From MLS, to Massachusetts, to Mississippi

 

Mississippi Brilla FC announced today that Matthew Horth has been appointed as Head Coach of the USL League Two team. Horth will be Brilla’s 6th head coach and will guide them into their 15th season in the league. Horth replaces Luke Sanford who recently accepted a coaching position with New Mexico United in the USL Championship. Sanford began his coaching stint with Brilla in 2019 and led the team to a 9-3-3 record and a Mid South Division title in 2021.

Horth is currently the Head Coach at his alma mater, Gordon College, in Wenham, Massachusetts. He has compiled a 31-23-5 record since taking over the program in 2017.

Prior to beginning his coaching career, Horth enjoyed a successful professional career that included stops in the MLS (New England Revolution), USL (Rochester Rhinos), NASL (Atlanta Silverbacks), as well as internationally in Iceland’s First Division. Horth was a prolific goal scorer throughout his career, tallying 25 professional goals over 5 seasons and 37 goals during his collegiate career at Gordon College.

Horth is a 2010 graduate of Gordon College where he received a B.A. of Science in Kinesiology. He also earned a M.A. in Theological Studies from Liberty University in 2016. Horth currently holds a USSF B License as well as a NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

“In searching for a head coach for our USL2 team, we look for someone that can recruit and win on the field, shares our mission and vision for impacting lives for Jesus through soccer, and has the experience and connections to help our players move forward in their professional careers,” said Rusty Bryant, Executive Director. “We believe that Matt Horth checks all of those boxes and we could not be more excited that he is leading our team this summer.”

“I am honored and thrilled for the opportunity to coach Mississippi Brilla FC this summer,” said Horth. “I’d like to thank Rusty Bryant and Scott Taylor for entrusting me with this position and to Gordon athletic director Jon Tymann for his support. The Mississippi Brilla name speaks for itself. It’s exciting to be joining a fantastic club with great people who seek to develop professional-level soccer talent, but also invest in the character and spiritual growth of these men. My family and I are looking forward to our arrival in Clinton and to see what’s in store for the 2022 season!”

Matt is married to his wife Jessica, and the couple has two sons, Liam (3) and Wyatt (1).

Mississippi Brilla FC kicks off its 2022 season on May 21 with a home contest against the Little Rock Rangers.