By Datti Jinkiri
Brilla coach Mark McKeever continues to make additions to his 2016 roster by bringing in some more fine talent from around the country. Cillian Thompson, Brandon Hall, and Buran Huseini will be making their way to Mississippi this summer, and all will be looking to make their way into the starting 11.
Thompson completed his college career at Belhaven University, where in three seasons, he totaled 21 goals and six assists. The midfielder scored a career high 13 goals in his senior season and led the Blazers to an appearance in the NCCAA Final Four. He was an NSCAA-NCCAA First Team All-American, NSCAA First Team All-West Region selection, NCCAA Mideast All-Region Team selection, and NCCAA All-Tournament team selection.
McKeever is expecting big things from Thompson. “Cillian is a player that can perform any of the center midfield roles,” McKeever stated. “He is able to work both sides of the ball very effectively. On top of that, he has a huge physical presence, which can create a lot of stability in front of the back 4. Although Cillian is a big lad, he is very mobile and is able to cover ground and use the ball effectively. I am excited to work with Cillian this summer.”
Hall has featured in 30 games and made 15 starts in his three seasons at Wisconsin-Green Bay. He scored the winning goal against Detroit during his freshman season and was named Horizon League Defensive Player of the Week for his performance. The junior defender has been a key component of the team’s back-line, and McKeever will be looking to him to provide stability in the defense.
“Brandon brings a level of physical play and intensity that can change any game,” McKeever stated. “His desire to win makes him an asset to any team.”
Huseini, a freshman, is a teammate of Hall’s at UWGB. The midfielder/defender played in 15 games and made 14 starts during his debut season. The Milwaukee native tallied one assist for the Phoenix.
McKeever will be relying on Buran’s defensive skill set this summer. “Burn’s combination of soft feet and defensive mentality allows him to be a reliable defender on the flank,” he stated.
Mississippi Brilla FC opens its PDL season with a home contest against Peachtree City on May 14. Home matches will be played at Clinton’s Traceway Park.