Hamid finds the net but Fort Lauderdale United FC stumbles at home in spring season opener

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – Fort Lauderdale United FC kicked off the spring portion of the 2025-26 Gainbridge Super League season on Saturday evening, facing a tough test against Lexington SC at Beyond Bancard Field. Despite a standout performance from forward Jasmine Hamid, who scored her third goal of the season to tie the club’s all-time scoring record at 12, Fort Lauderdale United fell 3-1 in front of a home crowd. The loss marked the second defeat of the season at home for the team, but fans can look forward to a chance for redemption when the club hosts Dallas Trinity FC next week.

The match began with early fireworks as Lexington SC struck in the 8th minute to take the lead. Fort Lauderdale’s goalkeeper, McKinley Crone, made an immediate impact in her club debut, keeping the scoreline respectable with four critical saves in the first 18 minutes. On the offensive side, forward Kiara Locklear pressured the Lexington defense, forcing a save in the 12th minute and frequently linking up with Hamid down the left side throughout the opening half. In the 21st minute, the duo executed a slick give-and-go, with Locklear’s shot narrowly missing the mark.

Despite these early chances, Lexington doubled its advantage in the 26th minute, leaving Fort Lauderdale with a steep deficit before halftime. The home side did not relent, however, as Kat González and Taylor Smith delivered dangerous free kicks into the box, attempting to create scoring opportunities. Yet, Fort Lauderdale entered the break trailing 2-0, reflecting both the challenge of breaking down Lexington’s disciplined defense and the efficiency of the visiting squad.

The second half began with renewed energy for Fort Lauderdale United. Hamid drove aggressively down the left flank early on, feeding Locklear into the box in the 50th minute for a low shot that was saved. Crone continued her stellar performance in goal with back-to-back saves in the 53rd and 54th minutes, keeping her team within reach. However, Lexington struck again in the 58th minute to extend its lead to 3-0, a goal that tested Fort Lauderdale’s resolve and forced Head Coach Ali Rogers to make strategic adjustments.

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Fort Lauderdale pressed forward relentlessly, with Hamid asserting herself through the middle of the field, breaking past defenders in the 61st and 65th minutes. The first wave of substitutions came in the 63rd minute, bringing on Daniela Todd for her professional debut and Nia Christopher in place of Taylor Smith and Madison McComasky. These moves injected fresh energy into the squad as the team looked to reduce the deficit.

In the 79th minute, Rogers executed a triple substitution, sending Sophie Harding, Lilly McCarthy, and debutant Dakota Harrell onto the field for Locklear, Kelli Van Treeck, and Laveni Vaka. Just a minute later, Hamid pulled one back for Fort Lauderdale with a solo run through the middle, blasting a low strike into the bottom-right corner to make the score 3-1. Her goal not only showcased her individual skill but also highlighted her continued importance to the squad as she tied the club’s all-time scoring record.

The home side continued to push for a comeback in the final minutes. Hamid tested the Lexington goalkeeper again in the 89th minute, forcing a solid save, and Harding’s header moments later also drew a stop from the visiting keeper. Despite their efforts, Fort Lauderdale United was unable to convert additional opportunities, and the match ended with a 3-1 loss, leaving fans eager for the team’s next outing.

Looking ahead, Fort Lauderdale United FC will return to action on Saturday, February 7, for the second match of a three-game homestand against Dallas Trinity FC at Beyond Bancard Field. The two teams met just once in the fall portion of the season, with Fort Lauderdale earning a convincing 4-1 victory on September 13. With only three scheduled matchups between the clubs this season, next week’s game promises to be a critical test for both sides, particularly as Fort Lauderdale looks to solidify its playoff positioning.

Tickets for the February 7 matchup are available for purchase, and fans are encouraged to attend to support the team. For those seeking to follow the remainder of the season closely, the club has introduced the Playoff Push Package, which provides access to all eight remaining home games. The package is designed to give supporters the opportunity to experience every duel, counterattack, and decisive moment as Fort Lauderdale United fights for a place in the Gainbridge Super League postseason.

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Saturday’s loss underscored the challenges Fort Lauderdale faces at home against high-caliber opponents like Lexington SC, but the performance of Hamid and other young talents demonstrates that the team has the tools to bounce back. With strong offensive contributions, disciplined defensive efforts, and tactical adjustments from the coaching staff, the club looks to learn from this setback and build momentum heading into the next series of home matches.

Fans and local supporters will have the chance to see the team in action at Beyond Bancard Field, with tickets available online and at the box office. As the Gainbridge Super League season enters the spring segment, Fort Lauderdale United FC is determined to regroup, rally, and make a strong push toward the playoffs while continuing to showcase the talent and dedication of players like Jasmine Hamid and McKinley Crone.

The spring opener may not have gone as hoped, but the team’s effort, combined with strategic substitutions and the energy of home supporters, provides reason for optimism. Fort Lauderdale United FC is ready to take lessons from this match into its next contest, aiming to turn opportunities into results and secure a successful conclusion to the 2025-26 season.