Datti Jinkiri

2018 US Open Cup Round 2: Brilla score late to stun Indy Eleven, add to Mississippi soccer history

May 20, 2018 by Datti Jinkiri

Mississippi Brilla FC pulled off an upset in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Second Round by defeating the Indy Eleven 1-0 on Wednesday.

A crowd of around 900 witnessed what could arguably be the biggest win in Brilla’s history. Defender Koray Easterling scored the lone goal in the 81st minute when he side-footed an Oliver Brock free-kick into the back of the net.

With the win, Brilla become the first Mississippi team to ever reach the Third Round of the tournament.

The match was cagey for long periods, but the Indy Eleven had the larger share of the possession. The team looked calm and composed in their buildup. Towards the latter part of the first half, the USL side began to establish more possession in Brilla’s defensive half. However, the home team’s defense remained stout.

The halftime break seemed to give Brilla more life, and the team’s confidence level began to increase. Winger Bastien Oberli looked to be the team’s most dangerous player, as he fearlessly took on the Eleven’s defense.

It ended up being a set piece that finally unlocked the Eleven’s defense. Brock played a curling free kick towards the back-post, and Easterling was there to put it past goalkeeper Owain Williams.

The Eleven had brought on Jack McInerney and Zach Steinberger a few minutes before the goal, so they were both fairly fresh. Thus, they were able to apply pressure on the Brilla defense. However, the Mississippians defended solidly for the final minutes to clinch the victory.

The goal capped off a Man of the Match performance for Easterling, as he helped anchor the defense in addition to his moment of offensive inspiration.

Brilla goalkeepers Brendan Ledgeway and Jordan Bell combined for five saves in the shutout performance. Bell had the save of the match, as he made a spectacular fingertip save of a Justin Braun shot in the second half.

Braun was the Eleven’s most dangerous player, and he led the team with three shots. However, one of his best chances went begging as he missed the target on a first half header.

Brilla is now in uncharted waters, as the club has never made it past the Second Round of the US Open Cup. They will travel to play Nashville SC in the Music City on May 23.

2016 US Open Cup Round 1: State of Mississippi earns first tournament win as Brilla FC shuts out CD Motagua

May 14, 2016 by Datti Jinkiri

Players from Mississippi Brilla and CD Motagua of New Orleans battle for the ball in their First Round US Open Cup match. Photo: Mississippi Brilla

Mississippi Brilla FC picked up their first ever US Open Cup win by beating CD Motagua of New Orleans 2-0. Goals from Brazilian Eduardo Cruz and Chilean Ignacio Flores provided the difference for the match. It was CD Motagua’s first ever Open Cup appearance and Brilla’s third.

Not only was this the first US Open Cup win for Brilla FC, but according to TheCup.us records, this is the first tournament win for any team from the state of Mississippi in the 103-year history of the tournament.

Cruz opened up the scoring in the 28th minute. The Brilla captain picked up the ball in the middle of the park and unleashed a venomous shot from 25 yards away. The shot deflected off of a Motagua player and went past the keeper Lamoy Graham.

The home team increased their advantage right on the stroke of halftime. Forward Lucas Cordeiro played a well-weighted pass into the path of winger Ignacio Flores, whose run was well-timed. Flores’ shot struck the post and went in to give Brilla the 2-0 lead.

Motagua increased their pressure as the game went on and attempted to get back into the match. Midfielder Leonardo Barros led the team with three shots and looked dangerous on the ball. Brandon Chagnards had two shots, including a powerful free kick that Brilla keeper Brendan Ledgeway did well to handle. Graham had three saves for the New Orleans club as well.

Ledgeway picked up the win for Brilla, making five saves in 90 minutes of action. Cordeiro was an attacking threat throughout the night, leading the team with three shots.

Brilla advances to the second round of the Open Cup for the first time in their history. They will host the Oklahoma City Energy of the USL at the same venue at Traceway Park in Clinton, Miss. on May 18.