Brave SC’s first head-to-head of the year with Nona FC carries as much weight as a match in the first half of a season can with both teams on the same pace for the lead in the Southeast Division.

As much as the Buffalo (3-0-2) have treated this match like any other in their preparation, they understand that this matchup with the Longhorns (4-0-2) holds extra meaning.

“We respect Nona,” midfielder Matheus Ferreira said. “We know it’s a team that fights, goes to playoffs, and is used to big results, as well, but we know our job needs to be done. We’re looking at ourselves in the future and we want to be winning high-level games in the playoffs and this is the first tryout. We’re going to play at home against a top team and we’re looking for the three points.”

With both teams undefeated, Nona holds a three-point advantage in the table having played one match more than Brave. The Longhorns have a goal differential of 14, currently tied for the seventh-highest mark in all of USL League Two.

“We know they score a lot of goals, but so do we,” Ferreira said. “We get points from 1-0 games, so, if we focus on the defense, we know our chance is going to come. If we tuck in the goal first, they’re going to start coming up and opening up space in the back and, as long as we help our defense to do the job, I’m sure we’re going to do okay.”

They’ll also have to deal with Nona’s high press for the entirety of the match.

“We have to be prepared to run behind and be without the ball,” fullback Niclas Wittur said. “That suffering that you’re going to have, we have to accept that that’s part of it.”

Match-ups between Brave and Nona have been historically competitive with no result decided by more than one goal. This year, though, the Longhorns have a new coach, Dave Jacobs, and a new tactical philosophy that could test that streak. Which team wins the battle in the Buffalo’s defensive third will be key to the overall outcome.

“I think they’re way more aggressive now,” head coach Anderson DaSilva said. “When I look at their technical skills and individual players, I think that we are ahead but, when it comes to pressing up front, they press a little bit more because they play with four forwards. It’s very risky for a team like us that builds out of the back to play against a high press. At the same time, if we manage to break the line with a dribble or a pass, they’re also going to face a big challenge because we’re going to have more space in the middle to attack them.”

As such, every possession will be an important one and giving up opportunities will be just as critical as creating them.

“We know what we want out of this and it’s three points, just like every other game,” forward Nico Diaz said. “We’re not scared of anybody, but we respect Nona. We understand that they have a lot of quality and that this is most likely going to be a game that comes down to who makes less mistakes, because mistakes will be punished in a game like this.”

Brave SC and Nona FC will kick off at 7 p.m. at The Range at The Villages Charter Middle School.

For more information on Brave SC, including the roster, Southeast Division table and the full schedule, visit BraveSC.com.