Saturday, July 14, 2001
By Huey Ferguson
South Jersey Barons Correspondent
In the second game of a double header at Cherokee High School, the South Jersey Barons took on the Western Mass Pioneers in USL D-3 soccer action. Both teams came into tonight's game with similar records of 4-7-1. The game ended with the Barons coming out on top with a 3-2 victory. The win puts the Barons record at 5-7-1 and places them in the hunt for a playoff berth.
The Barons opened the scoring in the 11th minute of play. Pat Hickey tucked the ball away neatly, from 6 yards out on an assist from Mark Southern. Ten minutes later Hickey scored again on a brilliant diving header from 12 yards out. The assist came from Gary Williams after he and Blamo Kwein combined well to split the Pioneers defense apart. The Barons did not sit on their two goal lead. They continued to attack and Kwein was rewarded for his hard work in the 29th minute. He flicked in a long throw from 5 yards out, to make to the score Barons 3, Western Mass 0. Towards the end of the first half Western Mass pulled a goal back. In the 42nd minute, Chris Mogavero scored on a rebound after Rob Vartugian, in the Barons net, made a save from point blank range. The teams went into the half with the Barons leading 3-1.
Western Mass opened the second half on the attack. They were rewarded with their second goal in the 66th minute. Second half sub Rob Jachyn scored on a header, from a free kick taken by Tony Catiera. This made the score Barons 3, Pioneers 2. The Pioneers continued to search for the equalizer, but Vartugian and his defenders held on to preserve the win.
The Barons will be playing at home on July 20 versus the Wilmington Hammerheads, game time 6pm. They will be playing at Carey Stadium in Ocean City New Jersey. For more information call the Barons office at (856) 753-7608.
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