PEACHTREE CITY, GA - Mississippi Brilla FC opened its 2017 Premier Development League season on the road Saturday evening. The visitors came away with a hard fought 2-0 victory over the host Peachtree City MOBA.
The match began a little sloppy for the visitors as the usual nerves of the first match of the season seemed to get the better of them. The home side from Peachtree City, on the other hand, was already three games deep into the young season. After setting in, Brilla struck with the first goal of the match in the 24th minute. Thomas Vancaeyezeele sent a cross into the box that was redirected back across on a header by Bader Boulajoul. The header found the foot of Andre De Giorgi, who smashed the ball into the top of the net to give the visitors an early 1-0 lead that they were able to carry into the half.
Things got a little more interesting in the second half as the visitors from Mississippi were reduced to 10 men when Boulajoul was shown a red card for a dangerous challenge. The 10 man squad did not sit back content to hold a one-goal advantage, and the aggressiveness paid off in the 86th minute. Sandy Sinclaire served in a free kick from the corner that found the head of late substitute Nicco Mastrangelo. His header found the back of the net to give Brilla a more comfortable 2-0 cushion with only minutes remaining.
However, the drama did not end with the final goal. MOBA’s Michael Brezovsky received a red card of his own in the 89th minute after a foul in the box long after the ball had been cleared from the area. Brilla was awarded a penalty, but MOBA’s Will Meyer saved Jordan Skelton’s kick from the mark. Shortly after, the referee ended the match, sending the visitors back to Mississippi with a 2-0 victory.
Mississippi Brilla (1-0, 3 points) continues its season with a two-game home stand later this week. They will welcome Brazos Valley FC to Clinton High School Arrow Field on Thursday, May 25 and Saturday, May 27. Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm.