SARASOTA, Fla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sarasota Paradise, a USL League 2 team based in Sarasota, will officially kick off its 2024 season with its first training held on May 6, 2024, followed by its first game against Miami AC on May 19 in Miami, Florida. The season’s home opener will take place on June 1 against Swan City.
New players to this season’s roster include Cody Read, a defender who played in the Premier League (academy) for Leicester City and at Fairfield University; Will Pierce, a midfielder who plays for Fairfield University; Mikey Burke, a right defensive back who plays for the University of Rochester; Brendan Reilly, a goalkeeper for Florida Gulf Coast University; and Matthew Sawaged, a winger.
“What makes this squad truly unique is that almost all of our players have some sort of personal connection to Sarasota,” said Marcus Walfridson, owner and founder of Sarasota Paradise. “They are vested in our community, they love our fans and they are extremely talented athletes that will be fun to watch. That is what sets our team apart.”
This year, 50 percent of the team’s roster is returning from last year. A full roster is available online.
Standout player from the 2023 season Hosei Kijima has been called up to play for MLS team St Louis City SC. He scored in his debut and has made numerous appearances on the first team this season.
“The Sarasota Paradise community stands united in congratulating Kijima on this well-deserved achievement,” said Walfridson. “His success is a source of pride for Sarasota Paradise, and we eagerly anticipate watching him continue to excel on the MLS stage.”
Additionally, 2023 player Isaiah Easley secured victory in the NCAA National College Cup with Clemson University, capping off a stellar journey that included an unforgettable performance for Sarasota Paradise.
For the 2024 season, Sarasota Paradise also welcomed three new coaches, including Mirko Dakovic as head coach; Glodi Konga as assistant coach, who also serves as the head men’s soccer coach at New College in Sarasota; and Mark Macphee as goalkeeper coach.
The season will run from May 19 through July 13, with home games played at Sarasota High School’s soccer fields. A full game schedule is available online.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For those interested, contact hello@sarasotaparadise.us.
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