WESTERN NEW ENGLAND UNIVERSITY

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Senior Marco Gomes (Ludlow, MA) was a key player on the Western New England College men's soccer team during his four-year career, now he's ready to embark on a new journey as a member of the highly-regarded Western Mass. Pioneers.

Gomes, who served as a team captain for the Golden Bears this past season, is expected to see action when the Pioneers open their inaugural season in the United Soccer League's Premier Development League against Albany at 7:00 p.m. Saturday (May 15) at Lusitano Stadium in Ludlow.

The Pioneers previously competed in the USL's Second Division, but moved down from the professional ranks to the Premier Development League this year.

"This is a top amateur league," said Gomes. "I watched the team growing up and looked up to their players, and now it's nice to make the team and play in front of family and friends."

The PDL provided Major League Soccer with approximately three-quarters of its draftees last year, Pioneers general manager Greg Kolodziey told Jeff Thomas of the Springfield Republican.

As for Gomes, a defender, it's an opportunity to stay involved in his favorite sport.

"I always wanted to continue playing at any level, so I tried out for the team and made it," he said. "I played with several of their players on the Junior Pioneers youth club team."

Gomes was an important part of the Western New England College side that posted a 16-5-4 record last fall while capturing The Commonwealth Coast Conference (TCCC) Tournament title to advance to the NCAA Division III Championship for the sixth consecutive season.

At the nationals, the Golden Bears defeated Babson 1-0 in a driving rainstorm in Middletown, Connecticut before tying No. 11 Wesleyan 1-1 in double overtime before the host Cardinals advanced on penalty kicks (5-4). 

WNEC set a school record with 16 shutouts and didn't allow a goal in 908 minutes at one point during the season.

Gomes was a First-Team All-TCCC selection and the recipient of the team's Coach's Award for leadership. He ended his collegiate career by playing in the New England Intercollegiate Soccer league (NEISL) Division III All-Star Game two weeks ago.

"Marco anchored our defense for three consecutive seasons and started in over 70 consecutive games, an amazing feat for a player at any position," said Western New England College coach Erin Sullivan. "His competitiveness, savvy, and durability were hallmarks of his play and his leadership will be sorely missed."

The former Ludlow High School standout will receive his bachelor's degree in General Business at Commencement Exercises on Saturday, May 22.