PDL: Ruiz’s PK Lifts Pioneers Late

By Brian O'Connell
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Updated: June 11, 2016

Photo credit: David Henry/sweetdogphotos.com

Carlos Ruiz’s 90th minute penalty strike lifted the Western Pioneers to a 2-1 victory over the Long Island Rough Riders on Friday at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Mass.

Ruiz was true from the spot after Evan Burokas was fouled inside the box during the 89th minute. The goal came only 15 minutes after the Rough Riders converted a penalty of their own thanks to Dom Marshall. Dan Fabian opened the scoring when he put the Pioneers up in the 40th minute.

GOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!! CARLOS RUIZ SCORES ON THE PENALTY KICK. PIONEERS LEAD?- 1 pic.twitter.com/YfA52ovgM9

— WMPioneers (@PioneersPDL) June 11, 2016

Long Island finished with 10 men after Glen Reid was issued a red card in the 79th minute.

Goalkeeper Nick Zucco made a match-high nine saves for the Pioneers in order to preserve the win.

Friday’s victory allowed Western Mass to climb to the top of the Northeast Division table with a 3-1-3 (12 points). The loss for Long Island dropped them to 2-2-1 (7 points) for a share of fourth place with the Westchester Flames.

The Pioneers will look to strengthen their hold on the top spot on Wednesday when they face FC Boston at Mount Ida College in Newton, Mass. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm.