Change Comes to the Pioneers

Pioneers Seek to Resume Winning Ways

Due to results, head coach Leszek Wrona decided to step down as head coach of the Pioneers. Currently, the Pioneers are in fifth place with 11 points and a 3-5-2 record. Wins are needed immediately to have any chance of making the playoffs.

“We need to make a change,” Team President Celso Correia states. “We believe in our core group of players, but need to change tactics to finish with a winning record. We appreciate Coach Wrona’s time and efforts with the Pioneers, and wish him the best.”

Coach Wrona’s mark on the franchise will have a lasting effect. In 1999, in its second year as a franchise, he led the Pioneers to the USL D-3 Pro League National Championship. In 2005 the Pioneers also reigned as the regular season champions, were USL Second Division finalists, and hosted the National Championship match. In 2010 they self relegated, and joined the PDL where Leszek led the transition.

The Pioneers have not yet named a head coach. The assistant coaching staff that includes Celso Correia, Mario Monsalve, Greg Kolodziey, and Junior Pioneer’s coach Roger Mendes will fulfill interim duties. 

The Western Mass Pioneers return to the field on Saturday, 7:00, at Lusitano Stadium for Big Y Night.  They face a critical match against Long Island, and both teams need a win to help their postseason aspirations.