SETTING THE SCENE
Sarasota Paradise continue their playoff push as the final month of the season gets underway, returning home to take on Charlotte Independence, riding a seven-game unbeaten streak. Last week, Paradise registered a 4-1 win over Portland Hearts of Pine, earning them four Team Of The Week selections (Anderson Rosa, Jonathan Bolanos, Sander Røed, and Head Coach Mika Elovaara). For Charlotte, winners of two of their last four, this matchup would bring them one step closer in their quest to overtake Union Omaha and win the Players’ Shield at the end of the regular season as they sit in second, four points behind the league leaders.
The two sides previously faced off on August 15, with Charlotte emerging victorious courtesy of a 3-1 scoreline.
ROSA EARNS PLAYER OF THE MONTH NOMINEE
Defender Anderson Rosa has been named a nominee for the USL League One Player of the Month for September. The Brazilian notched two goals and five assists across five matches last month and led the league in goal contributions with seven, playing a key role in the Paradise extending their unbeaten streak to seven games.
RØED EARNS GOAL OF THE WEEK NOMINEE FOR WEEK 30
Sander Røed earned a nomination for Goal of the Week after his long-range shot against Portland in Paradise’s 4-1 win over the Hearts of Pine last week, part of a night that saw the Norwegian tally his second brace in two games.
PLAYER TO WATCH
Amadeus, CB – The Swede helped the Paradise defense limit Portland to seven total shots last week, tallying 5 clearances and 3 tackles in the victory, as well as being the catalyst for Sander Røed’s second goal of the game. Facing a Charlotte side that leads the league in total goals and shots taken, expect Amadeus to help anchor the back line as Sarasota searches for their third straight victory.
KEYS TO VICTORY
Dominate transitions
Dictate the tempo
GAME DETAILS
When: October 3, 2026
Where: Premier Sports Campus
Time: 7:30 PM
Where to Watch: ESPN+