Pioneers Tie CP Baltimore

Western Mass. Battles for Point

May 28, 2009

LUDLOW, Mass. � The Western Mass. Pioneers battled to a 0-0 draw Tuesday night against Crystal Palace Baltimore.

The Pioneers had to deal with Matthew Mbuta, who was once again called in on loan from the New York Red Bulls, but despite his best efforts and plenty of chances, Palace were unable to find the back of the net. The tie moves Baltimore into second place in the standings and leaves Western Mass at the bottom.

The Western Mass. Pioneers battled with Crystal Palace Baltimore on Tuesday. (Photo: USL)

The Pioneers enjoyed the first sustained spell of pressure for either side as they rattled off four consecutive corners, starting in the ninth minute, but the Palace back line held strong. Western Mass forward Adam Wallace came close four minutes later, running on to a nicely weighted through-ball into the right side of the box and firing off a shot at full tilt, but it flew just past the top left corner with Palace �keeper Brian Rowland at full stretch.

On 14 minutes, Palace had half a chance after a corner was punched high in the air by the Pioneer �keeper and former Franklin Pierce standout James Thorpe and the ball eventually ended up with Dan Lader 20 yards out, but his effort sailed high over the bar.

A good build-up along the right wing on 18 minutes saw Pioneers� playmaker and for Central Connecticut State star Yan Klukowski whip in a cross from deep, but target man Neil Krause couldn�t control it and the ball went behind for a goal kick.

In the 24th minute, Mbuta took the ball to the byline as he appeared to be setting up a cross, but instead he unleashed a rocket from a very tight angle which whistled past the far corner of the goal.

The second half began a little slower, but still there was plenty of back and forth between the sides. On 51 and 53 minutes, Baltimore and Western Mass exchanged long-range, volleyed efforts - Palace midfielder Pat Healey�s shot flew left of the goal while the Pioneers� Klukowski watched his attempt sail to the right.

Another minute passed and the ball was up at the other end of the field through the tireless Western Mass left back, Federico Molinari. His cross was met well by Klukowski but Rowland pulled off a world-class save, tipping the ball over the bar to keep his team in the game.

Rowland had to be at his absolute best again just two minutes later. An initial Pioneers shot was blocked and the ball came out to Krause on the left. The big striker fired low towards the far corner but Rowland reacted like a cat, blocking the shot with his foot and the danger was averted.

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