Heavy Going for Pioneers

Richmond Cosmos 3 Richmond Pioneers 5

Thanks to a schedule change, the Richmond Pioneers were spared the long trip to Mission, and instead faced the Richmond Cosmos for the second time in three weeks.

This time the Cosmos had home field advantage, and the heavy, erratic surface at Burnett School served to neutralize the Pioneers 'passing' game. However, the lackluster Pioneers still came away with a 5-3 victory, and the knowledge that they had created enough genuine chances to score many more.

The Pioneers came out firing on all cylinders, completely dominating the first 15 minutes. After letting a few great chances slip by, Eugene Kishmere got the Pioneers on the scoreboard following a typical surging run. He later added a second, before Cosmos pulled one back following a miscue from the usually reliable Ken Kan.

In the second half, the Pioneers extended their lead when Denis Harvington cheekily lobbed the ball over the stranded Cosmos keeper. Kishmere would get his hat trick when he converted a penalty, giving the Pioneers a 4-1 lead.

But the Cosmos refused to fold and they pulled a goal back, with the Pioneers again guilty of a lapse in concentration. However, the outcome was never in danger, as the Pioneers were at least creating many chances, with Graham Mason the most profligate, guilty of two glaring misses.

Fortunately Eugene Kishmere was having a great game, his physical approach was clearly too much for the Cosmos to handle, and the 'Russian Rocket' would add his fourth goal of the game to make it 5-2.

In the dying moments of the game, the Cosmos added their third goal, although clearly offside, to make the scoreline somewhat respectable.

The Pioneers clearly need to 'up' their game a few notches, with two unbeaten opponents to face in the next two weeks.

Man of the Match: Eugene Kishmere

Next Week: BC Transit visit McMath this weekend in what promises to be the toughest game of the year. Therefore, a 4:00am curfew is in effect for Lorne Baumel. Or, as Tony put it, "If you're not in bed by 4:00am, go home!"

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