Brave SC has just one road match remaining in the regular season and it will be the most important of the summer.

Tonight, the Buffalo will face Nona FC at Austin Tindall Sports Complex with a chance to all but secure the Southeast Division title for the fifth time and second year in a row.

“We’re going into our rivals’ home and, just like we made a statement here, we need to make a statement there,” forward Nico Diaz said. “This isn’t just about winning the division, it’s about asserting dominance in the state and I think being composed and focused is going to be key.”

The Buffalo (7-0-2) and Longhorns (7-1-2) are currently tied at 23 points apiece in the division table and a win tonight would put the Buffalo ahead by three with two games remaining to Nona’s one. That would mean Brave needs just one point from its final two games to clinch the division title.

“I think there’s no better opportunity than the one we have,” center back Henrique Gallina said.
“It’s an opportunity to secure the division title, be two games ahead, do it at a rival’s home, and continue the undefeated season. It’s massive what we have in our hands, it’s up to us just to make sure we get the job done.”

In the clubs’ first meeting of the season, Brave emerged with a 3-0 victory after a scoreless first half, courtesy of two goals and an assist from Diaz. Repeating that result will be difficult — that was only the second clean sheet against the Longhorns this season and the only one that has resulted in a Nona loss.

However, the Buffalo feel the formula they used to earn the first result is one they can replicate.

“I think if we repeat what we did in the last game against them — communication, organizing the back line, working together, I think that was our strength,” Gallina said. “That and the energy we brought into the game.”

And, after their first comeback win in two years last Saturday against Florida Elite SA, the Buffalo feel they’re better equipped than ever to grab the division title by the horns.

“I think this is the strongest our team has been, simply for the fact that we’ve overcome going down first and coming back and winning by two goals,” Diaz said. “I think it’s the strongest this team has looked all year and I’m very excited to go into playoffs with this team.”

Brave SC and Nona FC will kick off at 7 p.m. at Austin Tindall Sports complex in Kissimmee.

For more information on Brave SC, including the roster, Southeast Division standings and a complete schedule, visit BraveSC.com.