[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 21, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE WESTERN MASS. PIONEERS, NATIONAL CHAMPIONS D3 
                          PROFESSIONAL SOCCER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 21, 1999

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
exciting achievement of the Western Mass. Pioneers soccer team. On 
Saturday, September 11, 1999, the Pioneers defeated the South Jersey 
Barons 2-1 in the National Championship match of the D3 Professional 
Soccer League. The Pioneers organization became the national champion 
in just its second year of existence and was also awarded Franchise-of-
the-Year status.
  Western Massachusetts has long been a hotbed of soccer in America. 
Immigrants from countries such as Portugal, Poland, Italy, and Ireland 
brought their passion for the world's game with them as they settled in 
places like Ludlow, Chicopee, the South End, and Hungry Hill. The fan 
support at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow, MA, the home field of the 
Pioneers, can only be described as phenomenal. The raucous, yet 
knowledgeable crowd numbered 5,223 for the final game. In their final 
three matches, the Pioneers had an average attendance of 4,478, setting 
a new record each night. Clearly evident of the faces of both the young 
and the old were the passions of the old countries, as well as the 
growing American soccer pride.
  The strength of Western Massachusetts soccer can be seen on the 
roster as well, as seven members of the champions are local products. 
These players include starting goalkeeper John Voight, starting 
defenders Paul Kelly and Brad Miller, starting midfielder Chris 
Legowski, defenders Greg Kolodziey and Nate Allen, and backup keeper 
Danny Pires. Voight was named Championship match MVP, and Kelly was 
named to the 1999 All D3 Pro League All-Star First Team, as was forward 
Rob Jachym.
  As Champions of the D3 League, the Pioneers may be considered for 
promotion to the A-League, the division two of American professional 
soccer. Whether they choose to pursue promotion or to remain in the D3, 
the Pioneers, led by general manager Rick Andre, have plenty to be 
proud of this year. Mr. Speaker, once again I am proud and honored to 
recognize and congratulate the Western Mass. Pioneers, the 1999 
National Champions of the D3 Professional Soccer League.

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