Photo: Kari Heistad, Captured Images
On Saturday night, the New England Revolution wrapped up a week of work with the Massachusetts Special Olympics by hosting a soccer game between Special Olympics players from the NE Revolution and NYCFC. After a back and forth game, NYCFC won the game 1-0.
The game was played after the MLS game between the NE Revolution and NYCFC which resulted in a 1-0 win for the NE Revolution. Fans were invited to stay for the second game and they moved to sit in the supporters section of the stadium, locally called the Fort. With the field positioned across the regulation field, each team played with 7 players per side and for two 20 minute halves.
The play was evenly divided among the teams, with NYCFC regularly testing the Revolution goal keeper who saved numerous shots on goal. The only goal of the game came in the 30th minute after the keeper made one save, but the rebound was knocked in by NYCFC. While the Revolution team rallied in the final ten minutes of the game, they were unable to find the equalizer.
The Revolution team had support from the entire Revolution organization. The Revolution had hosted a contract signing session earlier in the week and Revolution coaches Jay Heaps and Tom Soehn watched part of the game, even offering coaching to the Revolution goalie and reacting with dismay when the team missed a goal opportunity. The Revolution front staff team was lead by President Brian Bilello. Revolution player Andrew Farrell watched the entire game and he offered coaching to the players at half time and he gave out awards at the end of the game.
Jay Heaps NE Revolution coach reacts to a missed goal scoring opportunity. Photo: Kari Heistad, Captured Images
Players were treated to the full game experience as they marched in through the Revolution flags and cheered on by the Rev Girls. The Fort and fans provided the singing for the national anthem and the regular announcer read off player names and the goal scorer over the stadium broadcast system. The Minutemen who fire a volley after home goals for the NE Revolution also attended and were prepared to celebrate if the Revolution side had scored. The Fort adapted numerous game chants to be family friendly and also inclusive with cheers like “Let’s go team in blue” which was apt as both teams were in blue.
The game culminated activities that included the first ever Bowl For A Goal fundraiser which was held on Wednesday. The event featured Revolution players, staff, Special Olympians, and fans bowling for a team trophy that was given away at the end of the evening. The event raised $60,000 for the Massachusetts Special Olympics. The money will be used to fund the participation of 600 Olympians in soccer programs across Massachusetts this fall.
