Local Soccer: Boston City FC to call Revere, Medford home in 2019

Fourth-division Boston City FC announced Wednesday that it will play its 2019 home games in the National Premier Soccer League at two venues just to the north of Boston.

Revere’s Harry Della Russo Stadium and Hormel Stadium on the banks of the Mystic River in Medford will share hosting duties for the Lions this year, with the Medford site hosting two of the seven home games.

"We are so excited to provide our loyal fans with matches in both Revere and Medford," BCFC managing director Craig Tornberg said in a statement. "Performing in these venues will provide our supporters with quality facilities and great access to our club.

"We start a fresh NPSL season with great optimism and believe that local soccer fans will continue to enjoy the entertainment we offer and the highest level of soccer available in this area at a very affordable price.”

The NPSL Northeast Division’s season is expected to begin in late April/early May, with the Lions’ home opener slated for Saturday, May 4 at the Revere location. The league is underway in other parts of the country.

Boston City has played at Harry Della Russo Stadium in the past, when it hosted the Bay State Soccer League’s GPS Omens in the 2017 US Open Cup’s second-round matchup, a 2-1 Omens victory in front of 316 people. In addition, BCFC has used Revere Beach in each of its preseasons as part of its training.

BCFC also has a strong relationship with Medford, especially its youth soccer program. During a June 1 home game at Hormel, MYS players will serve as ball kids, player escorts prior to the match, and some will be honorary captains.

The announcement effectively ends a three-year relationship between the Lions and Malden Catholic High School, which rented out its Brother Gilbert Stadium complex to BCFC for its use during the NPSL season, as well as for its 2019 US Open Cup qualifying fixture on Sept. 23 last year.

“We enjoyed the opportunity to begin our project at Brother Gilbert Stadium, and we were able to overcome certain challenges during our three years in Malden,” Tornberg said. “We found the city of Revere to be extremely receptive to our needs and our vision. After working with the city and stadium it was a natural selection for us as we looked to continue to develop our brand throughout the region. We are looking forward to building a tremendous relationship going forward.

“Medford was able to accommodate the two dates when the Revere venue is unavailable, which makes tremendous sense, based on our long-term relationship with Medford Soccer. We can deliver a home match to benefit their program.”

BCFC is expected to announce its fixture list soon, as well as announce its new manager after former Brazilian international Palhinha stepped down in November.

Boston City's Bay State Soccer League entrant will continue to play at Daly Field in Brighton.