BOSTON — Former Whitman Hanson soccer star Kristie Mewis and the rest of the Boston Breakers made their home debut in their new stadium on the campus of Harvard University Sunday afternoon.
The Breakers christened Soldiers Field Soccer Stadium with a 3-2 victory over the Houston Dash in front of 2, 372 roaring fans, to move to 1-1 on the season. The Breakers made the move across campus as Harvard Stadium, the clubs former home, is undergoing major renovations.
Mewis grew up just a short 40-minute drive from Soldiers Field, donning the black and red for the Panthers in high school, and lacing up her cleats on the grass soccer fields in Hanson. In a storied high school career, which she finished with 74 goals and 34 assists.
Mewis had earned many honors as Panther, including being named a three-time NSCAA All-American, three-time All-New England and All-Massachusetts team honoree and a three-time Eastern Massachusetts Girls Soccer Association Div. 1 First-Team All-Star. In 2008, Mewis was named the NSCAA Youth Player of the Year and the U.S. Soccer Young Female Athlete of the Year. In 2009, she was named to the Parade All-America team. Mewis also played for the Region 1 Olympic Development Program (ODP) team from 2003–2007.
Kristie stayed close to home in college and attended Boston College on a full soccer scholarship from 2009 – 2012. In her time at The Heights Mewis became the Eagles all-time points’ leader, finishing her collegiate career with 39 goals, 38 assists, nine game-winning goals and 21 multiple-point games. She was also one of only two players in program history to register a goal in five straight games.
After a short three week stint with Canberra United FC in 2013 where she scored her first professional goal, Mewis was selected In January 2013, third overall in the 2013 NWSL College Draft to FC Kansas City for the inaugural season of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL.)
In November 2013, FC Kansas City traded Mewis to Seattle Reign FC for Amy Rodriguez. Days later on Nov. 18 Mewis was traded alongside Michelle Betos and two 2015 NWSL College Draft picks to the Boston Breakers for Sydney Leroux.
“My dream has always been to play professionally and the fact I can do that in my hometown is the best feeling in the world” said Mewis after the Breakers 3-2 victory. “It allows my friends and family to come to the games and for me to be able to play so close to home is extremely lucky.”
Mewis signed a three-month contract with Iga FC Kunoichi of the Japanese Nadeshiko League first division during the NWSL off-season. Wearing number 31 and playing as a forward, Mewis scored five goals in seven games. During matches in which Mewis played, Iga FC recorded a 6-1 record.
“I knew I needed a confidence builder because I had a rough season last year, as well as coming off an injury so I wanted to get away and try something new and get my confidence back. Being with a new team and playing in a new environment definitely helped me and it was a great experience.”
This upcoming weekend Kristie will face younger sister Sam Mewis, who is two games into her rookie campaign with the Western New York Flash. On Saturday, May 2 the former teammates will battle for Mewis household bragging rights until Sam makes her homecoming June 28 when the WNY Flash travel to Boston.
“I never played against Sam in college, and it’s been awhile since we played with each other, but we know each other’s tendencies’ and playing style” Mewis said about playing Sam this upcoming weekend in Rochester, New York. “We will probably exchange a laugh or two during the game but it’s going to be a fun experience and I am looking forward to seeing her.”
Be sure to follow Whitman-Hanson writer Brian McLoughlin on Twitter at @bmcloughlin22 for updates from Rochester, New York all weekend long as he covers the battle of the Mewis sisters.