New England is among the few areas of the country where Lusophone influence is stronger than Hispanic. Organizers began capitalizing by staging a Brazil v Mexico friendly at Gillette Stadium in 2007, the Mexican players expressing surprise when their supporters were outnumbered. [Read more…] about Sept. 10, 2013 – Brazil 3:1 Portugal at Gillette Stadium (Att.: 62,310, third-largest soccer crowd in Mass. history)
CMGI Field opened with a New England Revolution 2-0 win over Dallas, Taylor Twellman scoring both goals, on May 11, 2002. Gillette took over naming rights from College Marketing Group Information, an internet venture company, in early August.
Aug. 18, 2002 – Revolution 0:2 Chicago Fire at Gillette Stadium (Att.: 15,336) [Read more…] about Aug. 18, 2002 – First game at (renamed) Gillette Stadium
In 22 years of existence, the Revolution have won five season-openers – one since Kheli Dube’s goal made the difference in a 1-0 win over the San Jose Earthquakes in the 2009 opener. Dube totaled 19 goals in 91 matches in all competitions for the Revolution. Dube played for the Revolution from 2008-11 and was on the squad during the ’08 CONCACAF Champions Cup, but did not participate in the team’s two-game campaign. Dube did compete in the African Champions Cup as a member of the Zimbabwe club Highlanders FC of Bulawayo. Dube’s experience (combination of international and collegiate), plus his timing and finishing ability made him an effective player in MLS. Dube was prolific both at home, totaling 11 goals at Gillette Stadium (tied with Landon Donovan for 12th on the all-time list), and away. [Read more…] about March 21, 2009 – Kheli Dube’s 55th-minute goal gives Revolution win in season-opener. Origins of MLS ‘live streaming,’ YouTube replay
This Week in NE Soccer History
Jan. 5, 2014 – Eusebio da Silva Ferreira dies in Lisbon
Eusebio da Silva Ferreira concluded his Benfica career and moved to the NASL to play for the Boston Minutemen in 1975, the year Pelé joined the New York Cosmos. The Eusebio-Pelé rivalry played out early in the season when the teams met at Nickerson Field June 20, 1975, the Minutemen winning, 2-1. Pelé left the game after his goal was ruled offside, the oversold crowd (estimated at 20,000-plus) storming the field, the result later annulled by NASL commissioner Phil Woosnam. Minutemen owner John Sterge was experiencing financial difficulties and facing Securities and Exchange Commission charges, so he sent Eusebio and Wolfgang Suhnholz to Toronto, where they won the 1976 Soccer Bowl title. [Read more…] about Jan. 5, 2014 – Benfica great Eusebio dies in Lisbon