FORT LAUDERDALE (October 12, 2026) — Fort Lauderdale United FC kicked off a new era in triumphant fashion on Sunday evening, shocking defending champion Lexington SC 2-1 in front of an energized home crowd at Amerant Bank Field. Forward Sh’nia Gordon delivered a masterclass performance, scoring both goals to secure a statement victory in Interim Head Coach Paul Jennison’s first match at the helm during the club’s annual “More Than Pink” Game.

From the opening whistle, Fort Lauderdale displayed renewed physical intensity and relentless high pressing. The attacking front four of Gordon, Kiara Locklear, Abi Hugh, and Grace Cutler set the tone early, creating multiple dangerous opportunities in the opening twenty minutes.

The breakthrough came in the 37th minute following a crisp attacking sequence. Hugh won possession on the left wing before finding Gordon at the top of the 18-yard box. Gordon demonstrated supreme patience on the ball, faking right before cutting to her left and unleashing a rocket into the far post past the Lexington goalkeeper to give the hosts a 1-0 lead heading into the break.

Fort Lauderdale wasted no time building on its momentum in the second half. Just five minutes after the restart, Gordon struck again in spectacular fashion. Taking the ball down the middle of the pitch on a solo run, the forward faked out a Lexington defender and calmly placed her finish into the far corner for her second goal of the night—marking the second brace of her Fort Lauderdale United career.

With a 2-0 advantage, Jennison managed his squad through the closing stages, bringing on Daniela Todd in the 64th minute and Molly McDougal in the 85th minute. Lexington SC made things tense in the 86th minute when White pulled a goal back to cut the deficit to 2-1. However, late defensive addition Jules Cagle helped anchor the backline through final minutes, locking down the victory for the home side.

The win moves Fort Lauderdale United FC to 2-6-0 (6 PTS) to open the second half of the Gainbridge Super League campaign on a high note. The club will quickly turn its focus to a road clash against in-state rival Sporting JAX on Friday, October 16—the second match of a demanding three-game stretch over 11 days as Fort Lauderdale begins its push up the league standings.