By Datti Jinkiri
The boys in Carolina blue have returned home for a crucial two-match homestand against the Midland Odessa Sockers. The teams first met in West Texas in late May, where Brilla were on both ends of 1-0 scorelines. Now, both teams will meet again in matches that will be highly influential on their playoff hopes.
Brilla split their two matches in St. Louis this past weekend. A goal from Carlos Perales and two late goals from Oscar Jimenez completed a 3-2 comeback win on Thursday. However, a 1-0 loss to the same St. Louis FC squad followed on Saturday.
The Sockers had 0-0 and 2-2 ties this past weekend against the Albuquerque Sol, thereby picking up two points. Bruno Henrique is the key man for them, as he has racked up four goals this season.
The Sockers are currently leading the division with 17 points. Second place Oklahoma City Energy has 16 points, and Brilla sit in third with 13 points. However, both the Sockers and the Energy have played one game fewer than Brilla, so that just makes the upcoming matches that much more important for Brilla.
Kickoff for Thursday’s and Saturday’s matches will at 7:00 P.M. The venue will be Traceway Park in Clinton, but if you are unable to attend, the matches will be streamed live. You can view them HERE.