Mother Nature the only winner as Tropics have home opener washed away

AUBURNDALE, Fla. -- The wait for a 20th straight win will remain for a few more days.

A heavy thunderstorm washed away the Florida Tropics SC presented by Bond Clinic home opener Sunday night at Lake Myrtle Sports complex. The game was halted in the 21st minute, with the delay lasting almost two hours before the game was finally postponed.

Neither team had scored, although the Tropics clearly controlled most of the play, and had several good scoring chances. Two came from Mulberry High School star Chandler Crawshaw. The Panther, who also came up through the youth ranks with the Tropics Lakeland based youth program, had a couple of good opportunities after earning a roster spot and making his first start Sunday.

No makeup date has yet been announced.

The Tropics will try again to get a home opener in, this time against a local rival, Winter Haven United FC. That game is scheduled this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Lake Myrtle. It is the first-ever meeting between the two UPSL Division 1 teams. Parking is $10 for single-occupant vehicles, and $20 for multi-vehicle occupants. Admission is free. The game will be streamed live for those unable to make it to the field. 

The Tropics are 1-0 after a season-opening 2-1 win at the PSE Conquistadores on Sept. 20 in Bradenton. Florida, the defending UPSL Spring 2019 national champions,  will play a 12-game regular season outsdoor schedule this fall, and will start their fifth season in the Major Arena Soccer League this winter at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. For more information, visit www.fltropics.com or call 863-240-0101.