Thursday, May 28, 2026
Doors: 5:30 PM | Program Starts: 6:00 PM
$10 for Members or $20 Non-Members
Across the Atlantic, Onto the Field: The Story of Portuguese-American Soccer
Thursday, May 28, 2026 | Doors: 5:30 PM | Program Starts: 6:00 PM
WJFD-FM sportscaster John Gonsalves will present an engaging look at soccer’s deep roots in the SouthCoast, exploring how the sport united local communities and helped shape the nation’s passion for the game. This historical retrospective is especially timely as the sport prepares to return to the global spotlight in 2026.
Following the presentation, Gonsalves will moderate a dynamic panel of soccer experts for a lively conversation. Together, they will delve into the game’s evolving role, the significant influence of the Lusophone world, and soccer’s enduring power to unite communities across generations and borders.
Program
5:30 PM – Doors Open
6:00 PM – Welcome & Opening Remarks
6:05 PM – Overview on History of Soccer on the Southcoast
6:35 PM – Moderated Panel Discussion
Panelists:
- Lucio Santos
- Carlos Medina
- Yasmina Carvalho
7:15 PM – Audience Q&A
An open dialogue with panelists and guests.
7:30–8:30 PM – Reception
Join us in the Jacobs Family Gallery for light refreshments and continued conversation.
Speaker Biographies
John Gonsalves is a veteran sports broadcaster and journalist best known for his long‑running work at WJFD‑FM 97.3 in New Bedford, Massachusetts—the largest Portuguese‑language radio station in the United States. John has also spent decades as a sportswriter for O Jornal, the Portuguese‑language newspaper serving the region. His time there stretches back to the late 1970s, giving him nearly half a century of sports journalism experience
Lúcio Santos is a skilled and energetic soccer coach with more than 35 years of experience as both a player and mentor, backed by advanced coaching diplomas and formal training in Sports Psychology. Passionate about inspiring athletes, he is known for fostering long‑term learning, competitive excellence, and respect on and off the field, with a strong ability to work effectively with diverse personalities. As a player, Santos developed his game in the Lusitania of Azores Junior Academy (1976–1979), competed with LASA (Luso American Soccer Association) from 1980–1996, and played professionally with the Rhode Island Stingrays of the USSL during the 1993–1994 season. His extensive coaching career includes serving as Director of Coaching and staff coach at the renowned Resendes Soccer Academy, head coach at Stoughton High School, assistant coach at Stonehill College, head coach of Massasoit College men’s soccer, and leading men’s Division I teams with Taunton Sports and the Taunton Eagles. His contributions to the game have been recognized with NJCAA Coach of the Year honors and induction into the New England Soccer Hall of Fame.
Yasmina Carvalho was named head coach of the BSU women's soccer team in January of 2014. A three-time All-MASCAC selection and two-year captain for Bridgewater State, Carvalho anchored the Bears' defensive backfield for four seasons from 2006 to 2009. She tallied three goals and an assist in 61 career games including 51 starts as she helped the Bears capture the MASCAC regular season title in 2008 and reach the MASCAC Tournament championship game in two of her four seasons.
Patron Sponsor
Benefactor Sponsor
Friend Sponsor
This event is also supported by:
Department of Portuguese and Brazilian Studies of Brown University with support from FLAD - Luso-American Foundation, of Lisbon.
William M. Wood Foundation
