June 8, 2019
Despite relinquishing the first goal, Mississippi Brilla FC (4-1-2) rallied to put away the AHFC Royals (0-4-3) to earn their fourth win of the season and close out the first half of the 2019 season.
The first half of the match finished scoreless after both teams attempted to find space behind the opposing defensive lines.
Brilla FC had a handful of chances on goal that just missed wide, but the team continued to pressure AHFC’s back line, growing more confident throughout the match.
After the start of the second half, AHFC Royals took control of the board scoring first in the 65th minute on a controversial call.
However, Brilla FC were awarded a penalty kick after a hand ball inside the AHFC penalty box. Captain Ryan Tyrer scored on the PK in the 69th minute.
The second half remained tied until Victor Pimentel found the back of the net after a Chava Nunez pass ricocheted off a defender in the 86th minute.
Pimentel’s heroics earned him the Man of the Match award.
Brilla FC head coach Luke Sanford praised his team for mounting a come back but said they should have taken care of business much earlier.
“We should have put that to bed in the first half,” Sanford said, “but I think the first half was the best we’ve played this season especially in our progression coming out of the back.”
He added, “It’s not easy to come from behind, and however you see that controversial goal, you can’t change those things, so credit to the guys for getting over it and coming back.”
The win against AHFC marks the mid point of the season for Brilla FC. The team will have close to a week before the next match, allowing for needed rest and refocus.
“It’s really nice to have a week between games,” Sanford said. We’ll be off for a couple of days and then it’s back to work. We have to continue to grow. They’re doing well and they showed a lot of heart to win the game. That’s the most important thing.”
Mississippi Brilla FC will be back in action on Friday, June 14 when they welcome Houston FC to Clinton.
Friday night’s game will be held at Arrow Field on the campus of Clinton High School.
Tickets are $5, and kick off is slated for 7:00 P.M.