Pioneers Fall in Season Opener

USL-2 Side Loses in Harrisburg, 3-1

April 26, 2009

The Western Mass Pioneers had a tough start to its season Saturday night, falling to the Harrisburg City Islanders, 3-1, before 2,133 fans at Skyline Sports Complex in Harrisburg, Penn.

Chad Severs scored twice for Harrisburg (now 1-0-1) and rookie Brandon Swartzendruber added the team’s third goal. Chase Harrison recorded the win in goal.

The City Islanders set the tone early, attacking from the opening whistle. The attacking mentality led to a perfectly executed set piece in the 5th minute. Nicki Paterson sliced a ball from the left wing towards the near post, where a diving Severs got just enough of it to direct it past Pioneers keeper Matt Jones (six saves).

Harrisburg doubled its advantage at the 49-minute mark. Halftime substitute Tiyi Shipalane caught Jones off guard with an ambitious chip from the left wing, and the ball beat Jones and rang off the left post. Severs was on the spot to ease the rebound home for a 2-0 edge.

Control of the match remained with the City Islanders over the next half hour, but the Pioneers turned aside their advances and kept themselves in the game.

In the 76th minute, they cut the deficit in half when Ben Clark’s corner floated to the far post and found towering striker Neil Krause, who nodded it home to make it 2-1.

Just three minutes later, though, Harrisburg sealed the win. Shipalane broke loose along the right side of the penalty area and found Swartzendruber in the slot. Swartzendruber sent a low drive through a crowd and past Jones for the final 3-1 score.

The Pioneers hope to get in the win column Saturday night at 7:30 as they host the Richmond Kickers in their opener at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, Mass.

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