NH Phantoms Host Rival Western Mass Pioneers
Published on June 8, 2007 under United Soccer League Championship (USL)
New Hampshire Phantoms News Release
HAMPSTEAD, NH - (June 8, 2007) - Arch Rival Western Mass Pioneers invade Chabot/McDonough Stadium at Manchester Memorial High School Saturday night to take on host New Hampshire Phantoms in the second of a four-game series between the two teams this season. The Phantoms and Pioneers played to a 1-1 tie in their first meeting at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, MA on May 5. Western Mass brings in a record of 2-2-3 good for fifth place in Division Two of the United Soccer League, while the Phantoms are seeking its first win (0-4-3).
Third year defender Marc Hubbard of Durham (Colgate University, 2003), who was selected as USL2 Player of the Week last week for his stellar performance in the Phantoms 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace Baltimore, will lead the Phantoms into battle along with fellow veteran forward Narciso Fernandes (University of Wisconsin). Fernandes leads the Phantoms with two goals in seven games. NH's Almir Barbosa (USC Spartanburg, 2004) ranks tied for 8th in the league with 13 shots. Barbosa has only netted one goal this year after leading the Phantoms in 2006 with 10 goals. With his history of scoring feats, Barbosa has found himself marked by opposing teams quite frequently this season and has been flagged with 16 fouls (6th in league).
Both teams are coming off stalemates in last weekend's action with the Pioneers drawing 2-2 at home versus second place Richmond Kickers and the Phantoms tying Baltimore on the road. The Pioneers are led by forward Federico Molinari who is 12th in the league in scoring with five points and teammate Ahmad Manning who ranks fourth in assists with three. The Pioneers have scored only 8 goals on the season while its stingy defense has allowed just eight goals by opponents. The Phantoms have also had difficulty finding the back of the goal this year having only netted five goals while giving up 15.
The match up is one of the oldest rivalries in USL soccer dating back to 1998. Both teams have produced clinched conference titles over the years, and each has been a finalist for the USL2 title - the Phantoms in 1998 and Western Mass more recently in 2005.
Western Mass qualified for the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and is preparing for its June 12 match versus Danbury United. The Cup dates back to 1914 and is the oldest cup competition in the United States open to all affiliated amateur and professional teams. The Phantoms previously qualified in 2006, but failed to make the cut this season.
Tickets will be available at the gate. Adults are $8 and youth are $5. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM.
United Soccer League Championship Stories from June 8, 2007
- Kick for the Cure Night - Charlotte Eagles
- NH Phantoms Host Rival Western Mass Pioneers - New Hampshire Phantoms
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
