In a tightly contested matchup on October 2, 2026, Brooklyn FC Women secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Fort Lauderdale United at their home ground. This win marked the team’s second success of the season while also achieving their first clean sheet, despite being without head coach Alex Smith and key players like Emma Loving and Jordan Thompson.
Match Overview
Brooklyn FC dominated possession in the early stages, maintaining over 55% of the ball during the first half. The opening opportunity came quickly when midfielder Jess Garziano’s cross inadvertently found the post, prompting the Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper to stay vigilant.
First Half Highlights
Fort Lauderdale’s first notable threat appeared in the 23rd minute, as forward Sh’nia Gordon maneuvered through defenders only to see her attempt saved directly by Brooklyn’s captain and goalkeeper, Bre Norris. As the first half progressed, Brooklyn continued to apply pressure, culminating in a significant chance right before halftime. In the 44th minute, a fierce effort by forward Zee King was cleared off the line, leading both teams to the break without any goals scored.
Impact Substitutions
At halftime, Brooklyn made a tactical change, bringing in forward Carlee Giammona—who would go on to have a crucial influence on the match. The second half commenced with Ashlyn Miller quickening the pace, creating a chance for Giammona that unfortunately went unfinished.
Second Half Developments
The 69th minute saw Fort Lauderdale revitalize their efforts, as a long-range effort required a spectacular save from Norris, who deflected the shot over the bar. Yet, it was Brooklyn that broke the deadlock in the 76th minute. Following a slip by the Fort Lauderdale goalkeeper under pressure from Miller, Giammona seized the opportunity to net her first goal for the club by finishing into an empty net.
Closing Moments and Defensive Resilience
Fort Lauderdale, unfazed by the setback, pushed forward with renewed energy. In the 82nd minute, Kiara Locklear struck the crossbar from outside the box, before Norris’s last-minute heroics in stoppage time sealed the victory with a well-timed parry, ensuring the clean sheet and three crucial points for Brooklyn FC Women.
Key Statistics
Scoring Summary:
Brooklyn FC: Carlee Giammona (76’)
Fort Lauderdale United: N/A
Discipline:
Brooklyn FC: Carlee Giammona (67’ Yellow), Jess Garziano (90+4’ Yellow)
Fort Lauderdale United: 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.
Fort Lauderdale United:
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.
Looking Ahead
Next week, Brooklyn FC Women will continue their home campaign, facing Dallas Trinity on October 10 at 4 PM ET as part of the Got Pink? Night festivities. Following this match, they will enjoy a break before hosting Tampa Bay Sun on October 24. Tickets for the upcoming matches can be purchased through SeatGeek.
