CLINTON, Miss. - A win always feels a great. But a win in front of your home fans feels even better.
Mississippi Brilla (7-4-1) picked up a 3-2 home victory over the visiting Louisiana Krewe (5-3-4) on Saturday night. This was Brilla's second straight win, and it gave the team full control of second place in the USL2's Mid South Division.
After a scoreless first half, midfielder Ethan Unger put Brilla on top in the 55th minute. Ocho Fasteen's cross found the head of Santi Diosa, but the Krewe goalkeeper made a nice save on Diosa's header. Dom Gibson's header was also saved, but Unger was in the right spot and thumped the ball into the net.
Nika Monaselidze doubled Brilla's lead just two minutes later. After Marco Astorga was fouled, the Georgian lined up to take a free kick from just outside the box. Monaselidze subsequently hit a beautiful left-footed strike into the net for his first goal of the season.
In the 65th minute, Franck Kouentchi came off the bench to score Brilla's third. After a loose ball deflected into his path, the Parisian got on the scoresheet with a powerful near-post finish.
The Krewe scored twice in quick succession - in the 76th and 78th minutes, respectively - but Brilla was able to weather the late storm and take the victory.
Brilla outshot the Krewe 10-9, while also racking up a narrow 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Goalkeeper Andreas Kokoska made four saves and picked up his second straight win.
Next Game
Brilla will be back in action on Wednesday night in Shreveport for a matchup against Blue Goose SC. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
After that match, Brilla will close out the regular season on Saturday, July 16th with a return match against Blue Goose at home. Kickoff from Clinton High School is set for 7:00 p.m.