{"id":72987,"date":"2025-12-05T21:49:16","date_gmt":"2025-12-05T21:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/72987\/"},"modified":"2025-12-05T21:49:16","modified_gmt":"2025-12-05T21:49:16","slug":"fifa-call-ups-help-launch-fort-lauderdale-united-fc-onto-global-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/72987\/","title":{"rendered":"FIFA call-ups help launch Fort Lauderdale United FC onto global stage"},"content":{"rendered":"

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In the midst of a strong season that has the club in third place of the Gainbridge Super League, Fort Lauderdale United FC sent four players off to international competition last week.<\/p>\n

The club, which has 17 points and is one behind second-place Sporting JAX and four behind front-running Lexington SC, is on break until Dec. 13, allowing several of its standouts to shine on the international stage.<\/p>\n

For a period that began on Nov. 23 and runs through Tuesday, midfielders Stella Nyamekye (Ghana) and Kat Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), along with forwards Nia Christopher (Bermuda) and Princess Ademiluyi (England), are playing for their respective nations during an all-important FIFA international window.<\/p>\n

FIFA is the top governing body in world soccer, and when players are internationally called up in this type of window, it is an accomplishment that distinguishes not only the competitors themselves, but the professional teams they play for. It is a sure sign of what Fort Lauderdale United has been able to establish in Davie this season. Beyond the proof that the organization continues to grow in its success, the individual skills of these players have also been showcased in more ways than one.<\/p>\n

\u201cInternational selection, whether at the senior or youth level, represents the highest acknowledgment of a player\u2019s ability, ceiling, potential and professionalism,\u201d Fort Lauderdale coach Ali Rogers said last month. \u201cI am incredibly proud of our four players earning call-ups and representing their countries. Their achievements reflect the consistency and high standards they bring each day and the environment that supports their growth. We\u2019re excited to see them continue to develop and compete at the highest levels.\u201d<\/p>\n

Achievements like this are significant for a new club that is still establishing itself. They prove that Fort Lauderdale is becoming a team where talent both emerges and develops as the players gain recognition on some of the world\u2019s largest stages.<\/p>\n

Before Rogers\u2019 team gathers back in Florida, and picks up their season with a road match at Sporting JAX on Dec. 13, here\u2019s a closer look at those four call-ups:<\/p>\n

\"0\"<\/a>For a transfer window period that began Nov. 23 and runs through Tuesday, Fort Lauderdale United FC\u2019s Princess Ademiluyi, a forward, has been with the Under-20 English women\u2019s national team in Spain, as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup in Poland (Photo Credit: Fort Lauderdale United FC)<\/p>\n

PRINCESS ADEMILUYI, FORWARD, ENGLAND<\/p>\n

If her name presents any hint, it\u2019s that Ademiluyi is royalty on the field. She brings strength, tactical awareness and versatility to Fort Lauderdale\u2019s offense. Since joining the team on loan, she has stood out with her ability to hold up the ball, create opportunities and challenges defenders by quickly becoming an important part of the team\u2019s offensive lineup.<\/p>\n

As Fort Lauderdale hit the break, Ademiluyi\u2019s name was checkered across the statistical sheets. She ranked third among the club\u2019s forwards in shots, shots on target, passes, tackles won and duels won.<\/p>\n

Internationally, it\u2019s been more of the same, as she scored six goals in 14 games for England prior to this call-up. All told, before her trip last week back to the national club, she had made 14 appearances since October 2024, including three starts in the 2025 UEFA Under-19 European Championships.<\/p>\n

Being part of England\u2019s formation for the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women\u2019s World Cup, she is in Spain this week, adding to that global resume. On Tuesday, at 11 a.m. ET, England will meet Mexico at Pinatar Arena in San Pedro del Pinatar, Murcia.<\/p>\n

KATHRYNN GONZALEZ, MIDFIELDER, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC<\/p>\n

Gonzalez offers energy, intellect, and a keen eye for opportunities at the midfield position. She has been a constant contributor for Fort Lauderdale, assisting with possession, leading the attack and sparking crucial moments that have elevated the club in close games.<\/p>\n

As Fort Lauderdale hit the break, Gonzalez\u2019s ledger showed her with 10 appearances, including four starts. She recorded one assist, while authoring six key passes and 13 duels won across 422 minutes of game play.<\/p>\n

A player who competed collegiately at Marshall, Gonzalez\u2019s international background dates back to 2021. And on Tuesday, another chapter will be added to that portfolio, when her national team takes on Suriname at 6 p.m. ET at Estadio Complejo Deportivo Moca 85 in the Dominican Republic.<\/p>\n

\"Spokane<\/a>For a transfer window period that began back on Nov. 23, Fort Lauderdale United FC midfielder Stella Nyamekye, a key player on the Ghana national team, rejoined that club and will take on England on Tuesday at 2 p.m. ET at St. Mary\u2019s Stadium in Southampton, England (Photo Credit: Fort Lauderdale United FC)<\/p>\n

STELLA NYAMEKYE, MIDFIELDER, GHANA<\/p>\n

Nyamekye has been a key cog to Fort Lauderdale\u2019s success and her statistics pop off the page. She has appeared in 10 matches, starting eight, and has logged 699 minutes. During that run, she has completed 79.4% of her passes, and leads the club with 12 chances created. She entered the Gainbridge break with one goal and a team-high two assists.<\/p>\n

Having made her senior debut for Ghana in 2023 at just 17 years old, Nyamekye is the kind of midfield player who leads attacks and sets up the games properly. She captained Ghana\u2019s Under-20 team in the FIFA Women\u2019s World Cup last year.<\/p>\n

On Tuesday, Nyamekye and Ghana will take on England at 2 p.m. ET at St. Mary\u2019s Stadium in Southampton, England.<\/p>\n

NIA CHRISTOPHER, FORWARD, BERMUDA<\/p>\n

Christopher has established a reputation as a powerful forward for Fort Lauderdale, utilizing her quickness, movement off the ball, and ability to find space on the pitch.<\/p>\n

She made her club debut last season and proved herself immediately as someone who was capable of having an impact by setting up teammates and making a major contribution to victories. Christopher finished her Gainbridge rookie year with four shots on target, three key passes, and a 75.4% passing accuracy.<\/p>\n

Internationally, Christopher has similarly made her mark, scoring six goals in nine games for Bermuda, including a hat trick during the 2022 CONCACAF Women\u2019s Championship Qualifiers. The forward, who played collegiately at Towson, will add to her global portfolio on Monday night, when Bermuda battles Guatemala at Estadio Cementos Progreso in Guatemala City at 8 p.m. ET.<\/p>\n

WHAT\u2019S NEXT BACK IN FLORIDA<\/p>\n

The international call-ups of Nyamekye, Gonzalez, Christopher, and Ademiluyi represent more than just personal achievements. They are a collective sign that Fort Lauderdale United is developing a group with true quality and drive. Each player will return with vital experience against top-level competition, lessons that should help the team down the stretch.<\/p>\n

But when Fort Lauderdale returns to the pitch on Dec. 13, it will do so coming off a loss. On Nov. 22, it dropped a 2-0 decision to that same Sporting JAX team, giving up second place to the neighbor from the north.<\/p>\n

\u201cTonight wasn\u2019t good enough from us in any aspect. There\u2019s no way around that,\u201d Rogers said after the loss. \u201cWe\u2019ll take it on the chin, review it honestly, and learn from it. A lot of what went wrong was self-inflicted, and we\u2019re accountable for that. The best part is we have an immediate opportunity to respond when we face them again in Jacksonville in a couple of weeks.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

This story<\/a> is part of a collaboration between Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers and the Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media at Florida International University.<\/p>\n


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