After a first-minute scare when a Memphis City header crashed off the Brilla post, Brilla took an early lead in the 6th minute when a free kick from Oliver Brock found Ali Brador’s head. Brador nodded the ball into the corner of the Memphis City net. Brilla controlled the bulk of play for most of the first half, but Memphis capitalized on a midfield turnover and evened the score in the 36th minute when Peyton McKnatt latched onto a David Zalzman through-ball and slotted it by Brilla goalkeeper Jordan Bell.
Memphis City started the second half strong and pressed Brilla more than they did in the opening period. The pressure paid off in the 70th minute when Jared Green slipped behind the Brilla backline and placed an excellent shot into the far corner of the Brilla net, giving the hosts a 2-1 advantage.
Brilla threw caution to the wind and player forward for the next twenty minutes. The constant barrage finally broke through in the first minute of stoppage time when Oliver Brock found Kaelon Fox with a long cross field pass. Fox controlled expertly with his chest, settled the ball, and slid his pass right in front of the Memphis City goal. Javen Palmer latched on to it and knocked it past the Memphis City goalkeeper to level the score at two goals each.
One minute later, Palmer almost stole all three points for Brilla when he slid a shot just outside of the post.
The referee would blow for full-time shortly after and each team would depart with a point.
The teams will see each other again in just a week’s time as Brilla will be hosts on Saturday, May 19 at Clinton High School.
Before that, Mississippi Brilla will host USL’s Indy Eleven in the the 2nd Round of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday, May 16 at Clinton High School Kickoff will be 7:00 PM.