Pictured: Sarasota Paradise striker Kai Tamashiro during Sunday's match against Weston FC. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Paradise.

The Sarasota Paradise, the newest soccer team to touch down on the Gulf Coast, have just moved into first place in their division after beating Weston FC 3-0 this past Sunday. The Paradise, a member of the pre-professional United Soccer League 2 (USL2), leapfrogged Miami AC to take the lead in the six-team South Florida division with their victory. With just four regular season games remaining, the Paradise are fighting for their first ever postseason berth. Winning their division would make that goal a reality.

At 5-1-2, the upstart Paradise have already tied their win total from their inaugural 2023 season. They’ve managed to do so through a balanced attack, strong defense and good chemistry in the locker room. “We’ve had a lot of returning players as well as a lot of new players. Everybody’s quickly gelled together, everybody’s gotten along well,” says Captain Felipe Rojas. “We have a very healthy relationship amongst the squad and coaching staff. So the vibes are very good– obviously, the team winning helps that. Everyone’s feeling really optimistic about not only the future of the rest of the season but of the club as well.”

The Paradise’s explosive offense is led by striker Seth Mahlmeister, a standout from Purdue Fort Wayne University who signed with the club this spring. Mahlmeister, who scored two goals in Sunday’s victory, leads the Paradise with eight goals on the season and has paved the way for the team’s turnaround in 2024. Last season the Paradise were held scoreless in five different contests–this year, however, the Paradise have been shut out just once. The Paradise play their next game at home this Saturday against St. Petersburg FC.

Pictured: Sarasota Paradise striker Kai Tamashiro during Sunday's match against Weston FC. Photo courtesy of Sarasota Paradise.