New England's American Soccer League Week 8 Update

Western Mass hosted fellow undefeated team Ironbound Soul SC on Saturday, October 11. Heading into the match Western Mass held a 4-2-0 record and 14 points while Ironbound had a 2-2-0 record.

Mike Matera scored for the home side in the fifth minute. Midfielder Maximiliano Viera sent in a cross towards talisman Will Daniels who picked out Matera. Matera confidently struck his shot from the top of the area and gave his side a lead early in the game.

Former D.C. United forward who made 10 appearances for Richmond Kickers in USL PRO this year Christiano Francois (who played against the Revs for the Kickers in the 2014 U.S. Open Cup) equalized the match for the visitors in the 20th minute. Francois netted a penalty after Ryan Adeleye's cross hit the hand of a Western Mass defender.

Luke Perry restored Western Mass Pro Soccer's lead in the 33rd minute. Some quick passes from Viera and Matera found Perry unmarked in the area. Perry made no mistake from close range and gave the home team something to protect for the rest of the game.

Western Mass goalkeeper Warren Gross did well to repel Ironbound Soul's efforts in the second half. He was particularly strong on opposition corner kicks, denying Adeleye just after the halftime break.

After the hour mark, Western Mass decided to drop men back behind the ball and play to preserve the 2-1 scoreline. Head coach Federico Molinari's tactical shift worked and WM Pro Soccer ended the night with another 3 points.

Western Mass continues to lead the ASL and has only conceded three goals in seven games. The team travels to Maryland to face off against the EverGreen Diplomats on October 18.

Rhode Island Oceaneers played the first of three straight road matches on Saturday when they drew A.C. Crusaders 2-2 in New Jersey.

The Oceaneers jumped out of the gate with a goal in the first minute. Sam Fonseca hit a low cross into the middle from the right channel and Emerson Barros was able to tap in for the early goal.

A.C. Crusaders leveled the match with a penalty but Rhode Island reclaimed their lead before halftime on a goal from Brayan Rouvira. Despite controlling a good portion of possession in the second half, the Oceaneers weren't able to consolidate their advantage.

The home side forced a late corner kick with a long ball over the top. The Crusaders tied the game at 2-2 on that corner kick forcing the Oceaneers into another draw.

Rhode Island Oceaneers travel to Boverini Stadium in Passaic, New Jersey, to face off against Icon FC this weekend.

Mass United FC made the trek down to Maryland to play the EverGreen Diplomats on Saturday where they fell behind early.

The Diplomats stormed out in the first half with goals from Eddie Campbell in the 6th minute and Brian Graham in the 35th. Mass United was badly outshot 10-3 in the first half but drastically changed the game in the second half.

Charlie McMahon deftly chipped Diplomat goalkeeper Chris Torres for Mass United's first goal in the 49th minute. United continued their comeback when substitute Carlos Diniz headed home a corner kick in the 79th minute.

Despite the dramatic narrative, Mass United was unable to complete the turn-around. While pushing forward for the potential game-winner, United conceded a heart-breaker to EverGreen's Brian Davis. The 3-2 loss means that Mass United is the only winless team in the ASL.

Mass United FC hosts Ironbound Soul SC this upcoming weekend in league play at Manning Field in Lynn, Massachusetts.