PDL: Pioneers 8-Game Unbeaten Streak Snapped
- Updated: July 16, 2016
Photo credit: David Henry/sweetdogphotos.com
An early deficit doomed the Western Mass Pioneers in their quest to extend their eight-game unbeaten streak as they fell 2-1 to FC Boston on Friday at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Mass.
Mohamed Kenawy and Harrison Swartz built a quick two-goal lead with strikes in the 21st and 24th minutes, respectively. The hosts fired 11 shots on the evening, and brought one back on an 82nd minute Mauricio Coimbra goal. But the equalizer never came as the Pioneers dropped their first game in over six weeks.
Pioneers goalkeeper Nick Zucco collected four saves in the defeat while Boston platooned Brian Salazar and Matthew Gilbert between the sticks to secure the win.
With the loss, the Pioneers, who clinched a playoff berth in last week’s win over Westchester, stayed on 25 points (7-2-4). The setback prevented them closing the narrow gap on first-place GPS Portland Phoenix, which has 26 points.
Boston, which fielded former Revolution stars Andy Dorman and Shalrie Joseph in 2016, closed its inaugural season on 20 points (6-6-2). A Seacoast loss on Saturday and a Long Island draw or loss on Sunday will give the Bolts third place in the Northeast Division.
Meanwhile, Western Mass will get the chance to reclaim the top spot in Sunday’s battle for first place against Portland, which will take place at Deering High School in Portland, Me. Kickoff is set for 6:00pm.
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