Fort Lauderdale, F.L. (August 28, 2026) — Brooklyn FC Women were narrowly beaten on the road by Fort Lauderdale United FC. The team put in a very strong performance but was unable to find the crucial equalizer.
Alex Smith made some changes to his starting XI ahead of the game, bringing forward Catherine Zimmerman and midfielder Jilly Shimkin into the starting lineup. Midfielder Jennifer Cudjoe also returned after international duty, and forward Carlee Giammona dropped into midfield. Brooklyn controlled much of the first half, and Cudjoe was integral in controlling the midfield and winning back the ball.
In the 41st minute, Fort Lauderdale forward Grace Cutler was put through on goal, and nearly had a one-on-one opportunity, but Brooklyn defender Jordan Thompson slid in to make a goal-saving block.
Brooklyn had their first shot on target in stoppage time of the first half. A shot from Shimkin near the top of the 18-yard box was deflected, but the Fort Lauderdale keeper reacted quickly to make the save and the two teams went into halftime still level at 0-0.
Midfielder Sara D’Appolonia came into the match at halftime to make her Brooklyn FC debut. Fort Lauderdale came out attacking and within 30 seconds, scored the first goal of the game and their first of the season. A cross found midfielder Nicole Vernis by herself at the far post, and she calmly put the ball into the back of the net.
In the 50th minute, Brooklyn had two massive chances to find an equalizer. A cross from a set-piece found Zimmerman whose header forced a huge save from the Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper, Haley Craig. The shot was palmed onto the crossbar, and Brooklyn defender Sophia Lowenberg got to the rebound but her shot was just wide of the goal.
Craig came up with another big double save for Fort Lauderdale in the 77th minute. Brooklyn forward Zee King cut onto her left foot before unleashing a powerful shot that was pushed away by Craig. Substitute midfielder Emma Loving won the rebound, but her shot on target was also saved.
The team continued to pile on the pressure, but was unable to find the crucial goal, and ended the match with a 1-0 defeat.
SCORING SUMMARY
Brooklyn FC: N/A
Fort Lauderdale United: Nicole Vernis 46’
DISCPLINE
Brooklyn FC: Sophia Lowenberg 69’ (Yellow)
Fort Lauderdale United: Kiara Locklear 11’ (Yellow), Kelli Van Treeck 57’ (Yellow), Sh’nia Gordon 88’ (Yellow).
LINEUPS
Brooklyn FC – Bre Norris; Annie Williams-Arlington, Jackie Richards (Sara D’Appolonia 45’), Sophia Lowenberg, Jordan Thompson, Jennifer Cudjoe (Emma Loving 55’), Ashlyn Miller, Jilly Shimkin (Kiki Markovic 79’), Carlee Giammona (Jess Garziano 70’), Tziarra King, Catherine Zimmerman (Sofia Lewis 70’).
Unused Substitutes: Nikki Pasquarella, Lauren Gogal.
Fort Lauderdale United – Haley Craig; Maggie Mace, Kelsey Oyler, Haley Thomas, Ella Simpson (Farrah Walters 83’), Nicole Vernis, Sh’nia Gordon (Todd 88’), Shea Moyer (Taylor Smith 73’), Emily Thompson (Kelli Van Treeck 45’), Kiara Locklear (Daniela Todd 90+1’), Grace Cutler (Abigail Hugh 73’).
Unused Substitutes: Heather Hinz, Molly McDougal.
UP NEXT FOR BROOKLYN FC WOMEN
Brooklyn FC Women have another match on the road on September 5 at 8:30 PM ET, against Dallas Trinity FC. They will be back at home the following week, to take on Sporting JAX on September 13. Tickets are available on SeatGeek.
