Beating the New York Police Department soccer team is always something special for Tommy Hunt.
Such is the natural rivalry that exists between the NYPD and the FDNY. But to do so at Giants Stadium in the first annual Mayor’s Cup and to score a goal to boot made the New York Bravest’s 3-0 win Sunday afternoon that much sweeter. “It’s definitely special playing here,” said Hunt, who works out of Ladder 4 in midtown Manhattan. “It’s always a good, competitive game. They’re a good group of guys and we always have a good time, but playing at Giants Stadium is definitely something to remember for a long time. And scoring a goal here is something I’ll be able to tell my kids when I get older.” In the first meeting between the rivals in roughly two years, the FDNY cruised, claiming the all-important bragging rights in a match that benefited both organization’s charities – Patrolman’s Benevolent Association Widows and Children’s Fund and the Firefighter Sergio Villanueva Soccer Foundation, which will receive a part of the proceeds from every ticket sold to the match. “I’m a little upset we lost, but it was a charity event we were here focused on,” said Lt. Ron Mejia, the coach of the NYPD team who works out of the Organized Crime Investigation Division in Manhattan. “I hope we can do it again next year. The Red Bulls were real good to us, the guys were all happy they could play on this field and the main thing is that we raised money for two good causes.” Born in soccer-crazed Argentina, Villanueva grew up on 149th Street off Northern Boulevard in Flushing and was an avid Boca Juniors supporter. He played soccer at Holy Cross High School from 1982 to 1986 before joining the New York Police Department, where he served for eight years and eventually became a detective. In 2000, Villanueva switched badges and made the move to the FDNY. He was only on the job for a year and a half before he, as well as all of those from Ladder 132 in Brooklyn who raced toward the World Trade Center that day, died. “I’ll be honest, you kind of feel like you know him after a while,” said Hunt, who joined the FDNY in Jan. 2002. “It’s a great group of guys and he’s close to the hearts of all of us.”
Fresh off winning the silver medal in the World Police and Fire Games in Vancouver, the FDNY squad was the sharper of the two teams, capitalizing on the Finest’s defensive mistakes.