Over the next few days, we will take a look at the 2022 Mississippi Brilla FC roster from back to front. The defense will be previewed today.
Goalkeepers
Chris Morrish will bring some professional experience between the sticks this season. He featured in a Division III National Championship game with Calvin College before playing last year with the USL Championship's Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
Andreas Kokoska has started 20 matches in two seasons with the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The Czech shotstopper tallied four shutouts and made 63 saves in the 2021 season.
Gannon Key will also add depth to the goalkeeping unit. The Gulfport native has spent the past two years in the tough Sunshine State Conference with the University of Saint Leo.
Fullbacks (Outside Backs)
Luke Bryant, who is a Brilla returner, made 14 appearances and recorded two assists for the 2021 Mid South Division Champs. He made seven appearances for Davidson in the fall.
Evan Windham will add some versatility to the fullback position, as he can play on both sides of the defense. He started 14 games at Shorter University in 2021, recording an assist in the process.
Olaf Conforti could feature at fullback as well. The Australian had a solid debut campaign at Mississippi College, playing in 11 games and tallying a goal and an assist.
Santi Diosa – who is also a Brilla returner from last season – was Conforti's teammate at Mississippi College this past season. The Northwest Rankin graduate recorded two assists in 16 appearances for the Choctaws in 2021.
The versatile Kevin Daly could deputize as a fullback or a winger this summer. The Gainesville, Florida native started 15 matches and scored one goal for Belmont Abbey in 2021.
Praise Ayeni has played the past two years at Wayland Baptist. The Cambridge, England native featured in eight matches for Texas-based school last season.
Center Backs
Josh Davies comes into Brilla hot off a second straight All-GSC selection with Mississippi College. The Southampton, England native was a part of a Choctaws defense that recorded seven shutouts.
Luis Diaz started 12 games at West Virginia Wesleyan, anchoring a defense that recorded four shutouts. The Los Angeles native will add some depth to the unit.
Trey Gardiner – who was an Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team selection – is Bryant's teammate at Davidson. He started 16 games and scored one goal for the Wildcats in 2021.
David Bollmann plies his trade at Jefferson University in Philadelphia. The Paderborn, Germany native scored once and tallied an assist in his debut collegiate season.
Tyler Stopford, who is Daly's teammate at Belmont Abbey, can play in either the center of the defense or in the midfield. He played in 18 games for the Crusaders in 2021, scoring a goal and recording three assists in the process.
The Season
Mississippi Brilla FC will be kicking off its 15th season with a home game against the Little Rock Rangers on May 21st. Kickoff from Clinton High School is set for 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased HERE.