Last week, when he was introduced as head coach of the wayward New England Revolution, Bruce Arena was asked about his treasured memories of the Massachusetts hamlet that has housed soccer in NFL stadiums since he entered pro circles more than two decades ago.
“My fondest memory of Foxborough is still 1996 in the rain in the old stadium,” he said. “It was an incredible day for the sport and country.”
Since the first MLS Cup, an overtime thriller played in a nor’easter and won by his D.C. United squad, Arena has experienced many incredible days during American soccer’s growth, both with the pro league and national team.