PIONEERS STOP WESTCHESTER 3-0 AFTER TOUGH LOSS ON LONG ISLAND
Wilbraham's Balicki, Westside's Roswess lead way in Sunday win at Lusitano Stadium
In what turned out to be a "must win" game against the Westchester Flames, the Western Mass Pioneers were in good form on Sunday, posting a convincing 3-0 win in front of a nice afternoon crowd at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow.
Two first half goals by former Wilbraham & Monson All-American Greg Balicki provided the home team with a 2-0 lead until former West Springfield High School star Chris Roswess put the game out of reach with a 70th minute strike.
The Pioneers opened the scoring in the 12th minute when speedy forward Justin Brewer (Sacred Heart) broke through on the right flank. Westchester keeper John SanFilipo cut Brewer's angle for the shot. A streaking Balicki on the left was the recipient of the heads up Brewer pass, depositing the ball into the empty net.
Balicki would connect six minutes later when Co-captain Federico Molinari would find him twenty five yards from the Westchester goal. Balicki would make one quick move, then precisely slide the ball into the far left corner for the 2-0 lead.
The Pioneers would take the 2-0 lead to the halftime break behind stellar defensive play of defenders Andrew Henshaw (UMass), Co-captain Jay Willis, Eddie Floyd (Central Conn. St) and Patrick Boucher ( Univ. of Hartford). Goalie Shane Curran-Hays (UMass) continues to be the backbone when the opposition breaks through for an attempt on goal.
Roswess (UMass) returning to game action for the first time since injuring his ankle in the season opener May 15, would waste no time in impacting the game. Head Coach Leszek Wrona replaced Balicki with Roswess midway through the second half, and within just a few minutes Pioneers right midfielder Steve Covino (Siena) would send a deep cross to the back post, getting the ball to Roswess for the one time volley finish.
Western Mass out shot Westchester 14-5 on the day. Curran Hays posted his third shutout of the season.
The win puts the Pioneers in fourth place with 11 points, two behind both Albany and Ottawa, and three points behind division leader Long Island, ironically the next three opponents on the Western Mass schedule.
