For the third straight game, the Pioneers were away from home, although Blundell School is closer to the Pioneers’ Pub than Honda so who are we to complain about away games.

The Pioneers had a couple of returnees to bolster the squad. Casey Van Staal returning after surviving crossing the Atlantic Ocean on his 36ft boat, and Ed Eviston returned from Ireland a new man, one that seemed to embrace the idea that in soccer you are actually allowed to PASS the ball once in a while.

The Pioneers started brightly and opened the scoring courtesy of a spectacular dipping volley from Danny Lazar from 20 yards out.

The lead didn’t last though, as Giant Panda equalized midway through the half.

Evgeni Kushnir put the Pioneers back in the lead when he converted a pinpoint cross from the right wing from Eviston. It remained 2-1 at the half.

The Pioneers increased their lead to 3-1 when a Danny Lazar shot was partially saved, but just inched over the line.

But Giant Panda didn’t give up, and scored two goals to tie the game up at 3-3.

With the clock running down, the Pioneers were awarded a penalty, and Kushnir coolly finished to give the Pioneers the narrow victory.