CLINTON, Miss. - Mississippi Brilla FC hit the road for the first time this season to face the Little Rock Rangers, the Mid South Division's newest team. After a scoreless first half, goals from Jalen James and Ciro Damine propelled Brilla to a 2-1 win over the scrappy Arkansans.
Brilla's best opportunities in the first half came from Jamie DiLuzio (whose one-timer hit the side netting) and Ciro Damine (whose stoppage time strike was parried away).
However, it was Jalen James who opened the scoring for Brilla. In the 54th minute, a mad scramble ensued from a corner kick, and the ball found James around the penalty spot. His shot went through the goalkeeper's legs and into the back of the net. The goal was his third goal of the season.
Damine doubled Brilla's lead from the penalty spot in the 77th minute. The referee was quick to blow his whistle when the Argentine forward was brought down inside the area. Damine then calmly stepped up and dispatched the penalty kick for his third goal in two games.
Little Rock would get back into the match late. In the 83rd minute, they put away a penalty kick of their own to make it 2-1.
There were a few nervy moments for the Brilla defense late, and Alejandro Chavarria even had to parry away a shot on goal. But Brilla held on to get a big away result.
Next Game
Brilla will travel to Houston for a game against the AHFC Royals on Thursday, June 3rd. Kickoff will be at 7:00 p.m. CT.