Season Update on Boston City FC in the NPSL
The Lions Take On New York Athletic Club At 6pm On Saturday May 28 At Malden Catholic High School After Three-Match Road TripBoston City FC are set to return to Malden Catholic High School on Saturday to face off against New York Athletic Club. The NPSL club is currently tied for third place in the Northeast Atlantic Conference and has launched a series of community initiatives while integrating with its home city of Malden.
Soccer News: Boston City FC makes a much-anticipated return to Malden Catholic High School at 6pm on Saturday, May 28, sitting in joint third place in the National Premier Soccer League Northeast Atlantic Conference standings.
Head coach Palhinha will be looking for nothing less than a victory against bottom of the table New York Athletic Club after a steady start to the Boston club’s inaugural season that has so far featured two wins, two defeats and a draw.
“I’m very happy about everything so far and the commitment the players have shown,” said Palhinha. “They work at jobs away from soccer every day, but they always take part every night in practice. We demand a lot of them, but they really believe in the project and they are supported by a dedicated technical staff. I’m also very happy with our fans, who have been coming to our games and show their passion and have worn the badge of Boston City FC on their hearts.”
Five games in and a handful of players have emerged as the team’s leaders and fan favorites:
- Captain Ronaldo Vieira has established himself a dominant force at the heart of the Lions’ midfield and has started every match this season.
- Jadilson Vieira leads the team with three assists and last weekend against the Brooklyn Italians scored a stunning free kick that curled over the defensive wall. The Brazilian makes a habit of winning the ball in midfield and transitioning the turnover into an attack.
- Ghanaian striker Yaw Addow became an instant hero as he scored the first-ever goal in BCFC history and has added a second goal, making him the club’s top scorer. His no-nonsense approach means he also leads the yellow cards category with three.
- Defender Gabriel De Souza is the only player to have played every minute of action this season (450). He scored the game-winning goal at home to Seacoast Phantoms and clipped the post against Brooklyn.
- Injury prevented Caique Margarido from making his debut until two weeks ago, but he has since provided a steady presence in midfield.
Away from the pitch, Boston City FC has developed several community initiatives while integrating with its home city of Malden, MA:
Security With A Smile – will champion an integration of two entities – spectators and security. Fans will be encouraged to work hand-in-hand with security staff at all matches and have positive interactions, while caring about the safety of all in attendance.
Kickin’ In For Kids with Malden Trans – Through the generosity of the club’s transportation partner Malden Trans, 50 local special needs students and their chaperones will attend each home match. Malden Trans has invited various school districts that they serve to provide tickets to kids who will sit in a reserved section of the stands. At the conclusion of the match, these children will be escorted to the corner of the pitch where players from Boston City FC will sign autographs.
Standing Proud for the Lions – A feature popular with fans attending Boston City FC home matches has been the option to stand behind the goal or across from the 18-yard box, bringing spectators closer to the action, and that dedicated space will again be available when the Lions play at home at Malden Catholic high school on Saturday.
Send in your photo – To add some fun to the ‘Security With A Smile’ initiative, the club is asking fans to submit photos of themselves wearing Boston City FC replica shirts or scarves either in iconic settings around Massachusetts, or simply while enjoying watching their team play. For every home match, one photo will be chosen by Lions head coach Palhinha as the one most deserving of a prize of either a BCFC scarf, hat or t-shirt. A season winner will then win a replica shirt signed by the team. Fans may submit their photos, which will all be posted at www.BostonCityFC.com, by emailing contact@bostoncityfc.com or by positing on Twitter @BostonCityFC1 using the hash Tag #BCFCUSsmile.
Ride with Malden Trans – Fans arriving at Malden Center MBTA Station may take a free shuttle service to Brother Gilbert Stadium at Malden Catholic High School. Buses start running at 4.30pm, an hour and a half before kickoff, and leave the Malden Center MBTA Station every 30 minutes until 6pm. Those who ride the free service will then be able to return at 30-minute intervals, beginning 15 minutes after the end of the match.
Source/Photo Credit: Boston City FC
Related article: NPSL Spotlight: Boston City FC
