Situated between a rematch for revenge and a rivalry tilt, Brave SC’s upcoming tilt with Brevard SC (0-4-1) certainly meets the qualifications for a trap game. The Buffalo (2-0-2) are well aware of that fact, though, and are refusing to overlook the team at the bottom of the Southeast Division table, even after a 5-0 result earlier this season.
“I think this match is the classic game that, on paper, you think is going to be a more successful one, but, then, can end up being more of a trap game where you end up dropping silly points that you regret at the end of the season,” forward Agustin Iusem said.
“With the conditions and everything tomorrow, we have to make sure we’re sharp, ready and prepared.”
On paper, as Iusem said, the Buffalo are heavy favorites. However, the setting could play a role in leveling the playing field, as could the playing field itself.
“Of course, we’ve played once against them and played them twice last year and, in all of the matches, we managed to score goals, but, if we go in with that mentality, we’re going to be in trouble,” goalkeeper Mathias Tieppo said. “We’re going away, it’s a turf field, the weather tomorrow is probably going to be rainy with lightning delays, other things that can get in our way.”
On top of being prepared for extraneous factors, Tieppo also recalled how Brevard nearly cost Brave a critical result just last season.
“Last time that we played there, we didn’t score in the first half and, when we came back from half, they had a couple chances, so it could have been a hard game. We have to go with the same mindset that we go with to play anyone else.”
While still having games in hand, Brave SC currently trails Florida Elite SA (3-1-3) and Nona FC (3-0-2) on the table. Especially after the Longhorns earned a significant 4-1 victory over Elite on Saturday, the Buffalo are well aware of how important every remaining point is in the standings.
“I feel like, now, we’re at a point where we can’t make more mistakes,” Tieppo said.
“We’re at a point where we need to win all of our games, no matter who they’re against. I feel like, if we do this, we can win the division.”
Brave SC and Brevard SC will kick off at 7 p.m. at Pirate Field at Palm Bay High School in Melbourne.
For more information on Brave SC, including the roster, division standings and complete schedule, visit BraveSC.com.