For the second consecutive year, Fort Lauderdale United FC will open its season at home in South Florida. Following a 2025/26 campaign that saw the club miss the Gainbridge Super League Playoffs, Fort Lauderdale retooled during the offseason while retaining a strong core headlined by All-League Second Team honoree Kelli Van Treeck, dynamic forward Kiara Locklear and veterans Sh’nia Gordon, Ella Simpson and Haley Craig.

The additions of Haley Thomas and Kelsey Oyler bolster the back line, while Grace Cutler adds another attacking option to an already dangerous group. Nicole Vernis, the club’s lone loan acquisition and midfield addition for 2026, brings added creativity in the center of the park.

Sporting JAX enters 2026 with nearly all of its dominant core intact from a season ago. The club returns all six All-League honorees, headlined by Player of the Year, Young Player of the Year and Golden Playmaker Ashlyn Puerta. First Team selection Paige Kenton and Second Team honorees Georgia Brown, Sophie Jones, Baylee DeSmit and Kaitlin Parks also return for the club’s second season in the Gainbridge Super League.

Sporting JAX made few but impactful additions during the offseason, adding Ginger Fontenot and Keeley Dockter to bolster its back line. With both sides looking to start the 2026 campaign on a strong note, Saturday’s matchup sets the stage for a compelling Opening Night battle at Amerant Bank Field.