If you’ve spent any time at Riverfront Stadium lately, you know the vibe is different when the bus from South Florida pulls in. It's not just another game on the USL Super League calendar. It’s personal. The Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Fort Lauderdale United FC matchup has quickly turned into the definitive "Florida Derby," and honestly, it’s been a chaotic, beautiful mess of high-stakes soccer since day one.
Most people outside the Sunshine State are still catching up on the fact that Florida now has two—technically three, if you count Jacksonville—first-division women's pro teams. But for those of us watching, the Sun and United are basically the two siblings who can't share a toy without a full-blown argument.
Why This Matchup Hits Different
The inaugural season set the bar ridiculously high. On June 14, 2025, these two teams met in the first-ever USL Super League Final. It was one of those humid Tampa nights where the air feels like a wet blanket. Over 5,000 fans showed up, a sellout crowd, and they got exactly what was promised: a defensive masterclass that went deep into extra time.
Cecilie Fløe, the Danish forward who has basically become a local hero in Tampa, finally broke the deadlock in the 100th minute. She got on the end of a cross from Sydny Nasello—who was later named the MVP—and that was it. 1-0. Tampa Bay took the trophy, and Fort Lauderdale went home with a chip on their shoulder that hasn't left since.
Since then, every meeting has felt like a continuation of that 100th minute.
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Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Fort Lauderdale United FC: Breaking Down the Grudge
The regular season history between these two is surprisingly even, despite Tampa having the silverware. In the 2024-25 season, they split the series. Fort Lauderdale actually spoiled Tampa's home opener way back in September 2013 with a -0 win. Then Tampa returned the favor with a 1-0 win in November.
By the time the 2025-26 season kicked off, the league officially leaned into the drama. They started calling it the "Florida Women's Cup," an unofficial competition where the three Florida teams (including Sporting JAX) fight for bragging rights.
- The Attendance Factor: These games routinely pull the biggest crowds for both clubs.
- The Physicality: We aren't talking about "polite" soccer. These matches average a high number of fouls, specifically in the midfield.
- The Nasello Effect: Sydny Nasello is the engine for Tampa. If you stop her, you stop the Sun. Fort Lauderdale knows this, and they usually shadow her with two defenders.
Recent Form and the "Rematch" Mentality
In their most recent clashes, the tension hasn't dissipated. On October 4, 2025, they played to a scoreless draw. It was a tactical stalemate where Fort Lauderdale's defense, led by Laurel Ansbrow, looked nearly unbreakable. Then, in November 2025, they drew again, 1-1. Sydny Nasello converted a penalty, only for Madison McComasky to snag a stoppage-time equalizer for United.
That 90+ minute goal felt like a statement. It told Tampa that the gap is closing.
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United has been riding the momentum of their "Triple Threat" attack: Sh’nia Gordon, Kiara Locklear, and Jasmine Hamid. Last season, these three combined for 21 goals. When they find space, they are terrifying. But Tampa’s backline, anchored by Vivianne Bessette and veteran Brooke Hendrix, is arguably the most disciplined in the league.
The Tactical Chess Match
You’ve got two very different philosophies at play here. Tampa Bay, under their leadership, plays a very structured, possession-heavy game. They want to move you side-to-side until a gap opens for Fløe or Flint.
Fort Lauderdale is the opposite. They are "chaos theory" in cleats. They love the transition. They want to win the ball in the middle, spray it wide to Nia Christopher or Sh’nia Gordon, and run right at your throat. It’s why their matches often look like a track meet in the final twenty minutes.
What to Watch for in the Next Chapter
There is a massive date on the calendar: February 21, 2026.
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The Sun will host United at Suncoast Credit Union Field (Riverfront Stadium). It’s the "Fall Finale" follow-up, and both teams are currently neck-and-neck in the standings. As of mid-January 2026, Fort Lauderdale sits slightly higher in the table, but Tampa has games in hand.
Key Matchups to Circle:
- Ashley Orkus vs. The FTL Front Three: Orkus is a wall. For Fort Lauderdale to win, they have to beat her early. If Orkus gets two or three saves in the first fifteen minutes, she enters "God Mode," and it's over.
- The Midfield Scrap: Jordyn Listro (Tampa's captain) against Darya Rajaee. This is where the game will be won or lost. It won't be pretty. It’ll be a lot of shirt-tugging and tactical fouls.
- The Fresh Legs: Watch for substitutions around the 70th minute. Both coaches have been using their depth more aggressively this season to deal with the Florida heat.
How to Actually Follow the Derby
If you're trying to catch the Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Fort Lauderdale United FC game live, you've basically got two options. If you're in Florida, get to the stadium. There is no substitute for the humidity and the chanting. If you're remote, the games are streamed on Peacock and the USL’s YouTube channel.
Honestly, don't just check the score. These games are about the moments that don't show up in the box score—the staredowns after a hard tackle, the way the crowd reacts when Nasello gets the ball on the wing, and the palpable desperation of a team trying to prove they're the best in the state.
Practical Steps for Fans:
- Check the Standings: Always look at the "Florida Derby" table specifically, not just the general USL Super League standings.
- Monitor Injury Reports: Laveni Vaka's return for Fort Lauderdale could be the X-factor for their defense.
- Arrival Time: If you're going to Riverfront Stadium, get there 90 minutes early. The pre-game march by the supporters' groups is worth the price of admission alone.
The 2026 season is shaping up to be the year this rivalry officially moves from "new" to "legendary." Whether you're rooting for the Sun or United, just make sure you're watching.