Written by Ryan Flynn
WIN. AND. IN.
That was the mindset of everyone in the Sarasota Paradise organization heading into Saturday’s matchup against St Petersburg FC. After trouncing Miami AC 4-0 Tuesday night, the Paradise traveled to St Petersburg needing a win to steal the South Florida Division crown and a spot in the USL2 playoffs.
The start of the game went the way of St Petersburg, as they dominated possession through the first several minutes of the game, testing the Sarasota defense and keeper Brendan Reilly. The Paradise had an opportunity of their own eight minutes in, when a ball from the Valerio Tatafiore found a streaking Kai Tamashiro, who controlled it and tapped it in, slotting it inches past the St Pete keeper and into the back of the net to give the Paradise a 1-0 lead. As the game went on, both teams took shot after shot on goal, with neither putting the ball in the back of the net. St Petersburg had an opportunity of their own at fifteen minutes when they were awarded a free kick near the Sarasota goal, but the kick was saved by a diving Brendan Reilly to preserve the Sarasota lead.
When the clock struck thirty minutes, the time normally reserved for a water break, the referee blew his whistle. Instead of a water break, however, the game was being delayed due to lightning in the area. So, the two teams headed to their respective locker rooms to wait out the delay.
The delay would last nearly two hours, and when the teams retook the field to resume play, according to league rules, it was announced that the game would go to the end of the first half and then be counted as final.
The last fifteen minutes were a flurry of action. St Petersburg continued to dominate possession, launching long crosses into Sarasota territory that were met with swarms of Paradise defenders. As the remaining minutes ticked by, the cheers from the Sarasota fans grew louder and louder.
When the final whistle blew signaling a Paradise win, players and staff rushed to congratulate each other and celebrate with the fans who had stayed to support, knowing they had just won themselves a division title and a spot in the playoffs
QUOTES
“Throughout the season this incredible team, from the support staff to the players who’ve barely played, have shown amazing team spirit and a willingness to learn and improve. We have a group of fighters who stand up for each other, our club and our city. I’m extremely grateful for the work of our coaching staff and the performance of our players up until this point. But we’re not done…” – Marcus Walfridson, Owner
“So proud of the group. We’ve put a lot of work in since last season to get to this point and make history. Our sights are set on making a run to win it all” – Felipe Rojas, Captain
“Playoffs won’t be easy, but I believe if we do our best we have a good shot at making a run!” – Valerio Tatafiore, Midfielder
“We’ve worked hard all season for moments like this so it was a great feeling to get the win and clinch the division. We’re super excited about the playoffs and can’t wait to get back on the field.” – Roman Holt, Defender
“An incredible achievement for our group, the organization and the City of Sarasota!” – Mirko Dakovic, Coach