Simpson Scores First Pro Goal as Fort Lauderdale United Draws 2-2 with Carolina Ascent
Locklear scores in back-to-back matches for Fort Lauderdale to start the season
Fort Lauderdale United team through the huddles, before kick-off, against Carolina FC on Saturday, Aug. 30. Photo | Gasner Delvarin Jr.
Gasner Delvarin Jr.
August 30, 2025
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Fort Lauderdale United FC (0-0-2, 2 PTS) battled to a 2-2 draw against Carolina Ascent FC (0-0-1, 1 PTS) on Saturday night at Beyond Bancard Field.
Defender Ella Simpson scored her first professional goal, and forward Kiara Locklear netted her second in as many games. After conceding in the opening minute, Fort Lauderdale rallied behind key plays from Bella Hara, Kat González, and captain Sh’nia Gordon, who made a goal-line clearance to keep the match within reach.
Simpson’s header from a González free kick leveled the score in the 71st minute, and Locklear’s 83rd-minute strike gave the hosts a brief lead before Carolina equalized in stoppage time.
Fort Lauderdale remains unbeaten through two matches and will visit Spokane Zephyr FC on September 6 for its first road test of the season.
FTL UTD | Carolina Ascent FC | GSLs | Sports | Gasner Delvarin Jr.