DOTHAN, Ala. | Florida Memorial University's soccer coaching staff continues to shine, as they led their semi-professional soccer team, Fort Lauderdale United FC, to the Final 8 of the prestigious USL League Two. The team is led by FMU head women's soccer coach Marc Lue Young, along with FMU men's soccer head coach David Martinez and FMU assistant men's and women's soccer coach Alvaro Torres as assistant coaches.
FTL UTD claimed victory in the regional quarterfinals, 4-0, before winning in the regional semifinals with a score of 3-0 to make it to the Final 8.
"We are very excited to return to our second consecutive National Tournament in two years," said Lue Young. "Having the opportunity to compete in the prestigious USL League Two National Finals is a massive achievement for our coaching staff."
The FMU coaches have been making history the past two summers. FTL UTD includes FMU Men's Soccer standout Rafael Coronado, who was named to Second-Team All-SUN Conference in 2024.
Lue Young is the 2024 SUN Conference (Women's Soccer) Coach of the Year. He's led the team to back-to-back SUN Conference Tournament appearances in 2024 and 2025, the first appearances in program history. Every year under the helm, Lue Young has improved the women's soccer program, and they look to take the next step with the upcoming 2026 season. In two seasons as FMU head men's soccer coach, Martinez is a perfect two-for-two in making the SUN Conference Tournament.
FTL UTD are the 2026 champions of the USL2 South Florida Conference. The team is the first from South Florida to ever win the conference since its existence in 2016. The team is ranked in the top eight out of 158 in the country.
"Coaching Fort Lauderdale United FC's USL2 team has been one of the defining highlights of my coaching career," said Lue Young. "Having led the team since its inaugural season two years ago, winning the club's first conference championship this season, and advancing to the national quarterfinals in 2025 represents a historic achievement."
This season, his second at the helm, FTL UTD is the first team from South Florida to qualify for the National Quarterfinals since the existence of the league. Lue Young said the league is also an opportunity to raise awareness of the FMU Soccer Programs at one of the highest levels, also highlighting the opportunity for FMU men's soccer players who have had the opportunity to represent the university and play for Fort Lauderdale United FC during the summer.
"It is a tremendous accomplishment for our coaching staff from Florida Memorial University to have our work recognized on the national stage," said Lue Young.
The 2026 FMU Women's Soccer season kicks off on Saturday, August 22, when the Lions will travel to Babson Park to take on Webber International. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. To find the full 2026 Women's Soccer schedule, click here.
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