Fort Lauderdale United FC suffers first defeat at their new stadium

The Fort Lauderdale United FC registered 2-1 against Lexington SC.

Fort Lauderdale United FC Nia Christopher (Blue, forefront) with a short low cross to forward Erica Gomes inside the penalty area in the 88th minute on Saturday night, Oct. 19. Photo | Gasner Delvarin Jr. 

Klaue St Fort

October 21, 2024

Davie, Fla. — Fort Lauderdale United FC (FTL UTD) registered their first defeat at their new stadium against Lexington SC, 2-1 in Fort Lauderdale, and snapped their three-game winning streak.

Fort Lauderdale United FC began the match with an early offensive approach driven by Felicia Knox, who set up opportunities for teammates Addie McCain and Sh’Nia Gordon.

Jasmine Hamid nearly gave Fort Lauderdale the lead twice, but the Lexington goalkeeper saved both.

Defensively, center backs Laveni Vaka and Celia Gaynor were instrumental, effectively managing the back line and making crucial clearances.

In the 22nd minute, Knox took a corner that nearly resulted in a direct goal, but Lexington’s goalkeeper intervened and failed to clear the ball away. McCain quickly capitalized on the rebound, heading the ball into the net to give Fort Lauderdale FC a 1-0 advantage.

The forward McCain tallied her sixth goal to lead the league. 

Despite Fort Lauderdale’s dominance, Lexington equalized in the 37th minute, leaving the teams tied at 1-1 going into halftime.

In the second half, Fort Lauderdale continued to attack, focusing much of their play on the right side through Gordon.

In the 51st minute, McCain made a shot attempt in goal but saved, followed by a close miss from Komani just minutes later.

Nevertheless, Lexington broke through Fort Lauderdale’s defense in the 71st minute, scoring to take the lead.

Fort Lauderdale responded with increased pressure, with Gordon and Hamid making way for fresh legs in the 76th minute.

Sheyenne Allen and Erica Gomes came off the bench and immediately boosted the offense for Fort Lauderdale’s final push.

In the 88th minute, Nia Christopher’s skill created a chance on the right wing for Gomes, whose shot was comfortably caught by the goalie from close range.

In stoppage time, Gomes nearly tied the game after a long ball from McCain. Gomes dribbled past the goalkeeper, but Lexington’s defense cleared her shot off the line, sealing Fort Lauderdale’s 2-1 loss.

Fort Lauderdale United FC will face Brooklyn FC on Sunday, October 27th, at 2:00 p.m.

FTL UTD | Lexington SC | USLs | Sports | Gasner Delvarin Jr.