Mississippi Brilla News Release -- www.brillasoccer.org
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
CLINTON, Miss. -- It’s hard to imagine a Mississippi Brilla FC season without Phillip Buffington, and the 2014 campaign will be no different from six of the seven previous Brilla seasons. Buffington, a Jackson, Miss. native, has committed to return for his seventh season wearing the sky-blue Brilla uniform.
“Phillip has been such a big part of Brilla since our very first season,” said President and General Manager Rusty Bryant. “I dread the day that he is not on our roster, and I’m really glad that we won’t have to worry about that in 2014.”
Buffington made his first appearance with Mississippi Brilla during their inaugural PDL season in 2007. Since then, he has appeared in 61 games over six seasons, tallying 25 goals. Buffington had a couple of professional stints in USL PRO, and also Australia, but has been a mainstay in Mississippi throughout the last eight years.
“Buff is a natural goal scorer,” said Head Coach Drew Courtney. “He was our leading goal scorer from last season despite his injuries. If he can stay healthy, I expect big things from him this season."
Joining Buffington as a holdover from the 2013 season is Tom Gavin, arguably Brilla’s best player from a year ago. Gavin scored three goals in 11 games on his way to earning Team MVP honors. The Hartlepool, England native is a sophomore at Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss.
“Tom brings a level of competition that you want from every player,” said Courtney. “He is committed to every match, every training session, and the betterment of the team.”
“Every few years one of those special players comes along, and Tom falls into that category for us,” added Bryant. “He was at the top of the list to re-sign for 2014.”
Mississippi Brilla FC will kick off its 2014 season in mid-May. Visit www.brillasoccer.org for updates.