Brooklyn, N.Y. (October 2, 2026) — Brooklyn FC Women beat Fort Lauderdale United 1-0 at home, earning their second win of the season and recording their first clean sheet. The team was missing head coach Alex Smith and several key players, including Emma Loving and Jordan Thompson, but were able to fight for the three points.
Brooklyn controlled much of the first half, with over 55% of possession. The first chance came early as midfielder Jess Garziano sent a cross into the box which was unable to find a Brooklyn attacker, but went through all the way and hit the Fort Lauderdale post, keeping the goalkeeper alert.
The biggest chance of the first half for Fort Lauderdale came in the 23rd minute, as forward Sh’nia Gordon dribbled away from a couple defenders but her shot went directly at Brooklyn captain and goalkeeper Bre Norris.
Brooklyn created more chances in the first half, and a major one came in the 44th minute just before halftime, as forward Zee King crossed a ball that was cleared off the goal line, sending both teams into halftime scoreless.
At the break, forward Carlee Giammona entered the match and would end up making a big impact in the game.
Forward Ashlyn Miller was able to create the first chance of the second half, as her through ball broke through the lines to find Giammona, who was unable to finish.
In the 69th minute, Fort Lauderdale began to get back into the match, forcing a big save from Norris. A curled shot from outside of the box had to be tipped over the bar by the Brooklyn captain.
Brooklyn got the only goal of the game in the 76th minute, as some pressure from Miller forced a pass back to the Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper. The goalkeeper lost her footing and was unable to control the ball. Giammona was alert and able to finish into an empty net, scoring the first goal in her Brooklyn career.
Fort Lauderdale did not go down easy and continued to create dangerous chances. In the 82nd minute, forward Kiara Locklear turned and shot from outside of the box but it hit the crossbar and bounced out. Norris made another big save in the 90+2nd minute, parrying a long shot wide of the bar, sealing her clean sheet and the three points for her team.
SCORING SUMMARY
Brooklyn FC: Carlee Giammona 76’.
Carolina Ascent: N/A.
DISCPLINE
Brooklyn FC: Carlee Giammona 67’ (Yellow), Jess Garziano 90+4’ (Yellow).
Carolina Ascent: Kelsey Oyler 35’ (Yellow), Kiara Locklear 88 (Yellow), Sh’nia Gordon 90+5’ (Yellow).
LINEUPS
Brooklyn FC – Bre Norris; Laila Booker (Annie Williams-Arlington 85’), Lauren Gogal, Sophia Lowenberg, Sara D’Appolonia, Jilly Shimkin, Jennifer Cudjoe, Jess Garziano, Ashlyn Miller (Kiki Marković 90+1’), Catherine Zimmerman (Carlee Giammona 46’), Tziarra King (Fia Lewis 78’).
Unused Substitutes: Nikki Pasquarella, Nayeong Shin.
Carolina Ascent – Haley Craig; Abigail Hugh, Kelsey Oyler, Haley Thomas, Ella Simpson, Kelli Van Treeck, Taylor Smith (Cutler 81’), Farrah Walters, Kiara Locklear, Sh’nia Gordon, Daniela Todd.
Unused Substitutes: Julianna Cagle, Maggy Henschler, Molly McDougal, Emily Thomson.
UP NEXT FOR BROOKLYN FC WOMEN
Brooklyn FC Women continue their homestand with another home match next week, They host Dallas Trinity on October 10 at 4 PM ET, celebrating Got Pink? Night. They will then have a week off before another home match against Tampa Bay Sun on October 24. Tickets are available on SeatGeek.
