July 2, 1978 – Mike Flanagan-led New England Tea Men kick off winning streak, blank Sockers, Cosmos

This was the start to a productive week for Mike Flanagan, who scored eight goals as the New England Tea Men won three successive games. Flanagan would go on to be named NASL Most Valuable Player, totaling 30 goals in 28 games. Flanagan, 24 when he joined the Tea Men on loan from Charlton Athletic, was transferred to Crystal Palace after the NASL season, then went to Queens Park Rangers (1980-82), returning to Charlton, then concluding his career with Cambridge United.

July 2, 1978 – Tea Men 6:0 San Diego Sockers at Schaefer Stadium (Att.: 12,596)

Flanagan (21 goals in 20 games) and Lawrie Abrahams converted twice as the Tea Men improved their winning streak to four games and took over first place in the NASL American East. Keith Weller opened the scoring with a third-minute penalty kick. Former Boston Minutemen coach Hubert Vogelsinger made his return as coach of the Sockers.

July 5, 1978 – Tea Men 1:0 (aet) New York Cosmos at Schaefer Stadium (Att.: 30,126)

Flanagan scored in the second minute of the second OT, his 22^nd goal of the season (in 21 games), two behind Giorgio Chinaglia, who was held to one shot on goal. Erol Yasin saved a Weller 89^th-minute penalty kick.

July 9, 1978 – Tea Men 5:2 California at Schaefer Stadium (Att.: 4,253)

Flanagan completed the first hat trick (and scored all five goals) at Schaefer/Foxboro Stadium. Flanagan took over the NASL scoring lead with 27 goals, one more than Chinaglia.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY