Mississippi Brilla News Release - www.msbrillafc.org

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

CLINTON, MS -- After previously announcing returning players last week, Mississippi Brilla FC released the names of players who will be joining the squad as rookies for 2008.

New coach Steve DeCou has been on the recruiting trail, bringing in talent from all over in an attempt to push Brilla FC into the playoffs and beyond this season. As in their first year, Brilla hopes to have found the right mix of local and international talent to make up their 2008 side.

Local product Aaron Thornton of Pearl, MS was offered a spot on the roster based on a strong tryout in March. Thornton had a solid season at West Texas A&M where they made it to the NCAA DII Sweet 16. Another local product, Drew Ziegler of Clinton, MS, also has designs for cracking the Brilla midfield.

Steven Ekuguwm, who played locally at Jim Hill High School and for Jackson Futbol Club, returns from his freshman year at the University of Central Arkansas. Another Mississippi product returning from out of state is Starkville's Michael Lindsay. The freshman at the University of South Carolina had a solid first year at the school, earning a starting spot during the season.

Adam Braun, assistant coach at Belhaven College and former Trinity Christian College player, was a National Christian College Athletic Association All-American. Belhaven player Matt Welch rounds out the local players. The former Mars Hill College player claims Jackson, MS as home.

The team will also be looking for solid contributions from two foreign newcomers. Jamaican Charles Hines of William Carey University and Scottish player Ciaran Traquair, who starred for Shorter College, should make an immediate impact for the second year squad.

Brilla FC has several American players coming in from out of state as well. Kyle Segebart of Cedarville University in Ohio will compete for a starting position at defender. Segebart played for the PDL side Cascade Surge in Oregon last season.

Midfielder Tyler Williams of St. Louis, Missouri should bring a spark to the Brilla FC midfield. The Southern Methodist University player has recovered from an injury that limited his playing time as a freshman. Incoming University of Memphis player Parker Duncan joins Brilla as one of it's designated Under 19 players. The Johnson City, Tennessee native is looking to gain valuable experience to take with him to Memphis in the Fall. Brilla FC has also picked up two University of Mobile players. David DeLotelle and Jason Williams will help round out a roster that should be stronger from top to bottom in 2008.

These new additions mixing in with the team’s returning players should prove formidable for Mississippi Brilla FC's Mid-South Division opponents. Brilla FC opens play on May 9 as they host the Premier Development League champions, the Laredo Heat, at 7:00 PM at M&F Bank Stadium at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland.