Pioneers ready to take next step

Jordan had Pippen and Dirk had Jason Terry.. wait, that's basketball..How about Donovan and Beckham? I've got one even better, how about Sebastian Velasquez and Thomas Acosta ? Now we're talking!!!

Soccer, the world's most popular sport has had a huge grip on Spartanburg Methodist College here lately with the men winning back to back Region X Tournament Titles and the women also winning the Region X Tournament Championship last Sunday in Raleigh, NC. The teams were honored at half time of Wednesday's home basketball game and both look to make more noise

The combo of Acosta and Velasquez are ranked in the top 25 of the NJCAA statistical poll. Velasquez is ranked #1 overall with 34 goals scored in 18 games played. He also leads the country in total points with 83.  www.njcaa.org

Acosta is right up there with Sebastian at #6 in the country with 27 goals scored and 64 total points.

Both are terrific finishers but they both are outstanding playmakers. Sebastian is 8th in the country with 15 assists while Acosta is just outside the top 25 with 10 assists.

"No doubt those two are our leading scorers but you better not forget a few other guys running around out there. Miguel Teos has the ability to take over a match as well as a few other guys. We love having statistical leaders, but we want this title and to have a chance to win it here in Spartanburg is something special, said first year head coach Rich Weber."

Looking to keep the high flying Pioneers grounded will be Darton College's goal keeper Carlos Cantano. The freshman Cantano has only allowed 16 goals on 86 shut outs on goal in 18 games this season. That comes up to a .94 goals against average. However, the Pioneers have scored 98 goals in 19 games this season which comes up to a 5.15 goals scored per game. Somethings gotta give!!

Providing the offense for the Cavaliers is Diego Ramos, he is the men's soccer Region XVII Player of the Year. The midfielder from Deerfield Beach, Fla., leads the NJCAA in assists (30) and is fifth in overall points (64).

Whatever happens, you can bet this will be the place to be on Saturday afternoon at 2:00pm. Come out and show your love for the Pioneers…

NOTE: Please be aware of limited parking on the campus of SMC on Saturday. In addition to the soccer District Championship there will be a prep basketball tournament and the Pioneer Softball team will be hosting a tournament. Please be careful parking and be careful to not block someone in.