Mississippi Press Release - www.msbrillafc.org

Saturday, May 31, 2008

CLINTON, MS - Playing on the road has proven to be tough for Mississippi Brilla. The second year Premier Development League team dropped two disappointing road contests to Houston and Dallas last weekend. However, Mississippi Brilla found that returning to the friendly confines of Longabaugh Field in Clinton, MS on Saturday evening could not have come at a better time. Facing an undefeated Austin Aztex team that had yet to be scored on this season, Mississippi Brilla sent the home crowd of 812 away excited over a 2-0 victory.

"We love playing at home in front of these great fans," said Rusty Bryant, President and General Manager. "Our players really seem to get up for our home games. Playing in front of nearly 1,000 fans a game can get any soccer player excited."

Mississippi Brilla FC has played 11 home games over its two-year existence, running an impressive 6-0-5 undefeated record at home. The team averaged just over 1,000 fans in its inaugural season last year, and has averaged 958 through 3 home games this season.

"This team is huge for soccer in Mississippi," said second year local player Jacob Lawrence. "It is exciting to see the fans, both young and old, come out to support our team."

The scoring didn’t come easy as the first half finished scoreless. Brilla went on top in the 51st minute when forward Charles Hines deflected a Jacob Lawrence throw-in past Austin goalkeeper, Miguel Gallardo. Brilla FC would mob their Jamaican teammate in celebration of the goal. It was the first goal the Aztex would surrender all season. The second goal for Brilla came in the 81 first minute when Adam Braun found defender Tyler Williams wide open on the back post to slot an insurance goal into the back of the net.

William had been on the field for less than a minute before making the run forward. Mississippi killed off the remaining eight minutes and extend Brilla’s home unbeaten streak to 11.

Brilla coach, Steve DeCou, was obviously pleased with the result. "I really can’t explain how we can play as poorly as we did in Texas and then come home and play like a completely different team. Hopefully we can bottle whatever we have here at Longabaugh Field and take it with us next weekend."

Mississippi faces another tough road test next weekend as they travel to face the defending champion Laredo Heat on Friday and the Baton Rouge Capitals on Sunday. Please visit www.msbrillafc.org for information on the next Mississippi Brilla FC home match.