Sarasota Paradise defender Anderson Rosa is a finalist for the 2026 USL League One Defender of the Year award, the club announced Nov. 6.

Rosa, a left back who plays home games at Premier Sports Campus in Lakewood Ranch, scored eight goals during the 2026 season. That was the most by any defender in the league. He added a team-high nine assists for 17 total goal contributions, which also led the club.

Rosa is one of three finalists. USL League One listed Samuel Owusu of Union Omaha and Javen Romero of Independence alongside Rosa.

The nomination caps a season of individual honors for the Brazilian defender. He was named to the 2026 USL League One All-League First Team on Nov. 3 and won the league's Fans' Choice Mid-Season Defender of the Year in June, according to the club.

Rosa appeared in all 32 regular-season matches for Paradise, logging 2,783 minutes. He led the team in duels won with 141, recorded 34 interceptions and won 47 of his 69 tackles at a 68 percent success rate.

In announcing the All-League teams, USL League One called Rosa "one of the league's most complete players," according to the club.

Sarasota Paradise Head Coach and Technical Director Mika Elovaara praised Rosa's impact beyond the stat sheet.

"Anderson's nomination speaks volumes of the respect and appreciation he has earned in our league … I look forward to building an even more successful future in Paradise with him as one of our leaders on and off the field," Elovaara said.

A native of Salvador, Brazil, Rosa moved to the United States as a teenager to attend Montverde Academy, according to the club's earlier announcement. He played five seasons at the University of Central Florida, set the school record with 76 career appearances and served as team captain starting his sophomore year. The Colorado Rapids selected him in the second round of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. He signed with Sarasota Paradise in December 2025 ahead of the club's inaugural USL League One season.

USL League One announces the winner Thursday, Nov. 12, at 12 p.m. ET.