Boston Beacons (7W-15L-5D), last place in NASL Atlantic Division, spoil Stars’ chance to win Gulf Division title. Goals: Frankiewicz; Dyreborg 2, Liposinovic. [Read more…] about Aug. 13, 1968 – St. Louis Stars 1:3 Boston Beacons, Busch Memorial Stadium
The Boston Beacons’ win over the Atlanta Chiefs was considered “The biggest upset of the year in the Atlantic Division of the (NASL).” (Marvin Pave/The Boston Globe) [Read more…] about July 28, 1968 – Atlanta Chiefs 1:2 Boston Beacons, Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium (Att.: 5,195)
The Atlanta Chiefs went on to win the North American Soccer League title and the Boston Beacons finished in last place in the Atlantic Division. Graham Newton’s 57th-minute goal made the difference for the Chiefs (5W-2L-1D). Atlanta’s roster included Kaizer Motaung, who would return to South Africa to found what would become the country’s preeminent soccer team, Kaizer Chiefs. The Beacons (1W-4L-2D) lost their second successive home match. [Read more…] about May 10, 1968 – Boston Beacons 0:1 Atlanta Chiefs at Fenway Park (Att.: 5,318)
Orrie Banach, a Germany-born Ukrainian, grew up in Chicago and had played for Toronto Roma, then the Boston Tigers, before joining the Boston Beacons in the NASL. Banach earned four caps for the U.S. national team, all in World Cup qualifiers.
Feb. 17, 1923 – Clan Sutherland 4:2 Methuen at Commonwealth Armory
“Biggest Crowd of the (Indoor) Season”
Feb. 17, 1929 – Brooklyn Wanderers 4:4 Boston Wonder Workers at Hawthorne Field
Goals: Nehadoma 3, Lyell; Nilsen 3, H.B. Burness
Fall River 0:0 J&P Coats
New York Nationals 4:5 Providence Clam Diggers
Feb. 17, 1999 – AC Prato 1:1 Revolution, preseason game
Feb. 17, 2006 –Bermuda U20 1:8 Revolution
Clint Dempsey scores five goals in preseason game.
NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY
The Boston team was set to play in the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), which was not sanctioned by the USSFA, at Fenway Park. Directors included former Celtics’ coach Red Auerbach and Red Sox executive vice president Dick O’Connell. [Read more…] about Jan. 31, 1967 – Boston awarded NPSL franchise
The Boston Beacons started their only NASL season on the road, their home-opener a 3-0 win over the Detroit Cougars at Fenway Park on April 23, 1968. Note: Cardinal Cushing “threw out the first ball” and Gov. Volpe was in attendance, according to Leigh Montville’s story in The Boston Globe. [Read more…] about Jan. 22, 1968 – Boston Beacons’ GM Joe McKenney announces team will open season at Fenway Park on March 31, 1968
Former Arsenal, Manchester United and Ireland national team striker Frank Stapleton was named the New England Revolution’s first coach. University of Vermont coach Ron McEachen, former Connecticut high school star, became assistant coach.
[Read more…] about Jan. 4, 1996 – Frank Stapleton named Revolution’s first coach
After finishing in last place in the NASL Atlantic Division with a 9W-17L-6D record, the Boston Beacons announced the team was seeking a buyer. Average attendance was 4,373 for 15 matches, the Beacons declaring losses of about $500,000 in their only season. [Read more…] about Sept. 8, 1968 – Boston Beacons’ final match at Fenway Park
Substitute Ivica “John” Liposinovic’s 88th-minute deflected shot equalized for the Beacons, who rallied from a 2-0 deficit, playing at a numerical disadvantage after the ejection of Billy Fraser. [Read more…] about Aug. 9, 1968 – Boston Beacons 2:2 New York Generals at Fenway Park
Jamaica national team forward Lloyd McLean’s 25th-minute goal opened the scoring, Pelé and Santos FC then dominating for a 7-1 victory over the Boston Beacons at Fenway Park. Toninho scored twice for Santos, equalizing in the 33rd minute, Pelé converting the go-ahead goal. According to Peter Gammons’ story in The Boston Globe: “ … Although he only scored once and assisted on one goal (Pelé) proved to be one of the most exciting athletes anyone has seen in this area.” Bob Sales’ column compared Pelé to James Brown, Willie Mays, Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax and Bobby Orr. [Read more…] about July 8, 1968 – Pele’s Boston debut