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Western Mass won the first game of the two-game series 2-0.
However, the series is set up in aggregate format, meaning whichever team scores the most total goals wins the series. In the event of a tie, the first tie-breaker is whichever team scores the most goals at the opposing team's stadium.
The last tie-breaker goes to penalty kicks.
Despite the loss, with the format in mind, the Wolves know anything can happen.
"We can score three goals against them," midfielder Sullivan Phillips said. "We have beaten them before. We're coming at them and we know we can do it."
Wolves coach Dan Gaspar agreed with Phillips's assessment.
"It's not over," Gaspar said. "We match up well with them. Anyone watching the game tonight realized that we are a better team."
Both teams started the game with aggressive play, trying to strike first.
In the seventh minute, Wolves midfielder Andy Ravenello stole a clearing pass from the left side of the Pioneers defense.
Ravenello quickly centered the ball to forward Carlos Sousa. Sousa burst past the line of four defenders. Pioneer keeper Daniel Pires ran out from his position to stop Sousa. As Sousa tried to step around Pires, Pires slid at Sousa's feet, knocking the ball away and out of the Pioneers zone.
The Wolves saw another chance go unfinished in the ninth minute.
A corner kick, one of four on the night for the Wolves, sailed in from the left side and deflected out of the box to the waiting Dean Sewell. Sewell volleyed the ball out of the air, but it hit Pioneers defenseman Zach Samol's feet and deflected away.
In the 11th minute, Pioneer midfielder Chris Houser passed ahead to forward Mark Manganello, who cut to the right into the Wolves box. However, Wolves defenseman Steve Danbusky hit Houser with a slide tackle from the right side, knocking the ball to Wolves keeper Anthony Latronica.
"You have to play aggressive against a team like them (Western Mass)," Latronica said. "I like to stay connected with the defenders and coming out to catch the through balls."
Phillips, in the 14th minute, flew down field into the Pioneers zone and crossed the ball to midfielder Daniel Asencio, who was just inside the goalie box. However, Asencio could not control the ball and the defenders cleared the ball.
Phillips again advanced deep into the Pioneers zone in the 41st minute.
Storming down the right side, Phillips flew into Pioneers territory unobstructed. As Phillips centered the ball, the Pioneers defense deflected and stole the ball.
"We definitely tried to come out aggressive tonight," Phillips said. "We were coming at them. With that team, you have put pressure on them and play physical."
However, the Pioneers equaled the Wolves aggressiveness and pushed the ball deep into the Wolves defensive zone.
In the 20th minute, the Pioneers Samol broke free behind the Wolves defense and put a shot at Latronica. The shot sailed past the upper right corner of the net.
Again in the 25th minute, Pioneers forward Mark Manganello blooped the ball ahead to sprinting midfielder Rich Stimpson, with Danbusky on his trail. With the two players streaking deep into the zone, Latronica advanced out to meet them and scooped the ball away.
Although, the Pioneers finally finished an opportunity in the 30th minute.
With a corner kick, midfielder James Proctor sent the ball sailing into the middle of the mesh of players in front of the goal. Pioneers forward Robbie Jachym jumped up and headed the ball at the lower right corner of the goal, past the outstretched leg of Latronica.
"A spectator watching the game tonight saw that we created more chances," Phillips said. "We just couldn't finish them. We beat ourselves tonight."
The Wolves continued to put pressure on the Pioneers deep into the second half.
In the 69th minute, Phillips dribbled the ball down the right side of the field and crossed the ball to midfielder Shane Watkins, whose header sailed over the net.
"We didn't capitalize on our chances tonight, and they did," Latronica said. "It's a one game season. We're going to go in and fight."
The Pioneers added a penalty-kick goal in second half stoppage time to make the final score 2-0.
"We take a level of confidence (into Saturday's game). They are going to be concerned playing against us," Gaspar said. "We played aggressive from the start. Our team speed is better than theirs, but they have world class finishers."
The Wolves and Pioneers play Saturday night at Ludlow, Mass. at 7:30 p.m.. In order to activate the penalty kick tie-breaker, they need to win by at least two goals. However, if the Wolves win 3-1 or better, they win the series outright.
