Western Mass Pioneers News Release - www.wmpioneers.com
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
LUDLOW, MA – Lusitano Stadium was packed with spectators from all over the valley to see the Western Mass Pioneers play their final home game of the season. Western Mass gave their fans a promising sendoff as they rolled onto a 2-1 victory against the Harrisburg City Islanders.
On an evening in Ludlow that saw inclement weather hold itself off, the momentum quickly swung in the Pioneers’ favor when Edens Cherry assisted Almir Barbosa’s 9th goal of the season in the 2nd minute.
Harrisburg’s Dustin Bixler was issued a caution in the 22nd minute, and just moments later, a handball inside the goalkeepers’ box brought about a penalty kick for Western Mass.
Federico Molinari nailed a blazing upper left corner shot that fooled City Islander goalkeeper Chase Harrison. It seemed as though Harrison had guessed correctly, but was premature in his jump towards the direction of the penalty kick.
In the 36th minute, the Pioneers avoided a scare when a slide-tackling call inside their goalkeeper’s box brought about a penalty kick for Harrisburg. Mo Oduor failed to help the City Islanders gain ground by missing the net wide left.
Western Mass took their 2-0 lead into the half, and held off a solid display of athleticism by Harrisburg. Defenseman David Tyrie’s enthusiasm, paired with aggressive play, broke up several Harrisburg attempts that went deep into Pioneer territory.
It wasn’t until the 81st minute that Harrisburg could answer back. Brandon Swartzendruber scored off Stephen Fisher’s assist. By this time, the Pioneers had begun to collapse defensively. Prior to this goal, Almir Barbosa drew a caution (:69) that had been a product of some physical play that had heated up between each team.
James Thorpe put an exclamation point on his long awaited return, when he made a tremendous save with only moments to play, which would be enough to allow the Pioneers to take a 2-1 win and give the Lusitano Faithful reason to cheer. Thorpe finished the night with 8 saves.
Harrisburg outshot Western Mass, 13-11. The Pioneers committed 17 fouls to the City Islanders’ 13.
Western Mass (6-8-5) now has 23 points and will travel to Charlotte on Saturday to close their season against the Eagles. After a dozen years in the USL, Charlotte’s Dustin Swinheart announced his retirement. The veteran standout will be honored that evening.
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