December 14, 2003 Pioneers Blow Away Peace Arch
Peace Arch 1 Richmond Pioneers 4
In the last game before the Christmas break, the Richmond Pioneers came up with a stirring performance to beat Peace Arch 4-1 and end the year on a high note. The win means the Pioneers are 6 for 6 on the road this season and the unbeaten streak has now reached 20 games.
The game was played under difficult winter conditions: cold, wet and very windy. With the wind behind them, Peace Arch enjoyed a territorial advantage for most of the early play and took the lead at the 10 minute mark on a hotly disputed penalty kick. A short goalkick from Gary Byrne didn't leave the penalty area and ended up striking Jim Fitzgerald's hand. Instead of ordering a retake of the goalkick, the referee erroneously pointed to the penalty spot.
The Pioneers would recover nicely as they gradually took control of the game. Despite playing directly into the wind, the last 20 minutes of the half was played in the Peace Arch end and numerous chances went begging before Ken Johnston evened things up with a typically cool finish.
Tied at 1-1, the Pioneers were confident going into the second half knowing the wind was now behind them. The Pioneers were moving the ball around nicely, while denying Peace Arch the space to create anything for themselves. The breakthrough goal came when a long clearance from Kevin Morris developed into a foot race that was won by Eugene 'Rocket' Kishmere, who finished by sliding the ball under the advancing keeper.
The Peace Arch goalkeeper was doing his bit to keep the scoreline close, but he could do little when Ken Johnston unselfishly passed the ball for Stan Bogdanovich to sidefoot home for the third goal.
The Pioneers' backline of Fitzgerald, Mogul, Kan, Heron and keeper Gary Bryne were all having solid games, comfortably dealing with the occasional Peace Arch foray into the Pioneers' end. The fourth goal came when Kevin Morris scored directly from a corner kick, with the wind again a factor, sealing a fine team performance that defied the difficult conditions the game was played under..
Man of the Match: Stan Bogdanovich
Next week: First game after the Christmas break is an away game to Delta on January 11.
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- Based in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, the Pioneers play in the Over 50 Division of the BCOTS (BC Old Timers Soccer League). The league has over 40 teams from all over the Lower Mainland region
