Phillip Buffington, Adam Braun, and Drew Ziegler each netted three goals as Mississippi Brilla FC cruised to an 11-3 win over the U18 Mississippi Fire on Sunday, April 20 at Mississippi College.

“I just need one hard shot to go past the keeper,” said Buffington at half time. “I think that will open the flood gates.”

Buffington’s words proved to be prophetic as he tallied three second half goals to lead the Mississippi Brilla onslaught.

The first half opened with lots of possession by Mississippi Brilla FC, but poor shooting led to numerous missed opportunities. Ziegler, Braun, and Stuart Makinson connected in the first half to give Mississippi Brilla a 3-1 cushion at the break. Mississippi Fire’s lone goal in the first half came from a beautiful long-range shot by Chris Williams. Williams is a high school senior who recently signed to play with University of Alabama Birmingham. He is also one of three high school seniors that could battle for playing time with Mississippi Brilla this summer.

The second half began with Mississippi Brilla scoring early and often. Buffington, training for the first time this Spring following a minor surgical procedure, proved why he was 4th in the nation in goals per game in Division III in 2007. His three quick second half goals gave him the hat trick honor that would soon be matched by Ziegler and Braun.

“It was good to see Buffington back on the field,” said Rusty Bryant, President and General Manager. “Adam Braun is also someone that could really produce for us this year. He looks as though he is getting back into playing shape.”

Braun is a former NAIA All-American, who is currently the assistant coach at Belhaven College in Jackson, MS. Ziegler, the former Mississippi College standout, also completed his hat trick in the second half with two strikes of his own. Nigerian Paul Babba rounded out the scoring on the day for Mississippi Brilla.

“Our U18 team has not lost a match since September,” said Chad Hampton, the U18 Mississippi Fire head coach. “A match like this is a great experience for our players.”

Mississippi Brilla continues its preseason tune-up with a match in Hattiesburg, MS against William Carey College on Thursday, May 1 at 7:00. The team kicks off its 2008 campaign on Friday, May 9 at Freedom Ridge Park in Ridgeland, MS. The match against the Laredo Heat is scheduled for 7:00 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at www.MSBrillaFC.org an May 1.