July 12, 2003 – First Gold Cup games at Gillette Stadium (Att.: 33,652)

CONCACAF attempted to expand the Gold Cup tournament in 2003, but few U.S. stadia were eager to participate. Gillette jumped in, playing host to four dates, and going on to become a regular site for the event through 2009.

The U.S. national team provided the draw, and Eddie Lewis (28^th minute) and Brian McBride scored as it took a 2-0 win over El Salvador. McBride would head in three goals off Steve Ralston crosses in a 57-minute span covering two games (the U.S. took a 2-0 win over Martinique on July 14, 2003).

Having covered several Gold Cup tournaments in warm weather climes, I was skeptical the event would have success at Gillette. Indeed, several square-peg-round-hole, lost-in-translation incidents resulted, mostly involving security and supporters (no surprise …). At least once, Revolution general manager Craig Tornberg had to confront security officials on the field, just to keep them from stifling fans who were simply cheering on their team.

To accommodate/maximize interest, management introduced tripleheaders. This date also included a Revolution v New York/New Jersey MetroStars match, which turned out to be Tim Howard’s final game with the Metros before joining Manchester United.

Attendance declined after Gillette’s Gold Cup opener: the next three dates’ combined total was 31,768.

The event has move on, leaving the U.S. with a 6-0-2 Gold Cup record at Gillette Stadium.

July 12, 2003 – Canada 1:0 Costa Rica/U.S. 2:0 El Salvador/Revolution 3:3 MetroStars at Gillette Stadium (Att.: 33,652)

In the opener, kicking off at 1 p.m., Paul Stalteri scored for Canada. But the Maple Leafs ended up in last place in Group D after falling, 2-0, to Cuba. Costa Rica, with former Revolution star Mauricio Wright starting in defense, rallied for a 3-0 victory over Cuba, winning the group, at Gillette on July 15.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY