Nona FC Falls in Second Rodeo Derby of the Season, 1-0

LAKE NONA – Despite multiple scoring opportunities and dominating possession, the Longhorns succumbed to Brave SC through a moment of magic in the eighth Rodeo Derby, losing 1-0 on Wednesday night at Austin-Tindall Sports Complex.

The Black and Orange started the game aggressively with two corners in the first two minutes. Alan Martinez’s inswinging kick found Andre Navas’ head, forcing an acrobatic save out of Brave SC goalkeeper Yossouf Moumban at the front post.

A second Martinez inswinger navigated towards a crowded penalty area before Henrique Cruz got a foot on it and sent his effort just wide.

In the 33rd minute, Jemone Barclay looked to keep up his stellar form when he crafted a solo run that ended with another difficult save for Moumban.

Just four minutes later, Alan Martinez intercepted a poor pass from Leonardo Andrade and quickly fed Christian Acevedo, who fired a shot on goal. Moumban’s save popped the ball up into the air towards the inviting Navas, whose attempt was deflected out of bounds for a corner kick.

Against the run of play, Brave SC made the breakthrough that would ultimately be the difference. In the 41st minute, Andrade sent a long ball to Oscar Resano Dominguez who passed to the oncoming Breno Correira. The right back weaved through multiple Nona players before launching a curled effort that goalkeeper Steingrimur Gunnarsson could only watch as it sailed into the top corner of the net.

After the halftime break, the chances kept piling up for Nona, most notably two penalty kicks taken by Jemone Barclay. His first kick towards the bottom-left corner was saved, but the sideline referee called out Moumban for standing off of his line before the ball was kicked, so the penalty was retaken. Barclay’s second spot kick was aimed at the same spot and was saved again by Moumban without controversy the second time around.

The result sees the Black and Orange remain in second place in the Southeast Division standings just above Brave SC in third.

The Buffaloes are now on a three-game winning streak, keeping three clean sheets in the process.

Following Wednesday night’s proceedings, Nona FC must now win its remaining matches and hope both Sporting Club JAX and Brave SC drop points at least once to have a chance at claiming the Southeast Division title.

The Longhorns return to action on July 3 when they host Inter Gainesville KF in the final home contest of the season at Austin-Tindall Sports Complex. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET.

FOLLOW THE LONGHORNS

Follow Nona FC on Instagram (@nonafootballclub) and on YouTube (@nonasportscast4180), and keep up with the Nona Soccer Academy on Instagram (@nonasocceracademy).