By Datti Jinkiri
Memphis City FC of the NPSL traveled down to Traceway Park to face off against Brilla in an exhibition match. It was the first match, but also an eventful match for both teams. Brilla's players have had little time to get acclimated to their new teammates, but that did not prevent them from picking up a 3-2 victory. Forward Lucas Cordeiro put in a man-of-the-match performance by scoring twice.
Memphis City opened up the scoring in 12th minute, when a low driven shot deflected off the boot of defender Jordan Radislavljevic and went over keeper Brendan Ledgeway. However, the equalizer would come just seven minutes later. Midfielder Eduardo Cruz showed his class by playing a well-weighted through ball for winger Andre Scott. Scott was fouled by Memphis keeper Britt McGuire, and Cruz dispatched the ensuing penalty kick.
Enter Cordeiro. His first goal was absolutely world class. In the 42nd minute, defender Jake McCain joined the Brilla attack and played a nice ball into the feet of Cordeiro. The Brazilian flicked the ball up to himself and bicycle kicked it past the helpless McGuire.
Cordeiro would grab his second after a great run from defender Ignacio Flores. Flores played a great ball, and Cordeiro headed it past keeper Humberto Pelaez for Brilla's third goal.
In the 84th minute, Memphis City cut the deficit and set up an interesting finish. Santiago Moore received a pass from Charles Blankenship and buried it for Memphis's second goal. However, Brilla held on during the final minutes and picked up the victory.
This result is a nice confidence boost for the team, and it sets up a crucial next few days for the players as they prepare for CD Montagua. Traceway Park will be the venue, and kickoff for the US Open Cup match will be Wednesday night at 7:00 PM.