Kiara Locklear scores her fifth goal of the season but Fort Lauderdale United falls in the final match of the Fall portion of the season

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale United FC closed out the Fall portion of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season on a challenging note, falling 3-1 to Spokane Zephyr FC in a Saturday evening matchup at Beyond Bancard Field. Despite the loss, the evening was marked by a milestone for forward Kiara Locklear, who scored her fifth goal of the season and became the club’s all-time leading scorer with 12 career goals. For Fort Lauderdale, it was the fourth defeat of the campaign, bringing their record to 4-4-6 and leaving them with 18 points after 14 matches in the Fall.

The match started poorly for the home side, as Spokane took an early lead in the fifth minute. “We knew it would be a tough contest, but conceding that early goal forced us to chase the game from the very start,” said a team spokesperson. Despite generating several dangerous attacks through Locklear, Sh’nia Gordon, and Kelli Van Treeck, Fort Lauderdale was unable to break through Spokane’s defensive line in the first half. The Zephyr doubled their advantage in the 44th minute, sending Fort Lauderdale into halftime trailing 2-0 and facing a significant uphill battle.

In response, head coach made two tactical changes at the break, bringing on Jasmine Hamid and Kat González for Madison McComasky and Darya Rajaee to inject more attacking energy. Hamid immediately made her presence felt, having a shot blocked inside the box in the 47th minute. Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper Bella Hara kept the team in the contest with key saves in the 57th and 67th minutes, but Spokane extended their lead to 3-0 just seconds after Hara’s second stop. The match took a dramatic turn two minutes later when Spokane received a red card, giving Fort Lauderdale a man advantage for the final 20 minutes.

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With numerical superiority, Fort Lauderdale pushed forward aggressively. A long ball from Van Treeck found Locklear in the box, and she calmly finished to cut the deficit to 3-1, a historic moment for the club as she became the all-time leading scorer. González nearly added a second goal in the 78th minute, but her attempt was saved. Fort Lauderdale continued to press late in the game, making further substitutions with Sophie Harding replacing Ella Simpson in the 80th minute and Lilly McCarthy entering for Taylor Smith. Despite sustained pressure and numerous opportunities, the home side could not find a second goal, and Spokane held on for a 3-1 victory.

The result concluded Fort Lauderdale United’s Fall schedule with points in 10 of 14 matches, reflecting a season of ups and downs as the club sought consistency. While the loss was disappointing, the team heads into a short holiday break with momentum from Locklear’s scoring achievement and optimism about the Spring portion of the season.

Fort Lauderdale United will return to action on Saturday, January 31, hosting top-seeded Lexington SC in a highly anticipated matchup. The two clubs have already met twice this season, including a thrilling 3-3 draw in the season opener at Beyond Bancard Field on August 23, followed by a road loss in Lexington on October 16. Both encounters set the stage for what promises to be a high-stakes clash as Fort Lauderdale looks to make a playoff push in the Gainbridge Super League.

Fans eager to support the club during this crucial stretch can secure tickets for the January 31 matchup and other home contests through the Playoff Push Package, which provides access to all eight remaining home matches. “Playoff hopes are on the line, and Fort Lauderdale United FC needs you with us!” the club emphasized in a statement, urging supporters to witness every duel, counterattack, and pivotal moment at Beyond Bancard Field.

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Despite the Fall finale setback, Fort Lauderdale United remains focused on the road ahead. The team’s commitment to attacking play, tactical adjustments, and growing synergy among players like Locklear, Van Treeck, and González gives supporters reason for optimism as the club gears up for the Spring season. With a full squad returning and lessons learned from the first half of the campaign, Fort Lauderdale United is aiming to turn potential into points, striving for a strong finish in the Gainbridge Super League standings.

For fans, the January 31 rematch against Lexington SC represents both a challenge and an opportunity to see the club showcase resilience and determination on home turf. As Fort Lauderdale United prepares to return from the holiday break, all eyes will be on Beyond Bancard Field to see how the team responds to the Fall finale and sets the tone for the rest of the season.