Frank Dell'Apa

U.S. Men's National Team

Feb. 16, 1929 – Goal-scorers & ‘keepers

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There had been evidence the U.S. could produce high level goal-scorers and goalkeepers in the early part of the century, as Archie Stark (253 goals), Johnny Nelson (223) and Davey Brown (189) became the top three career scorers in the American Soccer League. New Englanders included U.S. national team captain Tommy Florie (126) and U.S. national team stars Bert Patenaude (118) and Billy Gonsalves (92). Lower-profile scorers also were emerging, such as Arnie Oliver and Freddie Wall. On this day, Wall scored twice as Philadelphia FC handed the Providence Gold Bugs their only home defeat of second half of ASL season with a 3-2 decision. Wall, born in Fall River, finished seventh in the ASL with 22 goals in 25 games, also playing for the Newark Skeeters.

“The Phils’ center-forward almost won the game single-handed when he scored two goals and passed to Wardrop a third,” according to The Boston Globe account. For the deciding goal, Wall outmaneuvered Joe Kennaway, who would go on to be Celtic FC’s starting goalkeeper from 1931-39. [Read more…] about Feb. 16, 1929 – Goal-scorers & ‘keepers

Feb. 14, 1926 – ‘Great Soccer in the Rain at Tiverton, R.I.’

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The U.S. Open Cup (the National Cup then), and American Soccer League games, were conducted through the winter months in the early part of the century. And supporters showed up (and stayed), despite the weather.

On this day, the Boston Wonderworkers held the Fall River Marksmen to a 1-1 draw at Mark’s Stadium.

The subhead in The Boston Globe read:

‘Crowd of 7000 at Game, a League Thriller’

The opening graph noted: “The ground was clear of snow and ice and the teams got away with a bang.” [Read more…] about Feb. 14, 1926 – ‘Great Soccer in the Rain at Tiverton, R.I.’

Feb. 12, 1928 – The story of Barney Battles

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On this day in 1928, the Providence Clamdiggers and Boston Wonder Workers played to a 0-0 draw. In the first half, former Chelsea FC center forward Bill Finlayson hit the post and Boston’s Bobby Blair, the American Soccer League’s second-leading scorer (38 goals) the previous season, missed an open net . The Boston Globe story notes Providence goalkeeper Joe Kennaway, who would go on to play for Celtic FC, “fell prone in the mud,” but Blair “hurried his boot and as a result shot clear over the bar.” Blair “rocked the upright with a fine drive” late in the game. In the final two minutes, Boston’s Johnny Ballantyne (Partick Thistle, Queen’s Park Rangers) and Providence’s Jimmy Bardell were ejected for fighting. [Read more…] about Feb. 12, 1928 – The story of Barney Battles

Feb. 9, 1929 – ‘Biggest crowd, best soccer of the season’

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Bobby Blair scored twice as J&P Coats took a 3-0 win over the Providence Gold Bugs, remaining unbeaten in the second half of the ASL season in “a contest which brought about the biggest crowd and best soccer of the current season,” according to 2/10/29 editions of the Boston Globe. Providence’s Joe Kennaway would go on to become Celtic FC goalkeeper from 1931-39.

On the same day, the Boston Wonder Workers were upset, 4-3, by Jersey City at the Walpole Street Grounds. The visitors from Skeeterville “inject(ed) Jimmy Douglas, Olympic goalie of 1924 into their lineup” and “deserved to win,” according to the Globe account. “The field was heavy, in fact it was ankle deep in mud …” [Read more…] about Feb. 9, 1929 – ‘Biggest crowd, best soccer of the season’

Feb. 8, 2000 – John Harkes reports to Revolution camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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Former U.S. national team captain John Harkes played an important role as the New England Revolution compiled their first .500 record for an MLS regular season in 2000. But after the Revolution got off to a six-game losing streak in 2001, Harkes departed for Columbus. Harkes finished with two goals in 55 appearances for the Revolution.

The Revolution team that began the 2000 season included several players who went on to become coaches, Leonel Alvarez (Colombia) and Mauricio Wright (Costa Rica) winning championships. Harkes made his coaching debut with FC Cincinnati last year, guiding the team to third place in the Eastern Conference. [Read more…] about Feb. 8, 2000 – John Harkes reports to Revolution camp in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Jan. 30, 2015 – Revolution acquire Agudelo on free transfer from Stoke City

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The New England Revolution were hoping Juan Agudelo would provide the goal or goals to make the difference if they returned to a final. And Agudelo did just that, scoring twice against FC Dallas in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup. The Revolution had neglected to shore up the defense, though, and so were routed, 4-2, by FC Dallas.

Agudelo scored six goals in the final eight matches (all competitions) last season, also displaying impressive playmaking qualities. Agudelo has yet to fulfill his enormous potential. But his strong finish to the 2016 season, and callup to the U.S. national team, indicates this could be his time.

Below are excerpts of my story from the 2/10/15 editions of The Boston Globe: [Read more…] about Jan. 30, 2015 – Revolution acquire Agudelo on free transfer from Stoke City

Jan. 17, 2003 – Revolution select Pat Noonan with No. 9 pick in SuperDraft

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Jan. 17, 2003 – Revs select Pat Noonan with No. 9 pick in MLS SuperDraft, acquire Matt Reis from LA Galaxy in exchange for Alex Pineda Chacon

Noonan went on to score 46 goals in all competitions in four years with the Revolution, second on the team’s all-time list at time, before departing for Aalesund in Norway.

This draft marked former Revolution coach Steve Nicol’s ability to find underrated collegiate prospects late in the first round. In 2004, Nicol took Clint Dempsey at No. 8 and in 2005, Michael Parkhurst No. 9. [Read more…] about Jan. 17, 2003 – Revolution select Pat Noonan with No. 9 pick in SuperDraft