Sarasota Paradise earned their first win of the 2025 season in dramatic fashion, coming from behind to defeat Weston FC 1-2 on the road.
Despite a promising opening stretch, it was Weston who struck first. The home side was awarded a penalty just before halftime and made no mistake from the spot, taking a 1-0 lead into the break.
Paradise responded well after the restart, gradually growing into the game and applying sustained pressure in the final third. The equalizer came in the 77th minute, when winger Kai Tamashiro calmly converted from the penalty spot to bring the score level.
Just minutes later, the go-ahead moment arrived. Defender Enzo Panozzo timed his run perfectly and powered home a header to give Paradise a 1-2 advantage — a lead they would hold onto through the final whistle.
“It was a tough game,” Panozzo said after the game. “We went down 1-0 in the first half but stayed composed, earned a penalty to equalize and found the winner late in the 85th minute. Gritty performance from the squad.”
Head Coach Djakovic praised his team’s fight following the win. “Proud of our entire group. We faced a lot of adversity in the game, but we found a way to get the 3 points coming back from a 1-0 halftime deficit.”
It was a resilient performance from Sarasota, who showed composure and grit to battle back and claim all three points away from home.
Paradise now looks ahead to their next challenge on Wednesday, May 28, as they travel to face Kings Hammer FC – Sun City. Kickoff is set for 7:00 PM.
Vist sarasotaparadise.us/tickets to secure your seats for upcoming home games.