Mississippi Brilla News Release -- www.brillasoccer.org
Saturday, July 16, 2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Having already clinched a spot in the postseason and trying to earn the top seed in the Southern Conference, Mississippi Brilla claimed their third consecutive USL Premier Development League Southeast Division title with a 2-0 victory against the Nashville Metros at Ezell Park in their third of four regular season meetings in 2011.
At this point in the season, the Metros only have pride to play for as, before tonight's match, they were 20 points behind Mississippi in the Southeast Division with only two matches remaining.
Ezell Park field has suffered this season and the poor conditions thwarted both teams from success in the first half. Players had trouble controlling the ball and connecting on passes. As a result, the first half ended scoreless. Attacking the better end in the second half, the Brilla were able to capitalize in the 60th minute when David Palmer's header fell to the foot of Mat Luak. He smashed a volley to the near post past Metros' goalkeeper Jordan Warner.
The Brilla continued to pound Warner's goal and he did a great job to keep them out for a stretch, but he was unable to keep out a thundering header from Brilla captain Mike Azira from a Palmer corner. His shot flew into the far corner to double the Brilla's lead in the 86th minute.
The goal would seal the win for the Brilla, as well as clinch the division title for Mississippi for the third consecutive season. While the Central Florida Kraze can finish tied with the Brilla should they fall in their final game, the Brilla hold the head-to-head tiebreaker. A win over Nashville in both team's season finale on July 23rd in Mississippi will ensure Brilla will host the Southern Conference Championships, assuming their bid is accepted by the United Soccer Leagues' office.
"It's exciting to win the division again," Brilla coach David Dixon said. "Now we've got to focus on locking up the top seed and actually winning a playoff game."