News hits: Fort Lauderdale United names big time CEO and Charleston adds depth with Rubio Rubin
Battery get even better with a key depth piece
Let’s start with Fort Lauderdale United who have made a massive hire, which is a real statement of intent bringing on someone with extensive experience in the game. Sharon Lacey takes over as CEO.
“As South Florida continues to experience an unprecedented surge in soccer’s popularity, I am thrilled to welcome Sharon Lacey as Fort Lauderdale United FC’s new CEO,” said Tommy Smith, Fort Lauderdale United Founder and Chairman. “Sharon was pivotal to the growth and success of Crystal Palace FC, contributing significantly to the club’s standing in one of the world’s most competitive football leagues. I know Sharon will have a similar impact on our club, players, employees, sponsors, community partners, and fans.”
Lacey spent well over a decade as the CEO of Premier League club Crystal Palace FC. Her pedigree and experience speaks for itself.
“This is a very exciting and historic time in the evolving landscape of American soccer,” said Sharon Lacey, Fort Lauderdale United FC CEO. “I look forward to leveraging my experience in the Premier League to drive Fort Lauderdale United’s operational excellence, revenue growth, and long-term success.”
“Given our club’s mission, a key priority for me starting on day one will be engaging all of our stakeholders – including our employees, players, fans, local business and community leaders, and international partners – as we work with common purpose to build Fort Lauderdale United FC into South Florida’s premier soccer destination,” continued Lacey.
Charleston who have no trouble scoring goals and already have some of the best attacking pieces in the USL Championship have added a key depth piece in Rubio Rubin.
Rubín, 29, starred for MLS side Real Salt Lake from 2021 to 2023, appearing in 93 matches and scoring 12 goals and nine assists across all competitions. His sensational bicycle kick goal against the San Jose Earthquakes won the 2021 MLS Goal of the Year. Rubín was loaned out to Liga MX club Querétaro FC in 2024, tallying three goals and one assist across 17 appearances.
“I’m excited for this chapter and to see what we can achieve together,” said Rubín. “I’m looking forward to getting to work, to improving, to training hard and learning from this team, all to help this team win trophies. I see myself fitting in well with the squad and the way they play, it’s a team that attacks and creates a lot of scoring opportunities.
“The club has an ambition to be at the top, and I want to contribute to that goal, that’s really what drew me to wanting to join this club. And on an individual level, with World Cup qualifiers and the Gold Cup around the corner, I want to be in the best position and the best form.”
“I remember being at a camp with the Guatemalan national team and having a call with Ben Pirmann and Lee Cohen about joining the Battery, I quickly realized that this club is inspired to win and wants to win now more than ever,” said Rubín.
The signing will give Pirmann more tactical flexibility - we’ve seen in recent weeks MD Myers play behind Cal Jennings and have space in which to create and combine with Jennings. Adding Rubin to a site that already includes Jackson Conway and Juan Torres should frighten defenses throughout the league.