June 26, 2010 - Jackson, MS

Mississippi’s Willie Hunt (12) wins the ball in the air.

Familiar foes would be an understatement. Mississippi and Nashville have squared off four times this season, once in an Open Cup qualifier only, and three that counted towards the regular season standings. Each time Mississippi has come out on top, including Saturday's 2-0 shutout at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS.
 
"It is hard to face the same team multiple times within a short time period,” said Head Coach Dave Dixon. “I thought our guys did a good job of going out and taking care of business tonight."
 
Mississippi’s lineup had a different look, as a number of players were nursing injuries. One of the new members of the lineup was actually a very familiar face in David Lilly. Lilly, who has played with Brilla for 3 years, recently returned from his home in Scotland to finish out the season with Mississippi. Lilly was instrumental in Mississippi's first goal as he earned his first assist of the season with a pass to an open Ahmad Ihmeidan. Ihmeidan finished the chance in the 26th minute for his fourth goal of the season.
 
Mississippi finished out the scoring in the 63rd minute when Paul Willoughby was taken down inside the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Moses Aduny calmly finished the penalty kick for his team-leading eighth goal of the season.

"I thought we held together pretty well with a new lineup and some guys in some unusual positions," said Associate Head Coach Todd Eason.
 
One of the players in an unfamiliar position was Mike Azira, who earned Man of the Match honors for his excellent defense as an outside back. Azira typically plays central midfielder. He helped newcomer Brian Newbold earn his first shutout in the goal.
 
The win moves Mississippi to 5-0-3 on the season and into second place with 18 points (3 points for a win and 1 point for a tie). Brilla is currently chasing Baton Rouge (6-0-3) at the top of the table. The loss drops Nashville to 1-8-1.
 
Mississippi travels to New Orleans to face the Jesters on Saturday, July 3.