Western Mass Pioneers Draw Vermont 0-0
Clash against MPS Portland Next
The Western Mass Pioneers drew 0-0 with the Vermont Voltage at the
Collins-Perley Sports Complex on Wednesday night. Pioneers goalkeeper Colin O’Donnell recorded six
saves in the shutout, which included a dramatic breakaway save midway through
the first half. His counterpart, Vermont
goalkeeper Harry Lockwod, recorded eleven saves.
“We were pleased to gain
another result on the road,” Pioneers Head Coach Joe Calabrese said. “We are happy with the fact that we were able
to keep another clean sheet. Obviously
we were a bit unfortunate in the second half not to bury our opportunities.”
Western Mass dominated
much of the second half play and was unfortunate not to take the lead on
several occasions. In the 80th minute T.J. Popolizio put a header
over the bar and two minutes later Kyle Clancy had a goal called back for being
offside.
Next up for the Pioneers
(2-0-1, 7 pts.) is a home game against the Maine Premier Soccer Portland
Phoenix on Friday night at 7 p.m. at Lusitano Stadium. A win would bring the Pioneers a berth into
the U.S. Open Cup and national recognition.
The U.S. Open Cup is the oldest tournament of its kind in the United
States. It is a knockout competition
open to all professional and amateur teams in the United States. The winner of Friday’s match will lead the
PDL Northeast Division and qualify for the first round of the U.S. Open Cup.
“We're pleased to know
that we are playing at Lusitano Stadium with the opportunity to gain a U.S.
Open Cup berth with a win,” Calabrese said.
“Our team is fired up about the opportunity.”
