Ed Note: This originally appeared In TDIF Issue 1. Published on line in advance of the release of our second issue, 3/8/14. Join us for our release party, more info here.
By: Scott McCullough
The likes of Taylor Twellman, Shalrie Joseph and Matt Reis were some of the leading figures during the Revolution’s most successful years, but recently-elected US Soccer Hall of Famer Joe-Max Moore will always be held in the highest regard by the New England fans as the region’s first true soccer legend of the modern era.
It was the 81st minute; the match level at one all. The home side had just been awarded a penalty kick; their faltering qualification campaign was given a lifeline. Bag it, and tickets to the Far East are nearly punched. Miss it, and they would tragically jeopardize their 15-month long effort to prove that they truly belonged amongst the world’s elite. From the team bench to throughout the stadium, tension was so high that it was almost nonsensical. If nerves could talk, they certainly would have screamed that day.
After a brief discussion with two other teammates, the resolute veteran forward placed the ball on the penalty spot. Confidently taking a few steps back from the ball, the undaunted player exchanged brief words of provocation with the opposing goalkeeper. The crowd settled into an uneasy state of silence.
Bruce Arena maintained a reasonable perspective.
“I was thinking of turning my back to it. Then I thought: I have to see this. If he has the courage to take it, I can at least watch.”
For the fans in attendance who did apprehensively turn their backs (and there were many who did), their fears were dashed the second the celebrative roar overcame the stadium. While the supporters rejoiced with a great sense of both relief and confidence, there was little celebration on the field. Perhaps more focused than ever, the players returned to their positions. The job was not yet finished.
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Sunday October 7th, 2001 was already deemed a day of great significance for New England soccer fans well before a ball was even kicked that afternoon. While US Soccer fans from all across the country had pinpointed that day as the most opportune time for the US Men’s National Team to right their World Cup Qualifying ship from its recent wayward path, this day meant even more to the locals.
Foxboro Stadium, the original home of our beloved New England Revolution, as well as a top venue of choice for the USMNT, was hosting its final ever soccer match. To the stadium’s southeast, the final stages of construction of the cavernous CMGi Field were being implemented. The incumbent stadium, scheduled to be demolished in the coming winter, was welcoming Sam’s Army into Section 2, the original Fort, for the final time.
While an emotional day was long-expected ever since the fixture was announced, news from the regular world had put things into a more serious perspective. Roughly 90 minutes prior to kick-off, the nation was addressed on the commencement of the military air strikes on Afghanistan. The pre-match buzz, from the fans to the media, was converted into feelings of uneasiness for all who were still grieving from the horrible events that took place not even a month prior on September 11th. As realization of the situation became clearer, those uneasy feelings were swapped for a collective sense of strength and unity among fans and players alike.
Shortly before kick-off, Bruce Arena gathered his squad together in the locker room.
“Just so you know, boys, we’ve just officially gone to war.”
Emotions had stirred throughout the room. Perspectives changed within the blink of an eye. The eleven Americans set to take the field that day were to be the first athletes to represent the United States in any sporting competition since 9/11. A match that already had meaning of epic proportions had become even more meaningful. Whatever thoughts were swirling through the player’s heads had to be held in check – there was still a match to play.
“I think it was fair to tell them,” said Arena, later describing his logic behind breaking the news to his team prior to the game. “We thought if our country could make the commitment [it is] making, the game is easy. This is nothing, what we had to deal with today.”
Our nation had unveiled heroes of all sorts throughout the previous 26 days. While September 11th victims, survivors, First Responders and many more were celebrated as heroes (and rightfully so), the United States of America also needed a hero on the soccer field that day. That honor was tailor-made for Joe-Max Moore. So ideal for the New England supporters, it was almost like the outcome was scripted.
The original toast of The Fort, Section 2’s favorite son had returned to Foxboro in a playing capacity for only the third time since leaving the New England Revolution in November of 1999 for famed English Premier League club Everton F.C. Already the USMNT’s 2nd all-time leading marksman with 22 goals to his name (a feat accomplished, fittingly enough, in Foxboro during the previous year versus Barbados in the first round of qualifying), Moore was nearly back to match-fitness after struggling with various injuries and indifferent play with a faltering Everton side, all of which put a damper on much of his 2001 playing year. With fellow US-regular forwards Brian McBride, Clint Mathis and Josh Wolff already shelved with long-term injuries, there couldn’t have been a more ideal opportunity for Moore to re-claim his spot in Arena’s first eleven. That opportunity wouldn’t come without a bit of uncertainty, though, as Moore had tweaked his hamstring during training the previous day. Aside from his goal-scoring ability, he was also very well-known for his relentless effort and hustle on the pitch. Always having a 110% desire to succeed game in and game out, a minor muscle tweak had little-to-no chance of keeping Moore off the field, so long as things went his way. Despite his alarmingly increasing record of spending more time on his team’s physio table than on the pitch, the veteran forward was raring to go. Sticking to his plan and giving him the start at forward alongside some 19-year old kid named Landon Donovan, Arena cautiously obliged Moore’s desire.
“It was Joe’s decision, and we knew he would say he wanted to go,” explained Arena. “I just told him I didn’t want a situation where I was going to have to take him out 30 minutes into the game.”
Arena further supported his decision to stick with Moore, expressing an ode to the forward’s determination to overcome his latest series of injuries to remain one of the first names on the US team sheet when the full three points were absolutely vital:
“Watching him play the last six weeks with Everton, he has been very good and very fit. Joe is a fighter, and besides his skills of being a forward and a danger to score goals, sometimes these games are about rolling up your sleeves and fighting.”
Moore’s fighting spirit paid off once again, as he dove onto the end of Claudio Reyna’s 4th minute free kick to nod the ball past Jamaican goalkeeper Aaron Lawrence and into the goal. The former New England Revolution star had given the US an early lead as fans were belatedly arriving to their seats, still caught up in the substantial events happening outside of the game. None-the-less, Sam’s Army had long been in full voice, cheering and singing in jubilation as the players celebrated the goal at the Fort end.
A few minutes later, in a magnificently noble gesture of honoring our nation in lieu of the recent heartbreaking tragedy, Sam’s Army broke into a grand chorus of “God Bless America” at the game’s 9:11 mark. In a surreal moment of pure unity, the supporters stood proudly and sang. With hands over hearts and tears streaming down the faces of many, a scene of epic solidarity took place while the harmonic words echoed throughout the stadium. The 40,000+ fans in attendance that day joined together as one to support a team representing a nation striving to overcome its wounds. The stage was set for a day like none other for not only New England soccer, but for US Soccer as a whole.
The US desperately needed the full three points in order to stay alive in the CONCACAF final round of World Cup qualifying, as their recent string of poor results – three straight losses to Mexico, Honduras and Costa Rica - put their chances of qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in considerable danger. As it currently stood, the US sat in 4th place, and had qualifying ended before that day, the US would have missed out on the World Cup entirely, as Mexico, then tied on points, would have finished 3rd based on their superior goal differential. Giving the Americans a foundation of hope was their form from their first five qualifying matches, going undefeated with four wins and a solitary draw from their reverse fixture against the Jamaicans. A rash of injuries then led to an inconsistent shuffling of the first eleven, and while that coincided with habitual losses away to Mexico and Costa Rica, arguably the biggest blow was dealt when the US suffered their first-ever home qualifying loss to the high-flying Hondurans in Washington DC. However, with their earlier qualifying form being their saving grace, the US had an outside chance of securing qualification to Japan/Korea 2002 that day against Jamaica, so long that their much-needed three points were accompanied by a draw between Mexico and Costa Rica, as well as an extremely unlikely victory by already-eliminated Trinidad & Tobago over a very determined Honduras. To say the least, a handful of stars would have needed to align in order for the US to qualify for their 4th straight World Cup that day.
Alas, those stars were not very cooperative at first, as Jamaica leveled the score in only the 14th minute. The US repeatedly rued missed chances throughout the bulk of the match, despite controlling the majority of possession. Even a superb close-range volley from Moore early in the 2nd half, set up exceptionally by midfielder John O’Brien, was somehow deflected by Lawrence, leaving many US fans to think “This could be one of those days…”
The US continued to push the Jamaican defense, attacking from all channels. With just over 10 minutes remaining in regulation, Reyna, in an advanced position on the ride side of the pitch, played a quick 1-2 pass with Landon Donovan, sending the bleached-blond youngster into the Jamaican penalty area. Upon receiving the ball, Jamaican defender and fellow MLS player Tyrone Marshall executed a poorly-timed challenge, sliding into Donovan from behind and sending him to the ground. Without hesitation, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot – the most golden of opportunities was offered to the US. Donovan slowly collected himself and walked off the effects of the challenge, while the US players conversed on who should take the spot kick. Moore, midfielder Earnie Stewart and defender Jeff Agoos briefly presented their cases to each other, but ultimately it was Moore, the team’s regularly designated set-piece taker, who would step to the challenge.
For the Foxboro faithful, the ensuing moment could not have been more fitting. Now, with just under 10 minutes remaining in the match plus stoppage time, their original club hero, the scorer of numerous goals over the past half-decade on that very pitch, had the opportunity to potentially win the match, and possibly send the USMNT to their 4th straight World Cup, in front of his old home crowd on a day with so much meaning. Ideally, it would be a legendary ending for soccer’s history at the old Foxboro Stadium.
A bit of trash-talking ensued between Moore and Aaron Lawrence as the ball was placed down on the spot. Knowing how much a positive result would mean to the Americans, the Jamaican goalkeeper tried to get into the veteran forward’s head in a last-ditch effort to further their demise in the final round of qualifying. Moore would have none of it, though, and his intensity and no-nonsense style allowed him to seize the moment.
As Moore took a few steps back from the ball, the nerves amongst the supporters throughout the entire stadium were screamingly high. While knowing that a goal would get the USMNT one step closer to completing their mission, a miss would almost certainly derail an already deteriorating qualifying campaign. Unable to cope with such tension, many fans, not to mention a few of the US players, couldn’t bear to watch. As head’s apprehensively turned away, those watching cheered with confidence. The ultimate competitor, Moore was able to perfectly balance his consummate intensity with the poise of an accomplished veteran. Referee Rodolfo Sibrian blew his whistle, commencing the kick. Almost as if his run up was in slow-motion, Moore smoothly approached the ball and struck. As Lawrence readied himself to dive to the left, Moore’s shot slotted ever-so quickly into the bottom right corner of the goal. The stadium erupted, and all of the fans soon joined Sam’s Army on their feet, celebrating in unison. Moore, remembered fondly by Revolution fans for his famous cartwheel-to-backflip goal celebration, promptly returned to his position instead, accepting a few pats on the back from teammates as he ruthlessly stared down Lawrence. It was his way of reminding his teammates that the job was not done yet.
The Americans desperately defended their lead as legs grew tired; they needed a bit of a spark from the substitutes’ bench. Not forgetting about Moore’s nagging hamstring pull from the previous day, Arena replaced him with Cobi Jones in the 85th minute. The crowd gave a hero’s ovation as Moore exited the field to the US bench, applauding his old home crowd for their support on such a meaningful day. Arena extended a handshake to his goal scorer along with a pat on the back; a job well-done followed with a deserved rest. Moore certainly did his job that day.
As the final whistle blew, the crowd cheered victoriously. The players, while relieved to have secured the much-needed three points, held their celebrations in check as news from the two other CONCACAF qualifying matches came in. They were quick to be informed of the 0-0 draw between Mexico and Costa Rica - one of the two outside results had gone their way. Huddled together towards midfield, the US players, coaches and staff waited anxiously for the result down in San Pedro Sula. A shock win for Trinidad and Tobago against Honduras, still competing for a spot in Japan and South Korea, would put the Americans through.
Sam’s Army remained standing, still singing and chanting, anxiously awaiting the other result. Suddenly, the players and staff started to jump in excitement. Almost instantaneously, the stadium’s PA announcer addressed the crowd of the news:
“Ladies and gentlemen, the results for today’s other CONCACAF World Cup qualifying matches are as follows: Mexico….zero, Costa Rica….zero.”
A celebrative cheer from the crowd quickly dimmed in anticipation of the other result.
“Trinidad and Tobago…one, Honduras…zero. The United States has qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup!”
The Foxboro crowd erupted in celebration. While qualification was absolutely expected, it was not expected to happen that day. The players ran over to the Fort and rejoiced with Sam’s Army. While the current state of the nation took precedence over just about anything else, there was finally something to celebrate about right here in New England – even if it was just a game.
No other outcome could have been more fitting for Joe-Max Moore and the New England soccer community, as well as the US Soccer community as a whole. The player who was held in such high regard by the New England fans returned to his former playing grounds and swept the nation into the World Cup during a time when Americans greatly needed something to celebrate about. For the sport of Soccer at least, Joe-Max Moore certainly closed out Foxboro Stadium in style.
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October 7th, 2001 is probably the perfect example of Joe-Max Moore’s impact on the sport of soccer in New
England. From July 24, 1996, the day he was allocated to the Revolution, through his ill-fated return to the club after his Everton days, Moore will already be remembered by long-time Revolution fans as their original club hero.
He exploded onto the MLS scene with a remarkable 11 goals from 14 matches in his first season, and while he missed a large amount of time throughout the next two seasons due to injuries and World Cup commitments, Moore always gave the Fort something to cheer about. While his Revolution side struggled regularly and only qualified for the MLS playoffs once in his first four years with the club, he was undoubtedly a class above the rest. His 1999 season, leading the club is both goals and assists with 15 and 8, respectively, was the icing on a brilliant tenure with the underachieving Revs, leaving many to insist that he deserved so much more from his time here.
He was off to Everton FC as the new millennium dawned, and while the Revolution supporters were sad to see a legend leave, they were simultaneously proud to see one of their own take off so quickly in the greatest league in the world. Moore light up the score sheet much like he did when he first arrived in New England, taking the Premier League by storm until consistent injuries slowed his progress. Nonetheless, Moore achieved a cult-hero status amongst the supporters at Goodison Park – a status that remains to this day.
As he played out the remainder of his contract at Everton, Moore signed with MLS and New England for the 2nd time in his career, returning to the club that celebrated his play so much in the late 90’s. Despite the fact that Joe-Max’s game was a bit refined from injury troubles, his explosive ability toned down a bit with a more calm demeanor, the New England supporters were still thrilled at the prospect of Moore teaming up with new scoring sensation Taylor Twellman in the wake of the Revs’ first-ever MLS Cup appearance. While Moore’s second stint with New England didn’t exactly live up to expectations due to chronic injury troubles, the New England faithful were at least able to see their original club legend call it day as a Revs player, as the final straw with a persistent knee injury forced him to announce his retirement prior to the 2005 season.
This year, celebrated by US Soccer as their Centennial year, Joe-Max Moore received the ultimate honor as an American player by being elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. It may have taken a few years longer than expected for him to get the honor, but it was well-deserved, as 100 international caps, 24 goals and 3 World Cups should be enough for anyone to get into the Hall, never mind his remarkable club career that saw him score bundles of goals both in MLS and in Europe.
Joe-Max Moore left a lasting legacy at the New England Revolution. Despite fielding the ever-recognizable Alexi Lalas during the club’s first two seasons, Moore was truly the Revs’ first star. He got enough recognition from the local sports media, known to be quite un-friendly towards soccer, to be included in the list of the big names in Boston sports during his heyday. His goals were plentiful, his famous cartwheel-to-backflip goal celebration extraordinary, and his overall top-class play gave the New England supporters something to truly cherish during those tough early years. He was loved by the fans, and the feeling was mutual: “I love Boston and I love Foxboro and their fans. I seem to have a rapport with them and know some of them quite well. I’m happy that I could perform in front of them.”
Many notable players have worn the New England Revolution colors since Moore’s days at the club, and many more surely will in the years that lie ahead. For the New England supporters, though, there will only be one Joe-Max Moore - the original club legend.
Many notable players have worn the New England Revolution colors since Moore’s days at the club, and many more surely will in the years that lie ahead. For the New England supporters, though, there will only be one Joe-Max Moore - the original club legend.
Quote Sources:
Soccer America - October 29, 2001 issue
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