New England Soccer Today

Ex-Pioneers Striker Daniels Nets Hat Trick in Iceland

Photo credit: KF Aegir

Photo credit: KF Aegir

Former Western Mass Pioneers striker Will Daniels netted a hat trick for Icelandic second division side KF Aegir in a 3-0 win over Njardvik last Thursday in Keflavik.

Daniels, who signed with the Icelandic outfit in February, tallied in the 22nd, 41st and 94th minutes in a victory that elevated Aegir from the 11th spot on the table to ninth after the weekend’s action concluded. The trio of goals came only two weeks after Daniels returned to the lineup following a knee injury that sidelined him during the early part of the season.

“It felt great to score a few goals,” Daniels said. “I know the team has been anxious to get me back on the pitch. My coach and teammates hold high expectations for me, so whether I was coming off an injury or not, they still expect big things from me.”

Prior to Thursday’s match, the 24-year-old striker earned his first 90 minute spell since the injury in a 1-1 draw to Leknir on Jul. 4, a game in which he scored the lone Aegir goal.

“To be able to have played the full 90 in the last two games felt great,” Daniels said. “I have missed the feeling of making defenders worry, and I think this game (against Njardvik) has given me a lot of confidence. I am determined to help my team get back to the top of the table.”

Prior to signing with Aegir, Daniels tallied five times in 14 games for the Pioneers during the 2014 PDL season. His scoring form improved when he joined the professional ranks with Western Mass Pro Soccer Club last August, scoring seven goals in 10 games to keep the squad post an unbeaten record (6-0-4) during the fall 2014 ASL schedule.

Aegir returns to action on Friday when they face third-place Huginn.

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