Weston, FL – Even before the starting whistle blew, sprits were high within the Sarasota locker room – and for good reason. Back-to-back wins against Tampa Bay United and Swan City left the Paradise riding high as they headed down to Weston, looking to make it three in a row.
The game started out as a defensive battle, with potential attacks from both teams being nullified by swarming defense and stout goalkeeping. As the clock ticked past 24 minutes with the score still tied at zero, Juliano Manfro came streaking down the field to intercept a pass from the Weston backfield and put it past a helpless keeper to give Sarasota a 1-0 lead. The Paradise held this lead going into the second half, and added on to it in the 52nd minute, when a throw- in from Enzo Panozzo near the Weston goal found Seth Mahlmeister who headed the ball past the keeper to extend the lead for Sarasota. This score would hold until the 79th minute when a Weston shot found the net to cut the Sarasota lead to 2-1. This goal, however, would be the only one Weston would get, as the Sarasota defense held firm to end the game and secure Sarasota a third straight win.
Quotes
“Really proud of the discipline our group showed over 90 minutes in what was a difficult environment to play in away from home” – Coach Mirko Dakovic
“Securing three points away from home is always a fantastic feeling. I’m very proud of the lads for our ability to close out a game and bring home all three points” – Midfielder JP Jordan
“We did a great job controlling and closing the game until the last whistle” –Winger Kai Tamashiro
UP NEXT
The Paradise return home to take on Tampa Bay United this Wednesday, June 12. Tickets for the game can be found at sarasotaparadise.us/june12
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