Late last night, Fort Lauderdale United announced they had officially parted ways with Head Coach Ali Rogers.
Paul Jennison has been promoted to the top spot with immediate effect.
“Paul has earned this opportunity through his work ethic and leadership,” noted Tyrone Mears, President of Soccer. “We believe in our pathway, and we have full confidence in Paul as we enter a critical stretch.”
A Resume Forged in Grass and Grit
Jennison’s journey from Middlesbrough to South Florida has demonstrated his commitment to teaching. His resume reads like a map of youth and college soccer development:
The International Stage: Goalkeeper Coach for the British Virgin Islands Men’s National Team.
The Elite Academies: Four seasons at IMG Academy overseeing the entire goalkeeping department.
The Collegiate Grind: Stints at the University of South Carolina and Northwestern University.
The Grassroots: A nine-year tenure at St. Charles East High School where he first learned to mold a team’s identity.
Since 2018, he has been teaching the teachers as a Coach Educator for the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The 12-Match Sprint
The timing of the appointment is as dramatic as a 90th-minute winner. Fort Lauderdale United FC currently sits just two points shy of a playoff spot. With only 12 matches left on the calendar, there is no room for a “honeymoon phase.” Perhaps a rethink comes after the season, but for now it’s Jennison’s shop.
Jennison, seems ready for the pressure. “This is a special place,” he said, reflecting on his promotion. “The important thing is to build on our foundation and bring the collective together. We’re excited about the roster we have and how we can continuously bring the best out of them.”
Let’s how this pans out as Fort Lauderdale has been nothing short of embarrassing in its last three outings- successive home losses to Spokane, Lexington and Dallas.
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