The Pioneer soccer team is kicking off the season with high expectations and so far the optimism has reached the pitch – and the scoreboard. The Pioneers improved to 2-0-1 on the young season with an impressive win at Dearborn High on Saturday afternoon.
Pioneer took an early lead and then a great shot by Ethan Miller sealed the deal for a 3-1 victory in the non-league game. Xander Reifler and Ryan Anderson also netted goals for the visitors.
“It was a really strong overall non-conference performance,” said Pioneer Coach Jon Sundermann. “We were able to try a number of combinations once again and came out injury free headed into a big league week with games against Ypsi-Lincoln and Huron.”
Sundermann says he is excited for the season and trying to keep his optimism in check.
“I am cautiously optimistic,” he says. “We graduated a lot of good players so we have a younger team relative to years past. Our goal, as always, is to improve week over week, provide an environment in which our student-athletes can develop as young men, players, and as a team and with the right combination of skill, effort, and luck – come out of our very tough District during playoffs.”
Well said, coach!
Pioneer has several leaders emerging early in the season, including captains Patrick Regan (Jr), Ryan Anderson (Sr) and Alexander (Xander) Reifler (Jr) along with Oliver Cook in goal. The Pioneers also feature a number of talented freshmen and sophomores and “should be strong defensively anchored by Oliver Cook and Naveen Owens,” says Sundermann.
Pioneer opened the season on Aug. 20 with a 2-1 win against Holt. Sophomore Sam Grand scored in his varsity debut and Anderson netted the winner with about 2 minutes remaining in the game. “Overall it was a good game,” Sundermann said. “We got everyone in the game which is always nice and were able to try a variety of combinations to start the season.”
On Aug. 22, the Pioneers tied SEC rival Saline 1-1. Amani Simwenyi scored for Pioneer.
“It was a solid performance by Oliver in goal to maintain the tie as Saline applied a lot of pressure,” Sundermann said. “It was a very good early season matchup with a typically strong Saline side. This year they have a lot of talent and great chemistry.”
