by Datti Jinkiri
Brilla coach Mark McKeever continues to add to the international flavor of the team with the recent additions of Newton Henry and Andre Scott. Both hail from Jamaica, and both will be expected to contribute to Brilla’s tenth season in the Premier Development League this summer.
Henry, from Clarendon, just finished a stellar sophomore season at the University of Mobile. The striker scored 13 goals and racked up 5 assists in 19 matches for the Rams. He finished first on the team in goals and second in assists. Henry was instrumental in the Rams finishing with 11 wins. This is a continuation of excellence for him, as he was named to the SSAC All-Freshman team during his first season.
Scott, a St. Catherine native, scored a career-best 10 goals this season for Union College. This was tied for the team lead. The Junior midfielder also assisted on three other goals during the season. Scott's dynamic play was crucial in helping Union reach 17 wins and finish as AAC Tournament Champions.
“Both of these Jamaican lads are going to create a lot of problems for the teams we play against,” McKeever said. “Both players are strong, fast, and dynamic players that can play wide or centrally. This is huge for our team because it allows us to continually change the environment as we attack. The work ethic that these two lads bring will be integral to the team as we try to defend from the front. I am excited to see both players excel in the PDL.”
Mississippi Brilla FC will open the 2016 season by hosting the U.S. Open Cup First Round on Wednesday, May 11. The team opens its PDL season with a home contest against Peachtree City on May 14. Home matches will be played at Clinton’s Traceway Park.