Pioneers Welcome Back Pair

The Western Mass Pioneers welcomed back midfielder/forward Chris Roswess and defender Jayme Kapinos for the 2012 campaign, the team announced on Monday.

Roswess enters his third season with the Pioneers after a compiling three goals in 16 games for the squad last season. He played his college ball at the University of Massachusetts and hails from West Springfield, Mass.

Kapinos returns to the squad after a three-game stint in 2011. The defender was a member of the Southern New Hampshire University soccer team from 2008-11 and set the school record for games played (86) during his four years in Manchester. He hails from Ludlow.

“It is important that we showcase local talent with our organization,” head coach Federico Molinari said in a statement. “The local pride in soccer that has been established in Ludlow and the surrounding communities is critical to the success of the team and to our fans.”

The Pioneers kick off their season on May 11 at when they host the Seacoast United Phantoms at Ludlow Stadium. Game time is set for 7:30pm.