Fort Lauderdale United FC (W) 1–3 Brevard Riptide (W) | USL WLW

Brevard Riptide (W) earned a dominant 3–1 away victory over Fort Lauderdale United FC (W) in USL WLW action on 22 May 2026. The result propelled the Riptide up the standings while handing the hosts a disappointing home defeat.

Match Report

The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. Fort Lauderdale United took the lead against the run of play in the 38th minute, when midfielder Sarah Jenkins unleashed a speculative effort from 25 yards that deflected past Brevard goalkeeper Kayla Simmons. However, Brevard responded immediately. Just two minutes later, forward Mia Torres pounced on a defensive mix-up to slot home the equaliser.

The second half belonged entirely to the visitors. Brevard’s midfield trio of Taylor Harris, Emily Stone, and Alexis Rivera began to assert control, and their pressure paid off in the 59th minute when Harris curled a free kick into the top corner. The Riptide put the game to bed in the 74th minute, as substitute Jordan Clarke raced onto a through-ball and calmly finished past the Fort Lauderdale keeper.

Key Performers

• Mia Torres (Brevard Riptide) – Scored the crucial equaliser and was a constant threat on the counterattack.
• Taylor Harris (Brevard Riptide) – Her free-kick goal was the highlight of the match; she also dictated play from central midfield.
• Sarah Jenkins (Fort Lauderdale United) – Scored the opening goal but was unable to inspire a fightback.

Tactical Story

Fort Lauderdale United attempted to sit deep and hit on the break after taking the lead, but Brevard’s high pressing game forced turnovers in dangerous areas. The visitors’ ability to switch play quickly stretched the home defence, and their set-piece execution proved decisive. Fort Lauderdale’s backline struggled with the pace of Brevard’s forwards, particularly when the game opened up in the second half.

League Impact

With the win, Brevard Riptide move into third place in the USL WLW table, just two points behind the leaders. Fort Lauderdale United, meanwhile, drop to sixth, and will need to address defensive frailties if they hope to climb back into playoff contention.