Portsmouth enjoyed some possession in the Southampton final third early on, with the best chance falling to Ryan Kavuma-McQueen, who darted down the right-hand side of the box and sent a powerful strike across the face of goal.
But it was Saints that broke the deadlock as Azaz played an in-swinging pass into the box where Bree was making a run into space at the far post.
The defender then took a touch with his right foot before using the instep of his left to send the ball into the bottom left-hand corner of the net, running off to taunt the travelling Portsmouth fans in celebration.
Saints looked on course to end the first half well but were reduced to 10 men when Bragg received a second yellow card after pulling Adams down.
The academy graduate looked distraught as he came off and was consoled by Leo Scienza and boss Tonda Eckert as he left the field.
Despite being a man down, Saints carved Pompey open early in the second half when Scienza was played through on goal but was denied by Schmid who made a brilliant save.
The Southampton players then wanted a penalty for handball from the resulting corner but referee Adam Herczeg waved the cries away.
Azaz went into the book for a heavy challenge on Adams just before the hour mark and this resulted in a melee with some Portsmouth players furious it was not a more severe punishment for the attacker.
Pompey substitute Marko Milovanovic came close to a late equaliser when he was found in the middle by a cross from the left but his effort went into the side netting.
Southampton defended well in the second half, limiting Portsmouth’s chances and remaining a compact unit deep inside their own half.