The New England Revolution won their first Independence Day match as former University of Vermont star Jim St. Andre had a spectacular performance in goal and the Revolution held off the Galaxy after Alexi Lalas’ 80th-minute red card, following an altercation with a ball boy. John Kerr’s sliding finish just ahead of former Williams College defender Dan Calichman made the difference. [Read more…] about July 4, 1996 – LA Galaxy 0:1 Revolution at Rose Bowl (Att.: 62,703)
The New England Revolution were among the MLS teams bidding for Lalas, who was preparing to play in Copa America for the U.S. and for the 1995-96 Serie A season with Padova. The Revolution already had defender Mike Burns lined up for the league’s inaugural season in 1996, after Burns became the second U.S. national team player (following Tab Ramos) to sign with MLS.
[Read more…] about June 25, 1995 – Alexi Lalas signs MLS contract
After Foxboro Stadium was evacuated and kickoff delayed 72 minutes, Dallas took the lead as Jason Kreis assisted future New England Revolution midfielder Damian Alvarez (19th minute), then scored in the 27th minute. Alejandro “Colorado” Farias cut the deficit with a 29th-minute header and Alexi Lalas equalized with a 65th-minute header from Imad Baba. [Read more…] about June 22, 1997 – Revolution 2:2 (2:1 shootout) Dallas Burn. Hour-plus lightning delay (Att.: 15,819)
Here’s info on the status of New England Revolution soccer-specific stadium proposal. Talked with Jonathan Kraft, Brian Bilello, Pat Sullivan, others. The story is published in the New England Soccer Journal: http://www.nesoccerjournal.com/nesoccerj_201706/index.html#ne_revolution_keep_dreaming
KEEP DREAMING
The odds of the Revolution – or anyone – building a Boston stadium, soccer-specific or not, are close to zero. That was to be my theme for this column, after having researched local stadium projects from the 1940s through the recent failed proposal for the Bayside Expo site.
But, following an informal interview with Jonathan Kraft, I am modifying my stance. Jonathan seems to be 100 percent certain it will happen, and soon. So, meeting him halfway, I’ll say maybe there is a 50 percent chance of a Boston stadium being realized.
It is difficult to remain optimistic after encountering so many deceptions, obstacles and roadblocks. But if the Krafts are positive about this, you can’t count them out.
[Read more…] about New England Revolution Soccer Specific Stadium: Any bets?
The first U.S. Open Cup game in Foxborough turned into a disappointment for the New England Revolution.
The Revolution became the first MLS team to lose to an amateur team as Chad Schomaker capitalized on a Carlos Parra turnover to score a 90th-minute goal for the Bucks. The Revolution lost to the Long Island Roughriders, 4-3, in extra time, in their debut U.S. Open Cup debut in 1997, then skipped the competition for two years. [Read more…] about June 14, 2000 – Revolution 0:1 Mid-Michigan Bucks, U.S. Open Cup at Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 1,857)
The New England Revolution have established a strong home field advantage at Gillette Stadium, capitalizing on artificial turf and narrow dimensions of the field to throw opponents off their game. The team’s successful streak coincided with the Aug. 23, 2014 acquisition of Jermaine Jones, and extended to 19 games (12-0-7) with two playoff victories on the way to a berth in the 2014 MLS Cup final – the streak began after a loss to Columbus July 26, 2014. [Read more…] about June 13, 2015 – Revolution 2:0 Chicago. Revolution MLS regular-season home unbeaten streak reaches team record 17 games
This was also the first U.S. win over England since Joe Gaetjens’ goal provided a 1-0 result in the 1950 World Cup in Brazil. “Now we don’t have to talk about 1950 anymore,” U.S. Soccer Federation general secretary Hank Steinbrecher said.
The kickoff was delayed seven minutes because of a lightning storm that also likely reduced the side of the crowd. My story in the Boston Globe noted the weather presented a greater threat to public safety than potential hooligan behavior, which was a major concern in anticipation of the 1994 World Cup. [Read more…] about June 9, 1993 – U.S. 2:0 England, U.S. Cup at Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 37,236). First U.S. victory in Foxborough
Ireland’s Tony Cascarino (57th minute) opened the scoring before Eric Wynalda slipped past Kevin Moran for a 68th-minute equalizer off a Chris Henderson assist as the U.S. Men’s National Team made its Massachusetts debut.
Organizers budgeted for a 30,000 crowd, but a week before the match, stadium manager Brian O’Donovan projected possible 35,000 attendance. The walk-up took officials by surprise, with about 12,000 purchasing tickets at the gate (thousands of tickets were printed on-site), lines stretching toward Rte. 1 throughout the first half. [Read more…] about June 1, 1991 – U.S. 1:1 Ireland at Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 51,273). First full international in Massachusetts
The Azzurri had their first look at the New England area, and would return two years later for World Cup second round and quarterfinal matches.
This game was played in a rainstorm and organizers had had to put things together quickly. I recall FIGC president Antonio Mattarese entering the press box and taking notice of water dripping onto the cold cuts table of the pre-game “spread.” Pretty certain questions were raised about planning for the ’94 World Cup. [Read more…] about May 31, 1992 – Italy 0:0 Portugal, U.S. Cup at Yale Bowl (Att.: 38,833)
Clinton Drew Dempsey — named after the Man With No Name, Clint Eastwood — was 22 years old and in his second season with the New England Revolution when he established himself among the starting candidates for the U.S. national team. Dempsey has gone on to captain the USMNT, totaling 56 goals, second to Landon Donovan (57) on the all-time list.
May 28, 2005 – U.S. 1:2 England at Soldier Field, Chicago
Dempsey began his professional career as a Revolution holding midfielder in 2004. In the second month of the ’04 season, Revolution coach Steve Nicol switched to a 3-5-2 alignment; two weeks later, with Taylor Twellman absent, Dempsey made his first start at forward, paired with Pat Noonan. [Read more…] about May 28, 2005 – Clint Dempsey scores first international goal