When Mississippi Brilla FC welcomes Indy Eleven to Clinton, Miss. on May 16 for the next round of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, a new level of professional soccer will be introduced to Central Mississippi.
After taking the New Orleans Jesters all the way to penalty kicks, Brilla FC earned a spot in the second-round of the knock-out cup competition.
Much like England’s FA Cup, the US Open Cup allows for American soccer teams to truly decide who holds the most talented squad on the pitch.
The Lamar Hunt US Open Cup is the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the United States. The defending champion is MLS team Sporting Kansas City, a four-time US Open winner and two-time MLS Cup winner.
Professional developmental teams like Brilla FC compete against other amateur teams in order to eventually face professional teams from the USL and even the MLS. On Wednesday, May 16, Brilla takes on Indy Eleven from Indianapolis, Indiana.
Founded in 2013, Indy Eleven is a professional team in the USL, America’s second tier league, and is currently in the running to become one of Major League Soccer’s newest expansion team. Indy Eleven hosts its home matches in Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts, and has plans to erect a home facility of their own.
Mississippi Brilla FC is part of the PDL, and the aim of the team is to develop players for the next level. Wednesday night’s match-up pairs tomorrow’s professional players against current professional players. In fact, Indy Eleven’s assistant coach Dave Dixon is Brilla FC’s former head coach.
Mississippi Brilla FC hosts its home matches at Clinton High School’s Arrow Field. Though the venue may be a bit smaller for Indy Eleven, the intensity on the pitch will certainly be elevated.
Kick off is scheduled for 7:00 PM on Wednesday, May 16 at Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi. Tickets to the match are $5, and gates will open at 5:30.