FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Amputee Soccer Association – representing the Revolution – were crowned champions earlier this month, taking home the title for a second time in the fourth annual U.S. Amputee Soccer Cup. It was the club’s first time lifting the trophy since winning the tournament in its inaugural year in 2023.
Held from July 31 to August 2 in Central Islip, New York, this year’s tournament was the largest edition yet, featuring seven regional teams from across the United States.
New England controlled the competition from start to finish, going a perfect 4-0-0. The Revs were dominant on both sides of the ball, scoring 20 goals across four games while conceding just two.
The weekend highlighted both the continued growth of amputee soccer in the United States, and the competitive standard that New England has built within its squad.
“It was literally outstanding. We were in the same championship last year and we lost, so to see everyone, all the players bringing the cup back and seeing some of the veteran players who have been on the team for a few years, it was just super important to all of us,” said goalkeeper Greg Cunningham. “We’ve shown that the Revs have what it takes to be the best of the best. Everyone was in tears. We’re just family and you can’t beat that.”
Cunningham, New England captain Nico Calabria, attacker Musabwa Nzirimwo, and several others have also competed with the United States Amputee Soccer Team on some of the largest stages in the sport. With the 2026 WAFF World Cup approaching in November, the U.S. Amputee Soccer Cup provided a high-level test for players aiming to earn a spot on the national team roster.
“To be able to represent the country with that caliber of athletes and on that stage, the energy level is super high, and the enthusiasm levels are even higher,” Cunningham explained.
Calabria and Nzirimwo were both recognized for their standout performances during the tournament. Nzirimwo earned the Golden Boot with six goals, while Calabria was named Most Valuable Player after recording five goals and 10 assists. Both players were also selected to the Team of the Tournament.
While Calabria and Nzirimwo’s production reflected the experience already in New England’s group, the tournament also gave Hudson Hammer, Robinson Pergistre, and Menchikov Louis their first appearances with the team.
For Hammer, who began training with the Revs last winter not long after losing his leg in a motorcycle accident, the team quickly became an important part of his life.
“Last winter I went to my first practice, and everyone was so awesome and super welcoming. It felt good to be around other people who were amputees or have limb differences,” he explained. “We’ve all been through something, whether born limb different or had an accident, an amputation, we’ve all got a story, and we all respect each other in a sense that most people wouldn’t know. The support is huge; it’s like a brotherhood. I think I needed it and it’s something I missed in my life.”
For New England, the title was both a result of and a marker of progress. With combined veteran experience, new players, and a competitive edge to reclaim the trophy, New England continues to show the level the sport is reaching across the country.
“It’s hard to fathom that just a year before this I was struggling to get around. Now, we’re playing in the U.S. Amputee Cup and winning. So, it’s just amazing,” Hammer said. “I hope in the future the sport just continues to grow and more people are shown amputee sports. I hope we just get more people involved, more teams, and even more competition.”
The New England Amputee Soccer Association will next play on the field at Gillette Stadium on September 19, following the first team’s game against Orlando City SC.
