FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – This past Wednesday night was all about inclusion at Gillette Stadium. The New England Revolution celebrated Pride Night with in-stadium activations and activities ahead of the first team match against Toronto FC, before hosting the club’s annual Unified match.
Following New England’s 0-0 draw against the Canadian side, fans stuck around to watch the Revolution’s Unified squad take on Toronto’s Unified team in an incredible display of equality in sports. The night marked the 12th annual Unified game, as the Revolution and Special Olympics Massachusetts continued their longstanding partnership to make soccer more accessible to all.
“We had a bunch of guys out here supporting the Unified team tonight, and I think it shows how this is one organization. It’s a revolving door of players from the first team, second team, academy, and Unified team,” explained goalkeeper JD Gunn, who stayed to watch the entirety of the Unified match alongside teammates, coaches, and their families. “Tonight shows our support and unity as a club to try and develop and grow the game as much as possible – no matter who you are.”
In partnership with Special Olympics Massachusetts and the Arbella Insurance Group, the Revolution Unified roster features 19 athletes and Unified partners, who try out to represent the Revs and take on other Unified teams across MLS. With one home and one away game each season, the Revolution Unified squad will travel internationally to take on Toronto’s team at BMO Field next, following the first team’s match on August 15.
Although the Revs fell 3-0 to Toronto’s Unified squad, it was one of those nights where the score simply did not represent the game. Both teams put on strong performances, with the Revs taking several shots that just didn’t find the frame. And despite conceding three goals, the team put on a defensive show, highlighted by some goalkeeping heroics.
Perhaps the biggest win of the night, though, was what you couldn’t see on the scoreboard. It was in the crowd – the largest the Unified team has seen yet – and in all the faces who left the field with a smile.
“I have to say, the head coach [Marko Mitrović] being out here was phenomenal. It just shows the support of the New England Revolution, but more importantly, that he was willing to be here and stay the whole game. It’s a first for us,” explained Mary Beth McMahon, president and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “That was really important to the team and to everything we’re doing here, because I think he believes in inclusion, and this is what inclusion is all about.”
While it was a night full of competition, it started with friendship, as the two Unified teams came together for a group dinner the night before the match.
“It was so fun, such a great experience. I’m so grateful for this team and I think everyone killed it,” said Alyson Green, who, alongside teammate Billy Scanlon, will be representing the Revolution as an MLS Unified All-Star next week in Charlotte, North Carolina. “Last night we mingled and we made a lot of new friends. It was so awesome and everyone was so friendly. Then, we brought it out on the field, and it was great to see everyone competing. I look forward to playing them again and we’ll beat them that time.”
For those who couldn’t stay to watch the Unified team compete on Wednesday night or for those who want to support the mission, the Revolution will host their annual Bowl for a Goal presented by Arbella Insurance on August 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Splitsville Luxury Lanes in Patriot Place. All proceeds from the event will go toward benefiting Special Olympics Massachusetts.
“It’s wonderful and I really want to thank the people that were part of it and involved in creating that event yesterday,” said Mitrović. “Seeing our Unified team play against Toronto, it means a lot to them, and it was a beautiful night after our game.”
