Mississippi Brilla News Release - www.msbrillafc.org

Friday, August 21, 2009

CLINTON, MS - The 2009 campaign will go down as one of the most successful and memorable seasons in the short history of Mississippi Brilla FC. The club finished with a record of 9-1-6 and won the Southeast Division’s regular season championship. Additionally, the team made its first appearance in the Premier Development League postseason and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, before bowing out in the Southeast Division championship, losing a 3-2 overtime thriller to Bradenton.

Individual honors came along with the overall team success. Along with being named one of three finalists for the league’s Most Valuable Player, striker Debola Ogunseye was selected for the PDL All-League and Conference teams. Joining him on the Southern All-Conference team was third-time winner, defender Dwyane Demmin.

Statistically, goalkeeper Josh Pantazelos was honored as the league’s GAA Champion, putting up a .615 goals against average, while also finishing top of the league in shutouts with eight. Joining Pantazelos in the top 10 of some of the PDL stats were Debola Ogunseye in points and goals, Anteneh Lemma in assists, and Willie Hunt and David Lilly as minutes played leaders.

Off the field, the summer was just as successful for the club as Brilla operated 15 camps throughout Mississippi and the southeast, developing many great relationships and having a lasting impact on hundreds of kids. The club’s PDL game attendance averaged almost 1,000 fans for the third consecutive season, with a franchise record crowd of 1,802 at the divisional championship match. Above all, Brilla players were able to connect with the community through clinics, outreach programs, sponsors and the local schools.

The club looks forward to building on the success of the 2009 season with the ultimate goal of bringing a PDL Championship to Mississippi.