Western Mass Pioneers News Release -- www.wmpioneers.com
Thursday, May 15, 2014
LUDLOW, Mass. – The Western Mass Pioneers are preparing for their home opener for the 2014 PDL season as they host the CFC Azul on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. ET at Lusitano Stadium. This game is sponsored by Big Y World Class Markets and AAA of Hampden County.
It has been a busy first two weeks for the Pioneers as they were awarded an opening round U.S. Open Cup game due to the U.S. Soccer Federation expanding the field for the 2014 season. The Pioneers defeated GPS Massachusetts 4-1 on May 7th to advance to a second round match-up at the Rochester Rhinos on May 14th. In the win, Quinnipiac College star Will Daniels and Brazilian forward Alencar Junior both tallied twice in the victory.
In addition to the U.S. Open Cup match, the Pioneers are coming off a defeat in a preseason 2-1 loss over the visiting Mass United FC. Will Daniels had the Pioneers' lone goal. “This was a great test for us as we prepare for our first game against CFC Azul,” Said Pioneers Head Coach Federico Molinari.
Last season the Pioneers did not fare well in the 3 games against the Azul as they played two matches to 1-1 ties. The third game fell into the Azul's favor 2-0. Since CFC’s entrance to the PDL, the Azul and Pioneers have formed an immediate rivalry with all games being closely contested.
“Every point is critical in our season. We also have the opportunity to play two new teams in the league, the Westchester Flames and the Montreal Impact U-23,” said Molinari.
Westchester is no stranger to the PDL. Under league realignment, the Flames moved to the Northeast Division. Montreal is a new franchise that is owned an operated by the Major League Soccer franchise, and includes a number of Canadian youth internationals.
The Pioneers next home game is on Friday, May 23rd at 7:30pm as they take on the GPS Portland Phoenix.
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