Messi. Messi. Messi. South Florida fans of professional soccer may soon be shouting for others than U.S. soccer’s most popular player. They are the stars of Fort Lauderdale United FC, a professional women’s soccer team, which is about to kick off its second season.
Tropical Financial is the official credit union of the team, which is in the Gainbridge Super League, one level below USL Championship of the United Soccer League. The credit union will participate in game-day and community events and through player-focused financial education programs.
You may not have heard of Fort Lauderdale United because it started in August 2024 when Lionel Messi and his teammates were competing in the highly watched Leagues Cup. Under the media radar, eight teams, including Fort Lauderdale United, ended their season in June. Fort Lauderdale United defeated Carolina Ascent FC 2-1 in one semifinal and lost 1-0 to Tampa Bay Sun FC in the championship match.
Fort Lauderdale United distinguished itself by scoring 37 goals in 30 matches and putting together an unbeaten streak that stretched from Dec. 1 to April 5. It also set a league record by scoring in eight consecutive matches. The team finished the season with 28 points, tied with three other teams for first place.
Tropical Financial is sponsoring the team as part of its commitment to supporting women in sports. The success of the U.S. women’s soccer team in recent decades – four FIFA titles and five Olympic gold medals -- has created a new generation of American stars including midfielder Taylor Smith who attended NSU University School, and defender Julia Grosso, who is from Sunrise.
While many of their teammates hail from the United States, some have international experience with teams in Australia, Dominican Republic, Germany, Portugal and other countries.
At the credit union sessions, the players will learn how to better manage their money as they advance in their careers and pursue new interests after their playing days are over.
Tropical Financial is no stranger to professional sports sponsorship. It is the official credit union of the Florida Panthers, which recently won back-to-back Stanley Cup championships.
The 2025-2026 season for FTL UTD, as the club is also known, begins Aug. 23 against Lexington SC at Beyond Bancard Field on the campus of Nova Southeastern University in Davie. For more information, visit www.ftlutd.com or follow @FTLUTD on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Twitter. For ticket information, visit here.
