Crowds followed Pelé, whether he was playing a competitive match, a friendly, or just making a promotional stop, whether in Boston, Benin City or Brasilia. "I see they are kids 5 and 6 years old and I know they never saw Pelé play," he said while surrounded by a few hundred, mostly young, admirers … [Read more...]
What South Kent product and top draft pick Joshua Bolma brings to the Revolution
Joshua Bolma did not know much about the New England climate or the New England Revolution when he arrived at South Kent School in 2017. But Bolma’s experience playing for the Cardinals and Black Rock FC helped prepare him for the next step in his soccer career, which will begin with preseason next … [Read more...]
Analysis: New England storylines to follow at the World Cup
Professional scouts visiting Storrs, Conn., a few years ago might have predicted UConn forward Cyle Larin would be a candidate to play in the World Cup someday. Few, however, made their way down Interstate-91 to Fairfield, Conn., where Matt Turner was performing as a goalkeeper, nor would they have … [Read more...]
How Massachusetts native Ryan Malone has solidified a spot with FC Hansa Rostock
As a central defender, Ryan Malone might not be expected to attempt injury time penalty kicks with the game on the line for FC Hansa Rostock. But Malone had plenty of experience scoring goals while growing up as a striker in Chicopee, Mass., then becoming Springfield College’s leading scorer, before … [Read more...]
Hal Phillips’ book explores how New Englanders helped the rise of soccer in U.S.
In the mid-1970s, playing youth soccer for the Wellesley Pilgrims became a reasonably cheap proposition for Hal Phillips. "My mom tells me it was 25 bucks in fees," said Phillips, who grew up in Wellesley, Mass., and now resides in Auburn, Maine. "That covered the cost of a shirt." From those … [Read more...]
Diego Fagundez reflects on Revs days, relishes fresh start in Austin
Few New England Revolution players have seemed as joyful as Diego Fagundez performing at Gillette Stadium. Fagundez had good reason to seem happy. He was playing for his hometown team, and had been scoring goals for the Revolution from the time he was a high school sophomore. By his 10th year with … [Read more...]