Sarasota Paradise Advances to Semifinals with Shutout Victory Over Sporting JAX
Jack Kilstrom earned the Sunrise Irrigation & Sprinklers Player of the Game honors after an impressive performance in goal on Friday night, delivering a clean sheet and leading Sarasota Paradise to a commanding 2–0 triumph in the Southern Conference Quarterfinals.
On home turf at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, Kilstrom made several clutch saves—particularly during a tense opening half—helping Paradise overcome Sporting JAX. His calm confidence and athletic reflexes under pressure were pivotal in maintaining the shutout through full time.
The win marks a historic milestone: Sarasota Paradise's first-ever postseason victory in club history. The match, which served as the second fixture in a doubleheader Quarterfinal on July 18, sold out alongside the earlier Laredo Heat vs. Fort Lauderdale United game.
Next up for Paradise is a date in the Southern Conference Semifinal against the winner of Friday’s early game, Fort Lauderdale United. The match is scheduled for Sunday, July 20, at 7:30 p.m., again at their home stadium. The club encourages fans to secure tickets soon, promising another night of high-stakes playoff action and the potential to advance further toward the League Two Championship.