July 18, 2009-Clinton, MS
Mississippi Brilla FC knew exactly what they needed to do Saturday night against the Central Florida Kraze to take the Regular Season Division Title and top playoff seed in the Southeast Division Championships: Win.
No other outcome would allow Brilla to host the Division Championship match as the Bradenton Academics held a two-point advantage over Mississippi going into the Saturday’s match.
Central Florida proved a difficult opponent earlier in the season when Mississippi visited them, and Brilla only took a 1-0 victory. This time, Brilla knew exactly what was at state and come out with guns blazing.
Nich Rich put Mississippi on top in the 3rd minute when Jacob Lawrence’s pass put him behind the Kraze back line. Rich calmly picked out the far corner of the Kraze net and put Mississippi up 1-0.
Mississippi earned a penalty in the 16th minute when Rich was taken down in the penalty area, but Central Florida goalkeeper Jhojan Obando turned David Lilly’s shot away.
Debola Ogunseye would double the lead for Brilla in the 31st minute after Lucas Paulini chipped the ball over three Central Florida defenders for Ogunseye to finish for his 14th goal of the season.
Mississippi took the 2-0 lead into half-time and the team vowed the put the game away for good upon returning the to field.
Stefan Ostergren hammered a David Lilly assist past the Central Florida ‘keeper in the 48th minute to finish the scoring for Mississippi.
Central Florida did create several scoring chances in the second half, only to see Mississippi goalkeeper Josh Pantazelos thwart every opportunity. Pantazelos would be named “Man of the Match” after earning his 8th clean sheet of the season in only 13 matches.
Mississippi will host the Southeast Division final at 7:00 PM on Saturday, July 25 at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS. The Bradenton Academics have secured the #2 seed in the division. The #3 seed will be determined on Sunday when Panama City Pirates hosts the New Orleans Jesters. New Orleans can only advance with a win. A draw or loss to Panama City will see the Pirates claim the final playoff spot.
The date and location of the matchup between the second and third seeds will depend on who earns the final spot.
