Flames face must-win situation

New Rochelle, NY - 07/29/2004 - For the first time this season, the Westchester Flames are facing a truly must-win game on Saturday, when Northern Division rival Western Mass Pioneers are in town for the first of two consecutive games between the two teams.

The Flames, 7-7-2, 23 points, and Western Mass, 7-8-1, 22 points, are both fighting for a playoff berth. The catch is that both teams are hovering at and just under the .500 mark. If neither team finishes the season at .500, then neither one will advance to the playoffs, regardless of who finishes in second place in the divison.

Therefore, the must-win scenario, for both teams!

In the prior meeting between the two teams on May 8, in Ludlow, MA, the Pioneers eeked out a 1-0 victory. They won 3 of their first 4 games, but then went on a 6 game losing streak the entire month of June and into early July. Since July 21st, they've won 3 straight. They come to town with a completely revamped lineup that seems to be peaking at the right time.

The Flames were dealt another blow to their defensive line when Mario Gallo had emergency surgery on Wednesday for a severe ear infection. He is out for four weeks.

Coach Gus Skoufis said, "This is a huge loss to the team. Mario is a tenacious player who likes to move up on the field. It will be difficult to replace him. Fortunately we have (newly signed player) Oliver Gonzalez to help out. Everyone will just have to pick up the slack."

Gates open at 4:30 PM, with tickets going on sale at that time....$8 for adults and $5 for children 6 -16. Kids under 5 are free. Refreshments are available at the field.

07/29/2004