Returning to the site where Fort Lauderdale United FC secured a postseason birth last season, the club (1-0-2, 5 PTS) secured its first victory of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season on Saturday night, defeating Spokane Zephyr FC (0-2-2, 2 PTS) by a score of 1-0 in its inaugural road match of the campaign. This time they didn’t need heroics from Cosette Morché, who is now with the Orlando Pride to win.
This time, Defender Ella Simpson was the hero, scoring her second goal in as many matches. The winning goal came in the 62nd minute from a corner kick delivered by midfielder Stella Nyamekye, who was making her first start with the team after arriving on loan from NWSL’s Gotham FC. This marked Nyamekye's first assist of the season.
With the victory, Fort Lauderdale remains undefeated through three matches, building strong momentum as it prepares for a home game against one of the league's top teams, the Dallas Trinty FC who won 1-0 in Jacksonville Saturday night behind a historic goal from 15-year old Rhea Moore.
Match Recap
Fort Lauderdale started the match with confidence, controlling possession and setting the tempo for the first 20 minutes. Coach Tyrone Mears' new-look starting lineup, which included Nyamekye and left-back Julia Grosso, made an immediate impact. Forward Jasmine Hamid created two early chances, and a give-and-go between Kelli Van Treeck and Kiara Locklear nearly resulted in a goal.
The combination of Hamid and Nyamekye proved effective, with Nyamekye dictating play and creating a scoring opportunity in the 33rd minute. Goalkeeper Bella Hara kept the game scoreless at the half with a crucial save in stoppage time.
The second half saw both teams apply pressure, but it was Fort Lauderdale that broke the deadlock. After a corner kick in the 62nd minute, Nyamekye's high-arching ball found Simpson, who powered a header into the net for the match's only goal.
The win was not without drama, as midfielder Taylor Smith received a red card in the 94th minute—the first in the club's history. Despite being down a player, Fort Lauderdale held on for the 1-0 victory.
Scoring Summary:
Fort Lauderdale: Simpson, 62' (assisted by Nyamekye)
Looking Ahead
Fort Lauderdale United returns home on Saturday, September 13, to host Dallas Trinity FC at Beyond Bancard Field. The two teams have a history of competitive matchups, with Fort Lauderdale winning the season series during the inaugural campaign. Both clubs made it to the Super League Playoffs last season, setting the stage for a high-quality contest before Fort Lauderdale begins a three-match road swing.