Sarasota Paradise is an American soccer club based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, competing in USL League One, the third tier of American soccer. The club began play in 2023 and plays their home games at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.
Sarasota Paradise is principally owned by Marco Assis, CEO of Propio Language Services, with Marcus Walfridson as co-owner.
History Club branding was announced by founder Marcus Walfridson on January 14, 2023.
Sarasota Paradise made their league debut on May 20, 2023, a 1–0 loss away at Miami AC. They made their home debut on June 3, 2023, defeating FC Miami City 2–1 in front of a crowd of nearly 500 spectators. The team finished 4th in the South Florida Division, 6 points behind division winners Weston FC. Their final home game of the season garnered 1086 fans in attendance. Defender Hosei Kijima was selected to the 2023 USL League Two Team of the Year, drafted number 17 in the MLS Superdraft, and is now playing for MLS side St. Louis City SC.
In their second season, Sarasota Paradise secured their first South Florida Division Championship in club history with a 1-0 victory away against St. Petersburg FC. Sarasota Paradise remained undefeated at home throughout the season. Key results included a commanding 4-0 win over Miami AC, a thrilling 4-4 draw with Tampa Bay United, and a decisive 3-0 victory against Weston FC. This success earned the team a spot in the playoffs, where they faced Brave SC.
On February 19, 2025, Sarasota Paradise was announced as an expansion team in USL League One of the third division of the United States soccer league system to start play in the 2026 season. Garrett McLaughlin was announced as the first professional player signed in club history in November of that year.
Stadium
The club currently plays at Premier Sports Campus at Lakewood Ranch.
Players and staff Technical staff PositionName Head coach & Technical Director Mika Elovaara Assistant Coach Trevor Sinclair Assistant Coach Mark Ward Assistant Coach Glodi Konga Goalkeeping Coach Mark MacPhee
Current roster
Year-by-year YearDivisionLeagueRegular seasonPlayoffsOpen CupAverage Attendance20234USL League Two4th, South FloridaDid not qualifyDid not qualify 42620244USL League Two1st, South FloridaConference Quarter FinalsDid qualify52120254USL League Two1st, South FloridaConference Semi FinalsFirst Round1,34820263USL League OneN/AN/ADid not qualifyN/A
Honors League USL League Two South Florida Conference Winner (1): 2024
Player YearPlayerCountryPosHonor2023Hosei KijimaDTeam of the Year
References
External links