New England Soccer Today

Pioneers Fall to Phantoms

Photo credit: David Henry/sweetdogphotos.com

Three days after playing 120 minutes in U.S. Open Cup play, the Western Mass Pioneers were unable to get on the scoresheet in Saturday’s season opening 2-0 loss at Seacoast United Phantoms in Amesbury, N.H.

Donnett Sackie opened the scoring on a 24th minute header to give the hosts a lead that widened in the 60th minute on a Connor Alba goal from the top of the box. Chae Brangman authored a pair of strong chances for the Pioneers, but both went begging.

“It’s frustrating losing our Open Cup game in penalties and then lose at Seacoast by two goals,” said Pioneers coach Federico Molinari after the match. “We have two games in three days next weekend, so we need results in Connecticut and at home on Sunday.”

Saturday’s loss forced Western Mass to start the season at 0-1-0 while Seacoast kicked off their season just the way they hoped at 1-0-0.

The Pioneers return to action on Friday at AC Connecticut in Danbury, Ct. The Phantoms will play next on Saturday when they travel to New Rochelle, N.Y. to play the Westchester Flames.

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