Mississippi Brilla FC News Release -- www.brillasoccer.org
Friday, April 27, 2012
JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi Brilla FC announced the signing of five players to their 2012 roster. Orrin Farrell (Offaly, Ireland), pictured, Musa Mawanda (Kampala, Uganda), Nick Aguilar (Olathe, Kansas), Marvin Ochieng (Nairobi, Kenya), and Chris Ochieng (Nairobi, Kenya) will all represent Brilla during the 2012 season.
Farrell arrives with the Brilla from the University of Texas at Brownsville where he scored seven goals and had eight assists last fall, leading his team to the NAIA National Tournament. Along the way he earned NAIA All-Conference and All-Region awards. Farrell also has international experience representing his country at the youth levels.
“Orrin is a player we have been tracking for over a year," said Mississippi Brilla FC Head Coach Dave Dixon. "He is a very good player on the ball and creates a lot of opportunities for his teammates. He will be a very valuable piece to our attack with his passing ability.”
Mawanda comes to the Brilla fresh off a National Championship run with his college team, Lindsey Wilson College in Kentucky. Mawanda was a key component for the team and split time between the midfield and the back line. He played with former Brilla players Moses Aduny and Mike Azira in his home country of Uganda.
“Musa is a great athlete with a lot of the same qualities as Mike Azira,” said Dixon. “He can cover ground really well and has a tireless work rate. I expect him to provide balance to our team with his versatility. He has big shoes to fill taking over for his fellow countrymen, but I fully expect Musa to be up to the challenge.”
Aguilar arrives at the Brilla from Baker University, a NAIA program located in Kansas. Aguilar helped lead Baker to a 20-2-1 record as they finished their season in the NAIA Final Four, losing to eventual National Champions Lindsey Wilson College.
“Nick is a busy box to box midfielder that fits perfectly into our system. He has the qualities on the ball that will help him be successful in this league,” said Dixon.
Marvin Ochieng joins the team from Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn. He started his college career at Lindsey Wilson College. This past season Ochieng scored two goals and had one assist from his center back position.
“Marvin adds a different dimension to our defense," Dixon said. "He brings a calming presence to the back line that will prove to be valuable for us this season.”
Chris Ochieng plays at Milligan College and joins the Brilla following a season where he scored 13 goals and was named NAIA All-Region and All-Conference. Ochieng also won a National Championship in 2009 with Lindsey Wilson College. During that 2009 season he was named a First Team NAIA All-American.
“Chris is a pure forward, he plays well with his back to the goal and he is excellent in the box. I expect him to be a dangerous player for us all summer long,” said Dixon.
The 2012 Mississippi Brilla FC home opener is Saturday, May 12th at 7:30pm. They will face the Ocala Stampede at Harper Davis Field on the campus of Millsaps College. For ticket information visit www.brillasoccer.org or call 601-924-3475.