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| September 21, 2003 Inaugural Premier Division Kicks Off The BCOTS released the schedule for the 2003/4 Winter Season for the Over 50 Soccer League, and this year the Over 50's have a Premier Division for the first time, with the Richmond Pioneers taking their rightful place amongst the top echelon teams. FC Italia 1 Pioneers 3 With an odd number of teams in the Premier Division due to a late withdrawal, the Pioneers had a bye for the first week of the season. The schedule was filled with a game against FC Italia who similarly had a bye in the 50s Central Division. The Pioneers did most of the early pressing, but had to wait until the 20th minute mark when Ken Johnston opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Shortly afterwards, the Pioneers increased their lead when their newest addition, Denis Harvington, scored with a beautifully placed bending shot from over 20 yards out. Rarely troubled in the first half, the Pioneers defence found themselves under increasing pressure in the second half, and Italia scored to make it 2-1. The Pioneers created numerous scoring chances but it was not until late in the second half when Ken Johnston would put the game beyond the reach of Italia, when he latched onto a ball driven in by Harvington that was touched on by John Tsang. The Pioneers were unlucky not to get a second penalty when Ken Swanson was blatantly tripped, and at the other end goalkeeper Dave Valitis did well to deny Italia on a one-on-one breakaway. Next week it's a home game against Croatia. Week 1 Premier Division Results BC Transit v. Stingers - Based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, the Pioneers play in the Premier Division in the Over 50 League of the BCOTS (BC Old Timers Soccer). The league has over 40 teams from all over the Lower Mainland region | ||||||||||||||||
|  ARCHIVES: 2002/3 Match Reports and Team Stats
Pioneers 2nd in 2003 Vernon Tournament Pioneers 3rd at 2002 Penticton Tournament Pioneers 2002 Awards presented | |||||||||||||||
