Written by Ryan Flynn
WIN.
That one word was on the minds of every person in the Sarasota Paradise camp in the days leading up to their game against Miami AC. After a heartbreaking game against Tampa Bay United in which they allowed the tying goal just two minutes from the end, the Paradise were looking to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive. Miami was coming into the game off the heels of a 1-0 win over Weston FC and, having been gifted a win via forfeit by Swan City, were looking to take the South Florida Division with a win. This was a matchup months in the making, as Miami had defeated Sarasota 2-1 when the two teams met for the first game of the season. Since then,Miami had comfortably coasted in first place for most of the season. The Paradise, by contrast, slowly climbed their way toward the top of the division, each match showcasing their increasing cohesiveness and camaraderie as a team. It all came to a head on June 29, when a Miami loss and a Sarasota win briefly put the Paradise in first and set up a potential showdown when they were to meet ten days later. Sarasota’s draw against Tampa Bay and Miami’s narrow win against Weston set up the do-or-die scenario for the Paradise. The goal was simple: win, and chances of going to playoffs stay alive. Draw or lose, and the dream of a playoff birth is no more.
Under an overcast sky, fans made their way into the stands at Cleland Stadium buzzing about the upcoming clash and hoping to avoid another rain delay game. Instead of weather from the sky, fans got a display of thunder and lightning on the field that would make Zeus tremble.
The first few minutes of the game were a frenzied affair, with both teams showcasing the aggressive, physical play that has defined the whole of the South Florida Division this season. The first chance for the Paradise came seven minutes in when they were awarded a throw-in, but Andrew Hollenbach’s throw was cleared away by Miami’s Ayanleh Traore. Miami led a charge four minutes later when Michael Appiah took a pass and charged down the left side of the field, sending a shot in from ten yards out that was saved by Sarasota keeper Brendan Reilly. From this save the Paradise mounted a charge of their own, passing the ball through the midfield when Will Pierce found an open Kai Tamashiro, launching a ball towards the Sarasota striker who took a shot on goal, finding the net to make it 1-0 Sarasota after just twelve minutes.
The Paradise would add another goal twenty-six minutes later when Valerio Tatafiore corralled a Will Pierce free kick and slotted it to Juliano Manfro who, with a little help from the post, put the ball past Miami keeper Fernando Carreon to extend the Paradise lead to 2-0. Miami was unable to answer the goals, so Sarasota carried their lead into halftime.
The second half would see chances for both sides to score, but the game remained goalless until the 70th minute, when Tatafiore found Seth Mahlmeister alone in the middle of the field. The striker went untouched down the field and put the ball into the net to give the Paradise an insurmountable 3-0 lead.
They weren’t done yet, though. As the clock ticked past 85 minutes, Will Pierce floated a ball to a wide-open Mahlmeister, who made his way down the left side of the field towards goal. Pierce ran with him stride-for-stride down the middle, so when Mahlmeister tapped it into an open pocket of space in front of Carreon, Pierce did the rest, putting the ball into the net, a seal on the win, and sending the Paradise fans into a frenzy.
Brendan Reilly was awarded Man of the Match for his efforts in shutting out Miami.
QUOTES
“The boys did a great job, this is a great feeling for our group” – Mirko Dakovic, Coach
“Dominant win against a good opponent” – Seth Mahlmeister, Striker
“This win was incredible for us. Fantastic job from our back line” – Brendan Reilly, Goalkeeper
UP NEXT
The Paradise now control their own destiny as they travel to face St Petersburg FC on Saturday, and can clinch the South Florida Division and a playoff birth with a win.
