Saturday, June 12 - Baton Rouge, LA

Mississippi Brilla FC traveled to Baton Rouge to match up against the only other undefeated Southeast Division team. After the dust settled, both teams would still have a claim of that title.

The match started perfectly for the host Capitals when they knocked in a fourth minute goal. After a dangerous cross from the right wing. Brilla tried to push forward to earn a goal back, but began resorting to long balls when they normal short passing style was thwarted by a pitch that was almost unplayable. Their disadvantage would be compounded in the 20th minute when defender Richard Dixon’s high boot on the Capitals’ winger, Josey Portillo, was deemed violent conduct by the referee and earned Dixon a red card. The reduction to ten men flustered Brilla and emboldened the Captials. The Baton Rouge team began pressing and had several chances to extend their lead, while it was clear Mississippi just wanted to make it to halftime to make adjustments.

The half would end 1-0, and Brilla’s adjustments would have immediate effect. Within five minutes of play resuming, Brilla substitute Moses Aduny charged into the Capitals penalty area only to be brought down by a high boot to his face. The referee awarded a penalty kick to Brilla, which Anteneh Lemma converted to knot the score at 1-1.

Despite being down a man, the Mississippi team would hold possession for long periods of time, but only have a few good chances at goal. Baton Rouge’s second half chances proved far more dangerous, but they were unable to take the lead either. The draw takes Baton Rouge to second in the division with 12 points after 6 games played, while Brilla is a point behind them at 11 points after playing 5 games.

Baton Rouge  takes on the division-leading New Orleans Jesters in a home/away double header this weekend that will have obvious implications on the overall lead of the Southeast Division.

Mississippi completes a three-game road stretch this weekend when they travel to take on the Atlanta Blackhawks on Friday and the Nashville Metros on Sunday.