Fort Lauderdale Travels to Tampa Bay for Florida Derby Clash & Rematch of Final
GSL Fort Lauderdale United FC

Fort Lauderdale Travels to Tampa Bay for Florida Derby Clash & Rematch of Final

Published on October 3, 2025 under Gainbridge Super League (GSL)
Fort Lauderdale United FC News Release


FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Fort Lauderdale United FC (3-0-2, 11 PTS) is set to travel for its second-straight road match, crossing the state to face rival Tampa Bay Sun FC (0-3-2, 2 PTS) in the first Florida Derby of the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season. The clubs met five times in 2024/25, playing to three draws before Fort Lauderdale fell twice, including in the extra-time thriller of the Super League Final. With kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. in Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale will look to avenge that defeat and secure its first victory over the Sun and continue its red-hot start to the season.

Riding a three-match win streak and unbeaten through five matches to open the season, Fort Lauderdale United FC enters Saturday's matchup atop the Super League standings as the league's hottest team. The club leads the league in goals (12), powered by a trio of September Team of the Month selections. Forward Kiara Locklear tops the team with four goals, midfielder Kelli Van Treeck is the league's only midfielder with two goals and an assist while ranking T-2nd in the league in duels won (36) and tackles won (9), and defender Ella Simpson leads all defenders with two goals and sits T-3rd in clearances (29). In goal, Bella Hara has been a steady force, ranking T-2nd in the league with 17 saves while allowing just two goals in the last three matches. Head Coach Ali Rogers earned Coach of the Month honors for September, and will look to guide her side to victory in the first Florida Derby clash of the season.

Despite entering the season as the inaugural Super League champion, Tampa Bay Sun FC has struggled to open the 2025/26 campaign, going winless through five matches (0-3-2) and sitting at the bottom of the table. The Sun's six goals scored are tied for the fewest in the league, while their -4 goal differential ranks second worst. Despite the slow start, Tampa still returns three All-League selections from last season in Tash Flint (First Team), Sydny Nasello (First Team) and Vivianne Bessette (Second Team). Offensively, the club is led by Carlee Giammona (3 goals), while former Fort Lauderdale player Sabrina McNeill ranks inside the league's top 10 in crosses (17). The struggling, new-look Tampa Bay side will have its hands full Saturday evening against a Fort Lauderdale squad firing on all cylinders to start the season.

Matchup History

Fort Lauderdale United FC and Tampa Bay Sun FC met five times in the 2024/25 Super League season, with the clubs drawing a trio of times before Tampa took the final two meetings. The last time the teams met was in the Super League Final in Tampa, where Fort Lauderdale fell in an extra time thriller.

Where to Watch

The match is set to kick-off at 7:30 p.m. ET. It will be streamed on the Peacock app and locally broadcasted on WPLG Local 10. The direct link to watch the match can be found here.

Tickets

Season tickets for the 2025/26 Gainbridge Super League season are officially on sale - and you won't want to miss what's coming. Be there for every tackle, every goal, and every unforgettable moment at all 11 of Fort Lauderdale United FC's action-packed home matches. New this year: the club has launched the Juniors Season Ticket - a fun and affordable way to bring the whole family into the experience. At Fort Lauderdale United, matchday isn't just about soccer; it's about making memories with your family.

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Gainbridge Super League Stories from October 3, 2025


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