Matthew Driver, a Scot from Glasgow, visited Ludlow this week to help the Western Mass. Pioneers launch their franchise in the new American Soccer League.

Driver, who serves as the ASL's president/CEO, last came to Ludlow in 1999, when he owned and coached the South Jersey Barons.

"We beat the Pioneers four times that season, but in the last playoff game, we not only had to face the team on the field, we had to face an overflow crowd. Ludlow fans were really there for their team – and that's what I love about this town," Driver said.

The Pioneers beat Driver's Barons 2-1 for the national championship of U.S. Division 3. Lusitano Stadium bulged with 5,223 fans for that season finale Sept. 11, 1999. Over their last three playoff games, those Pioneers averaged 4,478.

Goalkeeper John Voight earned MVP honors for the playoffs. The Pioneers' defensive alignment included Greg Kolodziey, now general manager.

"When we heard that the Pioneers expressed interest in our new league, I jumped at it, because they are a marquee name in our level of soccer," Driver said. "I have a wonderful relationship with them. Ludlow is a lot like where I grew up in Scotland – good working-class people."

Driver came to the United States in 1988 to play for the Boston Bolts in the American Professional Soccer League. He stayed, became a citizen and eventually began a career as owner of various teams in southern New Jersey.

The ASL will start with eight teams. Driver foresees expansion in 2015.

"We have 14 areas that have expressed interest. I think our first expansion will add four, with a total of 16 as our eventual goal," he said.

CRUNCH TIME: As part of American Hockey League realignment, the Syracuse Crunch have been moved into the Northeast Division, joining the Springfield Falcons, Hartford Wolf Pack, Albany Devils and Bridgeport Sound Tigers.

Adirondack, formerly a division member, has been switched to the North Division as a farm club of the Calgary Flames. The AHL's new member, Lehigh Valley of Allentown, Pa., will play in the East Division as an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

For the Falcons, the realignment means eight games against the Crunch instead of the two they have played each of the last two seasons.

BEST BET for the weekend: Crazy Cora, in the Lassie at Arapahoe Park.

Garry Brown can be reached at geeman1918@yahoo.com