Fort Lauderdale United FC edged Brooklyn FC 1–0 in USL Super League action on Friday night, with Nicole Vernis striking early in the second half to settle a tightly contested affair.

The first half produced few clear-cut moments but plenty of needle. Fort Lauderdale picked up the game's first booking when Kiara Locklear was cautioned in the 11th minute, setting the tone for a physical encounter that would see the home side collect three yellows on the night.

The deadlock broke almost immediately after the restart. Vernis found the net in the 46th minute, finishing off a pass from Sh'nia Gordon to give Fort Lauderdale the lead. It was a clinical start to the second period and forced Brooklyn into a more attacking posture.

Brooklyn struggled to create enough going forward, though, and their frustration mounted as the half wore on. Sophia Lowenberg was booked in the 69th minute as the visitors chased an equalizer. Fort Lauderdale, meanwhile, continued to rack up fouls — Kelli Van Treeck saw yellow in the 57th minute, and Gordon, the provider of the assist on the goal, was cautioned late in the 88th minute. Despite the card trouble, Fort Lauderdale managed the game well enough to keep Brooklyn at arm's length.

The visitors pressed in the closing stages but never truly threatened to level the score, and Fort Lauderdale held firm to claim all three points.

The result gives Fort Lauderdale United a valuable home win as the club looks to build momentum in the USL Super League season.