PIONEERS AT ALBANY SATURDAY, HOST OTTAWA SUNDAY IN BIG MATCHUPS
Playoff scenario will be in focus after weekend games
The Western Mass Pioneers have reached the midway point of the season sitting in fourth place in the Northern Division of the USL's Premier Developmental League, four points shy of front running Ottawa and Long Island, and two points from catching third place Albany.
The Pioneers will travel to Albany Saturday looking to leapfrog the Highlanders with a win. The team will return to Lusitano Stadium Sunday for a 3pm showdown with the Ottawa Fury, hoping to make up more ground in the chase for one of the two playoff spots available in the Northern Division.
Albany escaped with a narrow 1-0 victory on opening day at Lusitano Stadium. Western Mass traveled to Ottawa on Memorial Day Weekend to be handed a 2-0 by the Fury.
With the return of forward and West Springfied native Chris Roswess (sprained foot) and defender Jay Willis(groin), revenge will be on the locals minds. Roswess started against Albany and was quite effective until leaving in the first half with the injury. He didn't make the Ottawa trip. Co-captain Willis also was on the shelf for the first fixture with Ottawa due to the leg injury. His return to the lineup with center back partner Andrew Henshaw (UMASS) will vastly strengthen the Pioneers defense.
The offense will carry some momentum into the weekend after scoring three goals in last weekend's win versus Westchester. Roswess tallied one and Wilbraham's Greg Balicki provided the other two in the shutout win (3-0).
The gates at Lusitano Stadium will open at 2pm Sunday for the 3pm kickoff. Live World Cup action (Brazil v Ivory Coast, 2:30pm ABC) will be available in the concession pavilion. Discount tickets can be purchased prior to game day at participating BIG Y World Class Markets.
