Gillette Stadium. It fits over 60,000 people. It has it's own shopping center, cinema, and is home to one of the most successful American football teams in the country. And for the New England Revolution, it just isn't working out.
While it may seem like an amazing stadium for some, a growing number of soccer fans in New England want the Revolution to build a home of their own, one that's closer to the young crowds of Boston and somewhere the team can develop it's own history and brand. Critics have been complaining for years that Gillette is much too big and much too focused on the Patriots to ever allow the Revs to succeed. The recent addition of artificial turf has only caused more outcry among supporters, as many professional soccer players refuse to play on fake grass due to fear of injury.
The location of the proposed new stadium has been unknown until late, but it seems that now plans are to renovate the old Wonderland dog track in Revere, Massachusetts. Management is reportedly looking to build an 18-22 thousand seat stadium on the site, which has been vacant ever since dog racing was made illegal in Massachusetts in 2010.
In my opinion, the location would be perfect for the Revolution. It is large enough that the stadium could be expanded if attendance ever increases, and there are also rumors of a Casino being built near-by, which would increase attention. There is also a train station directly across the street, making it a very easy location to travel to.
That being said, I refuse to get my hopes up too much. There have been rumors of a new stadium before, and I am skeptical that owner Robert Kraft would want to spend money to build a new stadium for a team he refuses to get the attention it deserves. Until the announcement is official, I expect the Revolution to be playing in the cavernous Gillette stadium for the foreseeable future.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Profiles: NCAA Division I, UConn
The University of Connecticut remains the clear favorite for top team in New England, starting off their season 7-0-1. They are currently ranked 2nd in the nation, behind #1 ranked Maryland. They have outscored their competition 21-2 so far in all games, including a 6-0 crushing of Harvard. Led by Jamaican sophomore keeper Andre Blake, the Huskies are 3rd in the nation in save percentage. Fan favorite
Mamadou Doudou Diouf has led the team in scoring with 7 goals, as well as entertained fans with his hard to pronounce name. Senior Carlos Alvarez leads the team in assists with 5.
The University of Connecticut's soccer team is traditionally a very strong squad. They have won a whopping 11 conference championships, and have appeared in the national tournament 28 times, with their most recent championship being in 2000. Last year they made the quarterfinals before being knocked out in penalty kicks by Charlotte.
I had the privilege to experience a pre-season game this year at UConn, and I was quite impressed by what I saw. Their field, Joseph J. Morrone Stadium, is a fine venue for collegiate soccer. Their fans, known as the "Goal Patrol" preside behind both of the stadium's goals, cheering on their own goalkeeper while making life miserable for their opponent's. While their offense was impressive, their defense was even more special, preventing the opposing team from any real chances at goal for the entire match. That game, like almost every other game for the Huskies this year, ended in victory. While there are still many games to play this season, I would not be the least bit surprised to see Connecticut in the final championship match.
Mamadou Doudou Diouf has led the team in scoring with 7 goals, as well as entertained fans with his hard to pronounce name. Senior Carlos Alvarez leads the team in assists with 5.
The University of Connecticut's soccer team is traditionally a very strong squad. They have won a whopping 11 conference championships, and have appeared in the national tournament 28 times, with their most recent championship being in 2000. Last year they made the quarterfinals before being knocked out in penalty kicks by Charlotte.
I had the privilege to experience a pre-season game this year at UConn, and I was quite impressed by what I saw. Their field, Joseph J. Morrone Stadium, is a fine venue for collegiate soccer. Their fans, known as the "Goal Patrol" preside behind both of the stadium's goals, cheering on their own goalkeeper while making life miserable for their opponent's. While their offense was impressive, their defense was even more special, preventing the opposing team from any real chances at goal for the entire match. That game, like almost every other game for the Huskies this year, ended in victory. While there are still many games to play this season, I would not be the least bit surprised to see Connecticut in the final championship match.
Player Profile: New England native and URI grad Geoff Cameroon begins first season in England's Premier League
New England native Geoff Cameron's career has been on the rise as of late. Cameron, who was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts and played 2 seasons for the URI Rams, recently made the move from America's MLS to the English Premier League squad Stoke City F.C. He also has played for the US National team five times this year, including during a historic 1-0 win over Mexico.
These new opportunities to play up against some of the world's greatest players should only further Cameron's success. If all goes well for the United States and Cameron leading up to 2014, don't be surprised if you hear the University of Rhode Island mentioned once or twice during the broadcast of the next World Cup.
Cameron began his career in West Virginia before transferring to URI his junior year. While in Kingston, Cameron racked up the awards, including the A-10 Midfielder of the Year award. He also played for a local semi-pro team, the Rhode Island Stingrays. In 2005, he was selected by the Houston Dynamo in the draft, making his debut against his home state's team, the Revolution.
He is a versatile player, ranging from center back to attacking midfielder, and has recently received praise from ESPN analyst and former US national team star Alexi Lalas, who said:
"He has the physical attributes to bang when he needs to but he also has a real confidence in the way he handles the ball and the way he passes out of the back. He can not only play at the back but also in the midfield, which gives him versatility."
These new opportunities to play up against some of the world's greatest players should only further Cameron's success. If all goes well for the United States and Cameron leading up to 2014, don't be surprised if you hear the University of Rhode Island mentioned once or twice during the broadcast of the next World Cup.
Monday, September 24, 2012
News: Rev's Nguyen done until 2013 Following Surgery
Things have gone from bad to even worse for Major League Soccer fans in New England, as the last place Revolution have now sidelined their leading scorer Lee Nguyen due to a lingering shoulder injury. Nguyen, who played three seasons in Vietnam before having a breakout-year for the Revs in 2012, is expected to be 100% in time for next season. This news comes just days after the struggling team announced that starting striker Saer Sene was out for the season after tearing his ACL. While these injuries will only lead to even fewer tickets being sold this season for the struggling club, at least it will give a chance for some of the younger players to get some first squad experience. Meanwhile, supporters, just like Sene and Nguyen, will be left waiting until next season. The Revs take on the Dynamo in Houston tomorrow night, a game I plan to begrudgingly watch.
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