By Melissa Sarmiento Allen
EBC Florida Bureau
LAKELAND, FL (Eagle News) — The future remains bright for the Lakeland Tropics as a 55-minute rain delay did not dampen the spirits of loyal fans, who witnessed their team’s 3-1 victory over FC Miami City at Bryant Stadium late Saturday night.
Tropics Head Coach Eoghan Conlon was very pleased with his team’s performance and credited the whole team for the win.
“They performed well individually and collectively as an entire group and the bench were outstanding as well,” said Conlon. “We don’t always give [the defenders] enough credit because it’s all about the goals and assists, but they were fantastic. Overall, it was a really high level performance from the entire team.”
It was a night of firsts for Tropics midfielder/defender, Ben Mendoza, who scored the first goal of the night during the first half. This was Mendoza’s first start as well as his first goal of the season.
“It was a nice feeling to get the goal,” Mendoza said. “That was my first goal this year and I’m feeling confident to keep it going.”
Kevin Coiffic of FC Miami City kept the Tropics on their toes after tying the game with a goal at the 66th-minute mark. It was his second goal in three games.
Fans of rising star and Tropics top scorer, Juan Tejada, were likely puzzled as he sat out for the entire first half. Coach Conlon said it was part of the coaching staff’s efforts to give more minutes to the other team players.
Tejada, renowned among teammates and staff for his effervescent energy, bolted onto the field moments before the second half kickoff, dazzling fans with his speed and charisma. The Eckerd College student’s energy, pent-up after sitting on the bench for the whole first half, would eventually be channeled into a successful goal 30 minutes into the second half, making it his sixth goal of the season.
“I was so eager to play and to run and score a goal. It happened and I was very grateful,” said Tejada.
Just seconds before the game clock ended, Tropics forward Ricardo Diegues sealed the win with the team’s third and final goal of the night.
The Tropics are currently tied for first place with the SIMA Aguilas in the USL Premier Development League’s Southeast Division of the Southern Conference. Both teams are 6-1-2 with 20 points each. The tie-breaking game will occur at the same venue on Saturday, June 30th.
Tejada’s parents will be in attendance from Panama for next Saturday’s game in Lakeland and said he hopes to make them proud.
“It’s going to be very special,” Tejada adds. “Hopefully we can get three points and get the win.”
(Eagle News Service)