamid, and unleashed a powerful 40-yard shot that forced the Lexington goalkeeper to backpedal and tip it over the crossbar.
Fort Lauderdale United sustained their pressure and earned a free kick in the 16th minute. The new right midfielder Kathrynn González positioned over the ball, but Darya Rajaee curled it from around 22 yards into the net to open the club’s scoring for the season.
Fort Lauderdale United controlled possession throughout the first half and took a 1-0 lead into the break.
In the second half, Kiara Locklear doubled the score for Fort Lauderdale United at 2-0 in the 57th minute after Van Treeck intercepted a short pass and delivered a grass-cut cross that Locklear finished.
Nevertheless, Lexington mounted a comeback and struck twice in the 63rd and 70th minutes to level the score at 2-2, turning the momentum in their favor. The visitors then seized the lead at 3-2 in the 87th minute, entering the final seconds.
However, Fort Lauderdale United continued to press. Under pressure in midfield, Locklear threaded a through ball into Lexington’s half, allowing Sh’Nia Gordon to sprint past the defense and enter the box, where she was fouled, earning a penalty in the 90th minute.
Jasmine Hamid stepped to the spot and calmly converted the penalty in a stoppage-time penalty, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure a 3-3 draw with Lexington SC.
Fort Lauderdale United FC will face Carolina Ascent FC next weekend.
FTL UTD | Lexington SC | GSLs | Sports | Gasner Delvarin Jr.