May 11, 2002 – Revolution 2:0 Dallas, CMGI Field (Gillette Stadium) opening (Att.: 22,006)

Taylor Twellman scored in the sixth and 39^th minutes in the “soft” opening of Gillette Stadium, which had ceded naming rights to internet venture CMGI (College Marketing Group Information). Twellman went on to total a record 63 goals (61 for the Revolution, plus 2 for the U.S. national team) at the stadium. Twellman was in the midst of a six-game scoring streak in his first six starts, and would total 101 goals in 174 career games (.583 strike rate), the first player in MLS history with more than 100 goals scored in less than 200 matches.

Revolution owner Robert Kraft said he told Twellman “he would be remembered for the next 50 years for scoring the first goal at the new stadium.” Twellman’s reply: “Why not forever?”

May 11, 1941 – Pawtucket Rangers 4:3 aet (8:5) Detroit Chrysler, National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup) final at Coats Field

Chris Aduama photo

NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY