June 25, 1994 – Argentina 2:1 Nigeria, Diego Maradona selected for post-match drug test, Foxboro Stadium (Att.: 54,453)
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Claudio Caniggia scored both goals as Argentina defeated the Nigerians to clinch advancement to the second round. Samson Siasia opened the scoring (8’). On June 29, FIFA announced Maradona had tested positive for “an over-the-counter nasal decongestant containing ephedrine.”
June 25, 1995 – U.S. 0:0 Colombia, U.S. Cup, Rutgers University Stadium (Att.: 36,126)
The U.S. and Colombia were matched for the first time since the 1994 World Cup, when the U.S. surprisingly advanced, partly thanks to an Andres Escobar own goal. This time, Mike Burns headed a Jorge Bermudez header off the line with 10 seconds remaining as the U.S. won the title. The U.S., which defeated Nigeria, 3-2, at Foxboro Stadium on June 11, 1995 and Mexico (4-0), won the tournament with a 2-0-1 (7 points) record. The Colombians, who played this game without Fastino Asprilla (coach Hernan Dario Gomez said he was saving Asprilla for Copa America), finished with a 1-0-2 (5 points) record, scoring once and holding three opponents scoreless.
Alexi Lalas signs MLS contract
On the same day, the New England Revolution announced they were 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 Burns lined up for the league’s inaugural season in 1996. Burns became the second U.S. national team player (after Tab Ramos) to sign with MLS.
June 25, 2005 – Revolution 4:2 NY/NJ MetroStars (Att.: 17,194). Fastest goal at Gillette, Jose Cancela (21”).
Uruguayan midfielder Jose “Pepe” Cancela sent a shot just under the bar past Zach Wells, following a poor clearance. Shalrie Joseph started the sequence, chipping a pass with the outside of his foot to Khano Smith, who headed to Clint Dempsey, Cancela stepping in as Dempsey prepared to line up a shot. Both Cancela and Brazilian winger Cassio were replaced after halftime. After the MetroStars rallied for a 2-1 lead, Jay Heaps equalized with a 72nd-minute header off an Andy Dorman corner kick. Steve Ralston (86’) broke the deadlock, then Pat Noonan sent a 45-yarder into an open net.
Cancela scored seven goals (three penalty kicks) in 101 games in all competitions for the Revolution from 2003-07. Cancela concluded his playing career at age 40 with Perez Zeledon in Costa Rica in 2016.
Goals: Cancela, Heaps, Ralston, Noonan; Djorkaeff (PK), Galvan Rey.
June 25, 2014 – Revolution 2:1 Rochester Rhinos, U.S. Open Cup at Stevenson Field, Providence, R.I. (Att.: 1,570)
Pictured: former BU star Michael Emenalo defends against Diego Maradona
NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY