Grayson Goldin and Federico Staksrud competing for the Orlando Squeeze at the Toray MLP Playoffs San Diego.
Grayson Goldin and Federico Staksrud competing for the Orlando Squeeze at the Toray MLP Playoffs San Diego. Major League Pickleball

Goldin shines as Orlando defeats Utah to advance to quarters

The Orlando Squeeze advanced to the quarterfinal round of the MLP Premier level playoffs with a 3-1 victory over the Utah Black Diamonds.

The Squeeze were without usual starter Dylan Frazier, who was dealing with a hamstring injury he sustained at last week’s Veolia Bristol Open, but Grayson Goldin filled in admirably, picking up wins in men’s doubles with Federico Staksrud and mixed doubles with Lacy Schneemann.

Those triumphs helped Orlando earn a 3-1 victory after losing the opening women’s double game to advance to the quarterfinals.

ADVERTISEMENT

 

Goldin made his season debut for the Squeeze in the team’s final regular season match against the New Jersey 5s at MLP Salt Lake City, where he also picked up two wins to help lift the team to a regulation victory.

Staksrud applauded his teammate’s energy and performance in both matches.

“He played against the 5s back in the last regular season match, and he did a great job. He brought a lot of energy that I think we needed, and his energy when he’s playing and also on the bench is really contagious and helps everybody on the team,” he noted. “I think everybody’s playing better because of him.”

Goldin, who joined the team in June, spoke about the experience of getting his first reps so late in the season.

“There are always butterflies, I mean, this is a first. I think I keep living firsts in MLP, so I’m grateful for that,” he said. “I get to ride this adrenaline high, so I’m just trying to be as present as possible, enjoy the moment as much as I can, and just compete and build everyone up.”

The Squeeze will face the top-seeded St. Louis Shock later Friday afternoon in the first match of their quarterfinal series.