Allie Long Signs with Fort Lauderdale United FC in USL Super League

Allie Long, a former midfielder for the United States women's national team (USWNT) and a 2019 World Cup champion, has signed with Fort Lauderdale United FC for the remainder of the 2025-26 USL Super League season. This marks her return to professional soccer after a brief hiatus, during which she faced personal challenges, including the birth of her twins in 2022 and a torn calf injury in 2023. Long expressed her excitement about rejoining the field, stating, "I've never announced my retirement because it was always on my heart."

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Long's signing is seen as a pivotal moment for Fort Lauderdale United FC, which is striving to improve its standing in the league ahead of the postseason in May. Tommy Smith, the chairman of Fort Lauderdale United, emphasized the significance of Long's arrival, noting that it reflects the positive environment the club is cultivating. He stated, "When a World Cup champion chooses to be part of what you're creating, that means something." Long is expected to play a crucial role in mentoring young players in the club's girls academy, contributing to the development of future talent.

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Throughout her career, Long has played for several notable teams, including Paris Saint-Germain and the Portland Thorns, with whom she won two NWSL Championships. After her contract with Gotham FC ended following the 2023 season, she briefly joined the Kansas City Current as a replacement player in 2024. Long has also participated in The Soccer Tournament (TST), where she helped her team of former USWNT stars secure victories in both 2024 and 2025.

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Long's personal life has also influenced her return to soccer. Following the death of her father, she felt a renewed determination to continue playing, stating, "I just know that he would want me to never give up." She had been playing indoor soccer and futsal in Missoula, Montana, where she currently resides with her partner, Casey.

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Long's decision to join Fort Lauderdale United has garnered positive reactions from both the club and the soccer community. Smith highlighted the importance of Long's presence, indicating that it would extend beyond the field and into the club's development programs. Long herself has expressed her desire to leave the game on her own terms, stating, "I don't want to end on an injury."

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As Long embarks on this new chapter with Fort Lauderdale United, she remains hopeful about her future in soccer. She has not disclosed her plans to friends and former teammates, wanting to keep her return a surprise. Long aims to make a significant impact in the league and contribute to the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.

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