Russ Pinkerton-

The Sockers FC win their third straight victory against Mississippi Briila, Saturday at Grande Communications stadium  in front of a crowd of 963.  

Unlike the first game where the Sockers obliterated the Brilla 5-1.  The Brilla continued to battle and gave the Sockers a tough game all the way to the end.  

The Sockers scored early in the 7th minute as Byron Knowles Ramirez kicked a precision pass to Tucker Hume for the first score.  It was back and forth the rest of the 1st half, as wind played a major factor.  

During the first half Sockers forward and leading goal scorer, Rory Knibbs, went down around the 27th minute.  Though he finished the rest of the half he did not return to play in the 2nd.  At halftime the Sockers were up 1-0.

In the second half, the teams switched sides and the Sockers were now kicking into the nights wind, with gusts up to 35 miles per hour.  Again the Sockers scored early in the 2nd half when Byron Knowles, coming out of a corner kick, was able to make a nifty pass to Conrod Goulbourne for an impressive header that put the Sockers up 2-0 at the 53rd minute.  

But the Brilla, fought their way back in this game.  In the 72nd minute, Manuel Saez assisted Stephen Robertson which cut the Sockers lead in half at 2-1.  

Just when fans felt the Sockers had this game wrapped up and kids were chearing for free ice cream #13 Kase Kingery squeaked a goal past Sockers Goalkeeper Clint Long in the 83rd minute tying the score at 2-2.  

Coach Matt Barnes made a late substitution and brought in some fresh legs by bringing in Ricardo Yeverino close to the 80th minute.  After the Brilla tied up the game, Yeverino received a midcourt pass by Alberto Garcia Sanchez.  

Yeverino takes the ball splits two defenders, out manuevers a 3rd, and scores the game winner at the 86th minute winning the game for the Sockers.   

The Sockers FC now take possession of 2nd place in the Mid South Division with 13pts.  And trail the Austin Aztex who have 18pts.  

The Sockers FC (4-3-1) will take on the Laredo Heat (2-2-2) next Saturday at Grande Communications Stadium at 7:30 CST. The first 500 fans will receive a Sockers youth jersey.  The game will also be streamed on youtube.  This will be the 2nd  matchup of the season between the two teams where the Sockers suffered a loss to the Heat 2-0 back on May 21st at Laredo.   

For tickets, click here.