Western Mass Pioneers News Release - www.wmpioneers.com

Thursday, July 16, 2009

LUDLOW, MA -- The Western Mass Pioneers (4-7-3) will play host to the visiting Bermuda Hogges (4-10-2) for two games this weekend at Lusitano Stadium. Matchups will take place on Friday, July 17 at 7:30 pm and Sunday, July 19 at 3:00 pm.

The Pioneers look to bounce back from a rather dismal weekend in North Carolina, where they were outscored 9-0 in two games.

Western Mass has played at home exceptionally well this season, registering all of their wins in Ludlow. They have also only allowed four goals in seven league games this season at Lusitano.

The Pioneers look to get back to the tone of their June form that saw them go unbeaten, while allowing just three goals during the month. They are lead by Almir Barbosa and Ben Clark.

Bermuda has struggled away from home. In seven road games, they have managed to score just four goals, and have been unable to register a single point. Bermuda’s attack is lead by Damico Coddington.

Though these teams played to a 2-2 tie at the end of June, the advantage certainly goes to host Western Mass. The Pioneers now share a seventh place tie with Pittsburgh in the USL Second Division, and currently have 15 points. Bermuda sits in last place with 14 points.

After this weekend’s matchups, the Pioneers will host Harrisburg for their final home game of the season on August 12.