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How FTL UTD’s ‘Big 3’ can take the team to the playoffs 

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Trio of Hamid, McCain and Locklear have been dynamic force in club’s rise up the standings 

When the game is on the line, Fort Lauderdale United FC knows exactly who to turn to – Jasmine Hamid, Addie McCain and Kiara Locklear. This trio has been stacking up goals and dishing out assists over the last few weeks; only one of the team’s last 12 goals did not see one of the three find the net or provide the assist. 

Hamid’s speed, McCain’s decision-making and Locklear’s instinct in front of goal have left defenses scrambling. The result? Fort Lauderdale has jumped to second in the standings, putting frontrunner Brooklyn FC in its sights.  

Let’s break down how this three-headed attack can take FTL UTD into the postseason and why every other team should be worried about it. 

No defense can stop Hamid 

There’s a reason Hamid was just named Super League Player of the Month for the second-consecutive time. Since August, we’ve seen her use her speed to blow past defenders, but her technical skills also allow her to navigate past opponents 1v1. Combined with her ability to blast shots from outside the box, she’s a defender’s nightmare. 

Hamid is also spatially aware and adapts to what the opponent’s defense gives her. In last Sunday’s outing, Carolina left her wide open on the left flank. She timed her run into the box perfectly and tapped in the cross for an uncontested goal. In Week 16 against Dallas Trinity, she received the ball inside a crowded box with her back to goal. Instead of turning into pressure, she passed it back to an unmarked McCain, who scored the game-winner. On or off the ball, Hamid is a major threat in the attacking third. 

McCain owns the midfield 

McCain plays as a true No. 10, facilitating play and creating opportunities for her teammates while being defensively responsible when needed. She leads her team in chances created (22) and ranks fourth in successful passes (441). She’s also FTL’s leader in tackles won (32) and is head and shoulders above her teammates in duels won with 103 (Felicia Knox is second with 64). 

The interesting thing about the Golden Boot race leader is that most of her goals aren’t flashy or bullets from 20 yards out like Hamid’s. She just puts herself in the right place at the right time and is clinical inside the box. A third of her goals come from her winning the ball in the midfield, playing a through ball to her teammates, losing her defender by continuing her run into the box and getting on the end of a cross for a short-range finish. Six months into the season, opponents still haven’t figured out how to stop that. 

Locklear looks hungrier than anyone else on the field 

Ever since Locklear joined Fort Lauderdale towards the end of the Fall Schedule, she has injected a spark into its already thriving offense. She scored a brace in just her second appearance with the team and recorded six shots in only 112 minutes in those first two matches. Locklear signed with FTL UTD immediately after leading Lipscomb University to a conference title and winning Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year, yet she shows no signs of fatigue. In fact, that recent taste of success might be why she looks so hungry to find more in South Florida.

With three goals and three assists, Locklear has been involved in nearly every goal since her arrival. She is just as speedy as Hamid, times her runs well to stay onside, directs her teammates on whether to play her to feet or into space, and she can finish on the ground and in the air.  

What more could Head Coach Tyrone Mears ask for out of his No. 9? 

How Nia Christopher’s leap of faith led to her historic soccer career 

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Bermudan standout’s journey from Towson University to Fort Lauderdale United FC has made childhood ambition a reality 

Nia Christopher’s journey to becoming a professional soccer player started with a simple kick of the ball on the sidelines of her father’s games. What began as a childhood pastime quickly grew into a pursuit of a dream that would take her to new places and to being a part of history. 

In Devonshire, Bermuda, soccer is second nature to everyone in the community. Christopher noted that every person in her hometown probably played it at some point in their life, especially the kids in school. 

But despite soccer’s popularity on the island, she quickly realized the challenges she’d face as a young girl wanting to pursue the sport seriously. With no girls’ youth leagues, Christopher played on boys’ teams, battling not just opponents but the voices of those on the sidelines. 

“The parents would yell at the kids, like ‘You just let a girl beat you!” Christopher recalled. “But obviously, the kids are not going to treat me like a girl. They’re just going to play. So, I think that helped me be tough.” 

While the experience strengthened both her skills and mental fortitude, she knew in the long term it wouldn’t help her reach her goals. At 15, Christopher made the decision to move to the U.S. to chase her dream of playing professionally — leaving behind her family and home to build a future in a place where women’s soccer offered more possibilities. 

“I always loved soccer,” she said. “From a young age, I knew I wanted to play professionally. But in order for me to achieve that, I couldn’t stay. In Bermuda, [women’s soccer] wasn’t that developed. I knew [America] wasn’t Bermuda, but I wanted to leave home because I knew what I wanted to do.” 

Christopher first attended a boarding school in Georgia before moving to Maryland, where she committed to play at Towson University. In her four years with the Tigers, she finished with the most goals (41), most points (98) and most game-winning goals (17) in program history. That high level of accomplishment was accompanied by multiple conference honors in the Costal Athletic Association (CAA). 

Christopher’s performance at Towson drew attention from coaches across the country, including Toan Ngo, USL W League Head Coach of Eagle FC in Pennsylvania.  

“Nia’s athleticism, speed, and crafty play were impossible to overlook during her time at Towson University,” said Ngo. “We knew that her dynamic style of play would add an exciting dimension to our Eagle FC team.” 

Christopher thrived at Eagle FC, leading the team with 11 goals and three assists in her first season with the team. She played an integral role in the club earning consecutive Mid Atlantic Division titles and the Eastern Conference title in 2023. She credits that experience with helping her transition to the professional level. 

“I had the best time [at Eagle FC],” Christopher said. “The staff was great, and the team was a lot of the top players in the country and also other internationals. Just the whole set-up they had, it was great. And the level [of competition] helped me improve and get ready for my college season.” 

Those same skills that piqued Ngo’s interest also stood out to the technical office at Fort Lauderdale United FC. In May 2024, the club announced Christopher as one of its first signings, turning her childhood dream into reality. 

“When I found out Nia signed a pro contract with FTL UTD, I couldn’t have been prouder,” Ngo said. “It’s such a well-deserved achievement, and it’s a testament to her hard work, talent and dedication.” 

Christopher made her pro debut during the league’s opening weekend in August, stepping onto the pitch in the 62nd minute to help Fort Lauderdale secure a 1-1 draw against Spokane Zephyr FC. But Christopher knows this is just the first of many accomplishments in her soccer career. 

“I finally reached my goal I have had since I was like, seven years old, but I know this is just the beginning,” Christopher said. “[I’m] hoping for more consistency… to prove that I deserve to be here and that I want to be here. We have a really good team, and we’re hoping to win it all.” 

As Christopher continues her professional journey, her story is already making an impact not just for young girls in small countries, but for aspiring athletes everywhere who dream of carving out a space for themselves in the game. During Women’s History Month, her path is a reminder of the power of persistence and the importance of opportunity.

Was Spokane’s win the biggest upset of the season? 

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Things were looking a little bleak for Spokane Zephyr at the end of the Fall Schedule.  

In the Fall Finale against Tampa Bay Sun, Zephyr fumbled a second-half lead and lost 3-2. The team picked up just three points in its last six matches and finished at the bottom of the standings heading into the break. 

Then, Spokane had to open its spring account on the road against second-placed Dallas Trinity, which had double the number of points as Spokane heading into the match. Zephyr hadn’t won away all season, while Trinity had lost only once at home. The visitors would also be without midfielders Emina Ekić – who led the side with three goals and four assists in the Fall – and Sophia Braun, who were away on international duty. 

But against the odds, Zephyr came away with the 1-0 victory last weekend, earning its first win since late October. 

“I’m very proud of the fight and mentality of our team this game,” said Zephyr midfielder Katie Murray. “Everyone stepped in and made an impact from start to finish. It was a total collective effort to secure the points.” 

Murray scored the game-winner in the 15th minute, which was her first goal of the season.  Forward Emma Jaskaniec provided the assist, also her first. 

“The goal starts with us beginning to find ourselves in the game,” Murray said. “Credit goes a lot to Emma using her strength to hold the ball up and play a great pass to me. I am happy to help contribute.”  

Spokane had struggled thus far with finishing chances. The team ranks first in shots (193) and second behind only Dallas in penalty areas entries (420), yet it has scored the second fewest goals (14).  

Dallas won the first meeting against Spokane before the teams split points in a scoreless draw in November. However, Zephyr probably should’ve gotten the win in at least one of those matches. Spokane controlled possession and nearly doubled Trinity’s shots 30-16 in both fixtures. McKenzie Weinert scored what would’ve been the winner in the second match, but it was called offside. 

“We’ve played Dallas close the last couple of games we faced them, so it was nice picking up the three points,” said Spokane Head Coach Jo Johnson. “The team showed their commitment to growth and improvement from our fall experience. They executed the game plan, and it was a true team effort; supporting and showing up for one another.”    

Zephyr’s next match is its home opener against the new current second-place team Carolina Ascent. After last week’s big win, which might be the biggest upset of the season thus far, gives hope to what Spokane can bring during the rest of this Spring Schedule. 

“You could feel the excitement and passion amongst all the girls,” said Zephyr forward Ally Cook. “I’m excited to continue this momentum into this second half of the season. I can’t wait to see what this team is able to accomplish.”  

What we learned from Week 21 in the USL Super League

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Week 21 of the USL Super League season saw 11 goals scored, seven new goal scorers and a huge upset. 

Here are the three biggest takeaways from last weekend: 

The winter break did some teams better than others 

Going into Saturday, Spokane Zephyr FC was dead last in the standings and hadn’t won a match since late October. DC Power FC had scored only seven goals all season and really struggled to earn results. Both teams looked like entirely different squads in their Spring Schedule debuts. 

Spokane dominated Dallas Trinity FC at the Cotton Bowl, a stadium that so far this season has been a fortress for the home team. Zephyr have always been able to create quality looks in the final third but taking an early lead on the road while also defending the best we’ve seen all season with two of their stars away on international duty must be a huge confidence boost. Meanwhile, Dallas has dropped five points at home in its first two matches back and looks a little disorganized on both sides of the ball. 

DC headed to Charlotte with five of their players away on international duty, most notably captain and defender Claire Constant. While the team did make some defensive mistakes that resulted in three conceded goals, it has to still get credit for taking advantage of opportunities on the other end of the field. Three shots converted to three goals against arguably the best goalkeeper and one of the most experienced defensive units in the league. It was exactly what DC needed before its next match against Lexington at home. 

Draws are killing Carolina and Tampa Bay 

Tampa Bay Sun FC recorded a draw for the third match in a row, and while getting a point against the No. 1 team is respectable, the Sun didn’t capitalize on an important home opportunity. Tampa Bay had two matches under its belt against a Brooklyn team that hadn’t played a league match in over two months, which showed as Brooklyn took a while to get into the match. The Sun has to turn these draws into wins if it wants to finish in the top four. 

Carolina Ascent FC also squeaked by with a draw against DC in a match up that should have been an easy win. The Ascent missed multiple shots from point-blank range, gave up a penalty and conceded the tying goal through a defensive error, and a DC own goal gave Carolina its only lead of the match. After just narrowly beating Lexington 2-1 in Week 20, Carolina has to clean things up if it hopes to hold on to a spot above the playoff line. 

Fort Lauderdale looks the best it has all season 

Fort Lauderdale United FC has earned 13 of 15 points in its last five matches, a feat that only Brooklyn has accomplished this season. The team crushed Lexington on Saturday in every statistic, recording 62% of possession on nearly 500 passes and outshooting Lexington 17-10.  

Before the break, FTL UTD already looked to be on the rise as Jasmine Hamid and Kiara Locklear (Pralle) started to get going in front of goal, then the spring additions bolstered the team’s defense and the depth coming off the bench. Julia Grosso was creating chances and shutting down Lexington’s attack in her debut. The duo of Laurel Ansbrow and Laveni Vaka could become the most dominant center back pairing in the league. Jorian Baucom has the potential to be a game-changer as a sub. Every other team needs to be wary when matching up against Fort Lauderdale for the rest of the season. 

Can Carolina Ascent open the spring with a win? 

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Carolina Ascent FC (5-3-6) kicks off its spring campaign with a home opener at American Legion Memorial Stadium this Saturday. The team sits just above the playoff line in fourth place with 21 points, but after ending the fall campaign on a three-game losing streak it’s in need of a fresh start.  

Here’s what the Ascent will need to do in order to come away with all three points: 

Don’t underestimate Lexington

Despite the gap in the standings between the two clubs, Saturday’s match will likely be another closely contested matchup that could swing either way. Each of their first two meetings between Carolina and Lexington ended in 1-1 draws. Possession and nearly every other stat was split 50-50 in the first match; the second meeting was more in Carolina’s favor despite an own goal being the only reason Lexington didn’t come away with a win. Now with six new signings, Lexington could come out as a completely different team, and Carolina needs to be prepared to play the best version of Lexington it has seen so far. 

Get out to an early lead 

In that same vein, there are still ways for Carolina to set itself up for a better chance to win. The team has never lost a match where it scored first; meanwhile, Lexington has lost three matches after holding a lead. It also took the Girls in Green 14 matches to record a clean sheet, despite outstanding performances from goalkeepers Sarah Cox and Bridgette Skiba. Carolina struggled offensively in its last few matches of the fall, resulting in its downturn in form. Getting going early could jumpstart the goalscoring again going forward. 

Rely on dominant defense 

A lot of the success Ascent saw in its 11-game undefeated streak to start the season can be attributed to the backline. Carolina leads the league in clearances and is behind only Brooklyn in clean sheets and goals conceded. Sydney Studer and Vicky Bruce are the league’s top two in clearances with Studer leading specifically in headed clearances, and Jill Aguilera is not far behind. Spearheaded by Meagan McClelland in goal, Carolina’s defense must show up in top form to combat the offensive creativity Lexington showed in the fall.  

Leverage home field advantage 

Carolina has a huge advantage in hosting its first match of the spring in a stadium where the stands are always filled with an engaged and supportive crowd. The Ascent usually puts on a strong performance for their fans, as the team is 3-1-3 and has outscored opponents 6-3 while at home. The first three matches for Carolina are at American Legion, so getting off to a strong start on Saturday can provide momentum for the following weeks. 

What to expect from Tampa Bay Sun FC in the spring

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Tampa Bay Sun FC will host the first match of the second half of the 2024/25 USL Super League season against Fort Lauderdale United FC. Here’s what we can expect to see out of the Sun in the spring: 

Strong start 

Tampa Bay is coming off a huge comeback win over Spokane to end the fall and have an opportunity to jump to third in the standings with a win over Fort Lauderdale as the sides make up the postponed contest between the sides from last October. In the first Florida Derby, Tampa Bay nearly earned the win before a late equalizer from FTL split the points in South Florida. If the Sun can jump out to a hot start on their home turf and take advantage of the match in hand it has, it could kickstart a successful second half of the season. 

The big three 

Tampa Bay’s attacking trio of Carlee Giammona, Cecile Nielsen and Natasha Flint looked more confident in the last few matches of the fall. The three combined for 13 goals on 59 shots, contributing to two huge wins in the Sun’s last three matches. The trio might only be rivaled by Brooklyn’s front line in terms of potential production. That makes Giammona, Nielsen and Flint and their rising chemistry key to the team’s success this spring. 

Player movement 

Natalia Staude and Lauren Kozal completed their loans in December, leaving the Sun along with Riley Parker and Jasmine Abundis. However, Parker Goins and Jordan Zade were signed to the club from Racing Louisville FC and the University of Nebraska, respectively. Tampa Bay has one of the deepest rosters in the league, and Head Coach Denise Schilte-Brown will likely switch up the starting lineups with the variety of talent she has at her disposal. 

Breaking down USL Super League’s biggest winter moves 

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As the spring season kicks off, which new arrivals could make a big impact for their club? 

Since the conclusion of the USL Super League’s fall campaign, more than 20 players have made moves between clubs or landed in the league for the first time, providing a roster shake-up that each team is hoping can boost their prospects this spring.  

All eight teams saw player movement that will impact their lineups going into the second half of the season. Here are the five biggest signings we saw over the break: 

Riley Parker to Carolina Ascent FC 

In just the second interleague transfer, striker Riley Parker moved from the Tampa Bay Sun to Carolina Ascent. After Parker’s impressive career at the University of Alabama and her pro experience with Racing Louisville FC and Tigres, it seemed she would be a crucial part of the Sun’s attack. However, she did not see many minutes on the field in the fall, especially after the Sun brought in the international talent of Cecile Nielsen and Natasha Flint. Parker made six starts in 10 appearances for Tampa Bay and recorded nine shots and four shots on target, but didn’t find the back of the net. 

The transfer will be a huge boost for both Parker and Carolina. Despite the team’s memorable unbeaten run and third-place position in the standings before the break, Ascent scored the third-fewest goals (14) thus far and netted just one goal in the run of play in its last five matches. Integrating Parker into the attack – and reuniting her with her Alabama teammate Ashlynn Serepca – can bring back her confidence and jumpstart Carolina’s offense to start the spring. 

Lexi Missimo to Dallas Trinity FC 

One of the biggest signings from the 2024 collegiate graduating class was midfielder Lexi Missimo with Dallas Trinity. The Southlake, Texas, native is staying in her home state following a standout career at the University of Texas. Missimo logged 89 appearances and finished as the program’s career leader in points (176), goals (56) and assists (64). Missimo also represented the U.S. Youth National Team 32 times from U-14 through the U-23 level and was most recently selected to the 2025 USWNT Futures Camp. 

Dallas knew how critical it was to bring in a high-caliber midfielder for the spring since Sam Meza completed her loan in December and returned to Seattle Reign FC. Missimo is a clinical finisher who can shoot from outside the box but can also take on defenders 1v1. She’s great on and off the ball and will be an incredible asset to Dallas’ offense alongside Chioma Ubogagu and Allie Thornton. 

Yunaira Lopez, Sintia Cabezas to Lexington SC 

While the Girls in Green were one of the more impressive teams in the league last fall when it came to scoring and offensive production, Lexington struggled defensively and went into the break with a –10 goal differential. The club brought in talent over the last month for nearly every position, but the two most notable additions are to its backline with Yunaira Lopez and Sintia Cabezas.  

Lopez is joining the club from Atletico Nacional in Colombia, and Cabezas is on loan from San Diego Wave FC, but the duo are Colombian Youth National Team teammates. Lopez and Cabezas anchored the defense in the 2024 U-20 World Cup held in their home country and kept clean sheets in the first four matches of the tournament. Having two players with chemistry and reps together can bring cohesion to the rest of the defensive unit for Lexington in the spring. 

Julia Grosso to Fort Lauderdale United FC 

Fort Lauderdale signed defender Julia Grosso after two years with Melbourne City FC and a stint with the Utah Royals at the end of 2024. Grosso recorded two goals and three assists in her 37 appearances at MCFC and earned 2022-23 A-League Player of the Year honors as a rookie along with a 2023-24 Premiers title. The defender also played five seasons at the University of Kentucky, tallying 84 appearances, 5,754 minutes played, four goals and two assists.  

Grosso’s speed and composure on defense combined with her ability to get up the field and produce on offense fits perfectly with FTL UTD’s style of play. Different players have rotated in and out of the outside back position for the team but bringing Grosso into that role will be beneficial for the group on both sides of the ball. 

Ally Cook to Spokane Zephyr FC 

Forward Ally Cook is the latest player to join Spokane Zephyr after spending the 2024 season with the Chicago Stars. Prior to Cook’s professional career, she put herself in the record books at the University of Oregon, with 17 career goals, 39 career points and 146 career shots, and at UCLA, where she helped the team win its second national championship. 

Throughout the fall, Spokane struggled to convert in front of goal and left multiple points on the table in scoreless draws and 1-0 losses. Bringing in a known goal-scorer with strength and aerial prowess could fill in that missing piece and contribute to success for Zephyr in the spring. 

What to expect from Spokane Zephyr FC in the spring

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Spokane Zephyr FC will open the second half of the 2024/25 USL Super League season against Dallas Trinity FC on February 22. Here’s what we can expect to see out of Spokane in the spring: 

Let Ally cook 

Spokane’s biggest winter break move was acquiring Ally Cook from the Chicago Red Stars. Cook put herself in the record books at the University of Oregon, with 17 career goals, 39 career points and 146 career shots, and also at UCLA, where she helped the team win its second national championship. The forward will hopefully unlock the team offensively, as Zephyr struggled to capitalize in front of goal in the fall. 

Strong midfield 

When it comes to earning and maintaining possession and creating chances, specifically in the midfield, few teams are better than Spokane. Emina Ekić, Taylor Aylmer and Marley Canales averaged 75% passing accuracy and 72% tackle success rates while combining for 51 chances created. With Cook providing another target up top for the midfielders, Spokane’s attack looks more promising. 

More consistency in schedule 

The Fall Schedule was extremely challenging for Spokane, playing six consecutive away matches before the break. The team’s home base on the west coast requires extensive travel, and it struggled to find some consistency and get into a rhythm during the long road stretch. Zephyr will alternate two home and two away matches for most of the spring, creating a more balanced schedule like the rest of the league. 

What to expect from Lexington SC in the spring

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Lexington SC is taking aim at moving up the standings as we head into the second half of the 2024/25 USL Super League season. Here’s what we can expect to see out of the club in the spring: 

Team revamp 

Lexington was the club that made the most roster changes over this winter break. The team announced the signings of University of Georgia standouts Nicole Vernis and Hannah White along with Colombian internationals Yunaira Lopez and Sintia Cabezas, who is on loan from San Diego Wave. Madelen Holme and Kimberley Mendez both departed from the club. With a few more announcements on the horizon, it’s safe to expect plenty of changes to Lexington’s lineups. 

Madi Parsons magic 

Half of Lexington’s 20 goals in the first half of the season came through the efforts of forward Madi Parsons. The October Player of the Month leads the league in goal contributions with five goals and five assists. Her 1,219 minutes played rank first on the team, and her 27 shots are tied for third in the league. Parsons has proven to be one of the most dynamic forwards in the league and will be crucial to Lexington’s success in the spring. 

Cox or Skiba? 

Lexington is another club where the starting goalkeeper spot is up for grabs. Sarah Cox played nearly double the minutes as Bridgette Skiba and made incredible plays that earned Save of the Month honors in October, November and December. However, Skiba was the one in the starting lineup in the team’s final match of December and recorded its first clean sheet of the season. Whichever one gets the nod moving forward needs to work with their young backline if the club wants to improve defensively and earn results in this second half.