The Massachusetts Pirates return home this week to take on the Sioux Falls Storm this Saturday night at the DCU Center.

The Pirates split their two game west coast swing beating the San Diego Strike Force 51-30 and losing to the rival Arizona Rattlers on Saturday night 59-29.

The loss to Arizona was especially disheartening as the Pirates fell behind early and couldn’t catch up. Factor in a late game injury to quarterback Alejandro Bennifield and it was a rough night all around.

At 5-3, the Pirates are currently second in the IFL’s Eastern Division behind the Frisco Fighters who are currently 6-2.

Playing Sioux Falls isn’t exactly a cure all. The Storm are in the playoff mix at 4-4 and own a win over Iowa this season. Given some of the recent defensive struggles for the Pirates, the Storm are more than capable of coming into Worcester and making this a game

These next two home games are big for the Pirates. They need to get momentum back. It start this week against Sioux Falls. If the Pirates can win this one, they will get back on track and keep pace in the Eastern Division.