Written by Ryan Flynn
Sarasota, FL — A historic night for soccer in Sarasota unfolded Saturday evening as Sarasota Paradise took the field for the first professional game in club history, marking the beginning of a new era for the organization and the region’s growing soccer community.
Despite a nearly two-hour rain delay, supporters packed Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch with a record crowd of 2,791 fans, the largest attendance in club history.
The fairytale start to the season, however, was not to be. A goal by Denys Kostyshyn in the 73rd minute proved the difference, giving Boise a 1-0 victory in the club’s inaugural professional game. The contest was largely a defensive stalemate, with neither side able to break through offensively throughout the first half and deep into the second.
The first opportunity of the night came just five minutes in, when Boise’s Blake Bodily delivered a cross into the box that was saved by Paradise goalkeeper Alex Sutton. Boise’s early chance set the tone for the evening, as Sarasota repeatedly found their attacks stopped by Boise’s back line and the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Joseph Andema.
Sarasota thought they had their historic first goal in the 31st minute when Ethan Bryant delivered a corner kick into the box that was headed in by Jørgen Pettersen. The celebration was short-lived, however, as the goal was ruled offside to the dismay of the home crowd.
After Kostyshyn broke the deadlock, Paradise pushed forward with an all-out attack in the final fifteen minutes. Sarasota earned several corner kicks late but were unable to find a way past Andema, who stood firm in goal.
Paradise winger Jonathan Bolanos reflected on the atmosphere created by the supporters.
“I want to say a big thank you to all the fans. For them to stick around after the rain delay and create the environment they did really helped us push toward the last minute. We were unlucky not to find the net, but that’s the game of football and we just have to keep moving forward,” said Bolanos.
Defender Jørgen Pettersen also highlighted the significance of the occasion.
“The atmosphere was incredible. It was really fun to play in front of the fans for the first time — we had been waiting for that moment for a long time. I thought we had some really good spells in the game. We had a goal disallowed, which was a bit harsh, but overall there were a lot of positives for us today,” said Pettersen.
Head coach Mika Elovaara emphasized that the team’s performance showed promise despite the result.
“Not the start we wanted, but at the same time, if we keep playing the way we played tonight the goals will come,” said Elovaara. “I think there were a lot of positives, and in the second half we looked like the team more likely to score first. I give a lot of credit to them — they are going to be a top team in the league.”
Elovaara also thanked the supporters who remained through the rain delay and helped create a memorable opening night.
“Our community stuck around despite the rain delay, and that doesn’t happen everywhere. It was very special, but disappointing we couldn’t provide a win for them tonight,” Elovaara said.
Saturday’s crowd of 2,791 supporters marked the largest attendance in Sarasota Paradise history, highlighting the growing excitement around the club’s first professional season in Sarasota.
NEXT UP
Paradise remain at home next week as they welcome Fort Wayne FC, while Boise has a week off before traveling to face Union Omaha.
Tickets for next week’s game against Fort Wayne FC can be purchased at
tickets.sarasotaparadise.us
