News Release

Mississippi Brilla FC Drawing Talent From Choctaw Program

CLINTON, MS - The Mississippi College soccer program has been well-represented this summer with two players and two coaches filling the roster for the Mississippi Brilla FC, a Clinton, MS based Premier Developmental League team of the United Soccer Leagues.

MC seniors Keith Armstrong and Phillip Buffington have joined MC assistant coaches James Gledhill and Justin Roberts to start 36 games this summer for the Brilla who are 5-5-3 overall.

Buffington and Armstrong each earned selection to the PDL Team of the Week earlier this season and have shown the same talent that has helped turn the Choctaw soccer program into a championship contender in the American Southwest Conference.

The two players have led the Choctaws to a record of 27-9-2 the last two years. Buffington has scored 36 goals in 33 career games and is 18 goals shy of the ASC career record. Armstrong is a three-time All-ASC First Team selection.

Buffington leads the Brilla in scoring with six goals and two assists in his 12 starts. Armstrong has started nine games and is an integral part of the team�s success. They are two of four players for the Brilla who have earned PDL Team of the Week honors.

"Phillip Buffington and Keith Armstrong have been two of the top players for Mississippi Brilla FC during our first two seasons in the PDL�, said Brilla General Manager Rusty Bryant. �As a former MC soccer player, it is exciting to see my alma mater produce talent at the level of Phillip and Keith. Both of these young men have what it takes to play at the next level, and I can't wait to see where their soccer talent takes them over the next few years.�

The PDL is the top U23 men�s amateur league in North America and is the development ground for elite players. Players have the ability to compete in the PDL throughout the summer months in a professionalized setting while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The league is the proving ground for players that aspire to reach the highest-levels of the game, while providing affordable family entertainment within their city.

�This is an opportunity for Phillip and Keith to play against elite players and become better players themselves�, said Mississippi College Head Coach Kevin Johns. �The fact they have excelled this summer against tough competition is a good reflection on our program at MC, and is a great learning experience for them.�

James Gledhill and Justin Roberts also are starters on the Brilla this summer, in addition to filling coaching positions on the MC staff. Gledhill, a former NAIA All-American at the University of Mobile and MVP of the NAIA National Tournament, was Brilla�s leading scorer a year ago but has only started four games this season due to balancing coaching responsibilities with his playing career.

�Obviously I enjoy the competition, but this has also given me an opportunity to be more involved within the community and help build soccer in this area�, said Gledhill. �We�ve received tremendous support and it�s been a great privilege to play on the team.�

For more information on Mississippi Brilla, visit their website at https://www.msbrillafc.org/

Submitted 2008-08-14 13:06:07 by Mississippi College Sports Information Department

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