MAY 29, 2019
After a three-game series against Texas United, Mississippi Brilla FC (2-0-1) hosted Corpus Christi FC (2-1) at home and took its first loss as they fell to Corpus Christi FC 6-3.
Both teams broke into the match early with stiff physicality and a willingness to attack the goal.
However, a seven-minute spree gave Corpus Christi its four goals of the first half with four different players find the net, leaving Brilla down 4-0 after the 28th minute.
After the mandatory water break, Brilla FC’s Nicolas Cam reined in Mississippi’s lone goal in the first half at the 40th minute mark.
The halftime break provided a much needed regrouping for Brilla who entered the second half with a new focus and fervor.
Trailing by three, Brilla relied on quality crosses and finishing to bring the score to 4-3.
Nicolas Cam scored his second goal of the night with a header off a great pass from Arturo Astorga five minutes into the half.
Astorga scored a goal himself with an assist from Andrew Revanales in the 59th minute.
But as the match progressed, Corpus Christi had the final say with two more goals, bringing the final score to 6-3.
Coach Luke Sanford said the way is team played certainly was frustrating, but with every game, there are positives to proud of and areas to work on.
“I actually think we started really well,” Sanford said. “I think we didn’t take some chances early and (Corpus Christi FC) built confidence early on and scored their goals within a ten minute stretch.”
He said his team struggled with a few basic principles of the game, and it cost them in the end.
“They were picking us apart, we were late, we weren’t picking up runners, and when you struggle with the basics against a really good team like we did tonight, you’re going to give up a lot of goals.”
The positives for Coach Sanford are found in the start of the second half.
“I am encouraged by the quality play we showed coming out in the second half,” he said. “We started executing what we talked about at the break, and we pulled ourselves back into the game.”
“But that’s the way the game goes, we’ve got another one rolling around, and we can’t lick our wounds. We’ve got to pick ourselves up and get ready to go again.
Mississippi Brilla FC goes back on the road this weekend, traveling to Houston to take on AHFC Royals on Friday, May 31 and Sunday June 2.
The team will then return home to host AHFC Royals on Saturday, June 8 at Arrow Field on the campus of Clinton High School.
Tickets are $5, and kick off is slated for 7:00 P.M.