Nona FC Falls in the First Rodeo Derby of the Season

THE VILLAGES, Fla. - In an always intense and fiery matchup, Nona FC failed to get on the scoresheet as the Longhorns fell to their second defeat of the season against Brave SC, 1-0.

The Longhorns (3-2-0, Southeast Division) played an evenly contested first half against the Buffaloes (1-2-2, Southeast Division) in a first 45 minutes that was largely devoid of any real goalscoring opportunities.

The first half did have a crucial turning point in the match, however, as Nona FC winger Jemone Barclay would be shown a straight red card 40 minutes into the match.

A scuffle with Brave SC defender Santiago Tarra on the far side was followed with demonstrative appeals from the Buffaloes bench, with the center referee showing red after consultation with the fourth official.

The Longhorns would end the first half on the front foot with a flurry of set piece opportunities, although all ultimately went astray for the visitors.

After the break, the back and forth action continued, with both teams seemingly unable to break the deadlock.

That moment did come for the home side after a cross from Santiago Tarra found its way into the box, bouncing before reaching Nona FC’s defender Tomas Ritondale. 

A miscalculation from the Argentine left-back meant there was an opening for Brave SC’s Alvaro Carrera to cut it back for an open Oscar Resano to finish from point blank range inside the six-yard box.

That pivotal moment now means Resano has scored in three consecutive matchups against the Longhorns, as he also netted home and away for Brave SC against Nona FC last campaign.

The Buffaloes were also reduced to 10 men after a second yellow card was shown to Leonardo Andrade in the 85th minute, although it ended up having no effect on the scoreline. 

A late barrage of Nona entries into the final third proved unfruitful, as the Longhorns were dealt their first defeat on the road this season. Nona remains level on points with Inter Gainesville KF at the top of the Southeast Division as Brave SC leap ahead of Brevard SC into fifth place.

The Longhorns will look to turn the page on the derby loss quickly as they continue their three game road trip, visiting Showalter Field to face Brooke House FC for the second time this season on June 11 at 7 p.m.

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