Pioneers Gear Up for New Season

Western Mass Club Gunning for USL-2 Playoff Spot

April 23, 2009

With only one USL Division 2 playoff appearance (2005) in the past six seasons, the Western Mass Pioneers will be looking to return to the postseason with a solid group of newcomers joining a core of experienced talent.

Former UMass defender Chris Brown could soon be suiting up for the Western Mass Pioneers. (Photo courtesy of UMass athletics)

Among the veterans in camp with the club are All-League selections Jeff Deren, Federico Molinari and Jay Willis. They are also joined by Neil Krause, who led the league in assists in 2005 and tied with Deren for the team lead in points last year.

Among the newcomers in camp are a slew of rookies from colleges in the region. The Central Connecticut State duo of Yan Klukowski and David Tyrie were both on last year�s Hermann Trophy watch list.

English keeper Matthew Jones of Sacred Heart may challenge for the starting spot with college teammate Anthony Anzevui, also in the picture for a roster space. Former Jamaican youth international Adam Wallace is also in the mix.

The Pioneers have also received a verbal commitment from former UMass standout Chris Brown. Brown was a central defender for the Minutemen squad that made a miraculous run to the Final Four in 2007.

Brown�s signing is pending USL and USSF approval.

The Charlotte Eagles, Harrisburg City Islanders, Richmond Kickers and Crystal Palace Baltimore figure to be the top contenders for the USL-2 title this year.

The Pioneers open their season Saturday night at 7:05 on the road against the Islanders. They will host the Kickers in their home opener May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow.

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