Nyagurungo's Solo Strike Lifts Nona FC Past Brevard SC, 1-0

LAKE NONA – Brandon Nyagurungo’s early finish proved the difference as Nona FC defeated Brevard SC 1-0 at Austin-Tindall Sports Complex on Tuesday night.

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“It was a strong team performance, and everyone gave their all. Even though we missed a lot of chances, we stayed composed and kept pushing until the end. There’s still room to grow, but the unity and work rate were really promising.”

MOHAMMED MOUZOUNE NONA FC MIDFIELDER

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The Longhorns (3-1-0) got off to a fast start as Jemone Barclay dashed down the right side of the field to put a cross into a dangerous area. Brevard (1-4-1) defender Zak Ford’s last-ditch effort then sent the ball out of bounds, preventing a chance and giving Nona a corner kick inside 40 seconds.

Just after the corner kick, left back Tomas Ritondale stepped up on a loose ball to take two long-range shots, the first being blocked and the second travelling just wide of the right post as the Longhorns looked for an opener.

In the sixth minute, Barclay made his presence known on the right side once again as he pounced on Ford’s loose touch, playing a deft pass towards Nyagurungo. The latter then dribbled 30 yards up the field and split two defenders before his off-balance shot smartly found the left corner of the net to give Nona the early lead.

Nyagurungo’s strike marked his second in three games and means that he now leads Nona FC in goal involvements for the season thus far with three. Barclay’s assist for the goal was his second for the Black and Orange and his first since July 3, 2024 against Brave SC at home, when he set up Paulo Alves’ strike in the 58th minute.

The rest of the first half was calm on both sides of the ball, with Nona sitting content with the lead and Brevard failing to challenge the Longhorns’ defensive front. 

Just after the halftime break, Bernardo Monteiro and Nyagurungo both fired shots off in succession that were saved, narrowly missing the net as the Black and Orange threatened to widen the gap.

Nona held on to the lead for the remainder of the second half, standing strong as the Fire looked for an equalizer. 

That moment almost came in the 89th minute, as Brevard’s free kick in its offensive half sailed over the defending wall, almost catching Longhorn goalkeeper Steingrimur Gunnarsson off his line. The Icelandic shot-stopper used his large stature to claim the ball behind his head, preventing disaster and closing out the game.

With the victory, the Black and Orange moved back to the top of the USL 2 league standings, besting Gainesville FC on goal difference, sitting at an advantage of five goals to four.

The clean sheet means that Nona has kept its opponent scoreless for the second time this season, and first since this year’s season opener against the Fire on May 14.

Alongside captain Mason Lamb in the center-back position was veteran Joel Sangwa, who made his first appearance for the club this season and is now only the third player in Nona FC history to represent the Black and Orange for three seasons out of the four in USL 2 play. He joins Brazilian midfielder Gabriel Ramos and Greek attacker Giorgios Koliniatis with this honor.

Up next, the Longhorns go on a three-game road trip to take on Brave SC, Brooke House FC, and Sporting Club JAX in the next 11 days, before returning home to play Brooke House FC on June 18.

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