Paradise left back led all League One defenders with eight goals; winner announced Nov. 12 at 12 p.m. ET.
Sarasota, Fl. November 6, 2026 — Sarasota Paradise defender Anderson Rosa is a finalist for 2026 USL League One Defender of the Year, capping an inaugural season in which he scored more goals than any other defender in the league, and set the record for most goal productions in a season by a defender. USL League One will announce the winner on Thursday, Nov. 12, at 12 p.m. ET.
The nomination follows Rosa’s selection to the 2026 USL League One All-League First Team on Nov. 3. In June, he was also the league’s Fans’ Choice Mid-Season Defender of the Year.
Rosa delivered at both ends of the field. He played in all regular season games for Paradise, a total of 2,783 minutes, the most on the team, and led Sarasota Paradise in duels won, tackles and interceptions:
- Duels won: 141
- Tackles: 69, winning 47 of them (68%)
- Interceptions: 34
During the 2026 season, Rosa scored eight goals, the most by any League One defender, and added a team-high 9 assists. His 17 goal contributions also led the club.
In announcing the All-League teams, USL League One called Rosa “one of the league’s most complete players.”
“Anderson’s nomination speaks volumes of the respect and appreciation he has earned in our league. I am grateful for all his contributions to our team and our club this season, and I look forward to building an even more successful future in Paradise with him as one of our leaders on and off the field,” said Sarasota Paradise Head Coach and Technical Director Mika Elovaara.
Fans can follow the announcement on Nov. 12 on Sarasota Paradise’s social channels and website.
About Sarasota Paradise
Sarasota Paradise is a professional soccer club based at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. The club competed in its inaugural USL League One season in 2026. For more information, visit sarasotaparadise.us.