TheCup.us introduces “The First Cup” series, which revisits the first running of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup (then known as the National Challenge Cup) that took place from the fall of 1913 to the spring of 1914.
Editor’s note: As you read this, you’ll notice a lot of players with just one name. This is not an oversight on our part, but rather, many of the sources of this information (newspapers, publications etc.) only use the last name of players in their stories. If you have confirmation of any of their names, or any other details that would add to our historical records, feel free to reach out to us HERE. We are always looking for help with historical research.
Links to the full series are located at the bottom of this story.
Of the seven games scheduled for Dec. 7, 1913 in the second round of the National Challenge Cup, all but one was postponed due to severe weather in New York and New Jersey. The weather conditions were not suitable for the playing of good football, and the one game that was played took place on a field that was barely suitable.
New York Celtic vs. German FC, Clan MacKenzie vs. Columbia Oval, Brooklyn Celtic vs. Hollywood Inn, Babcock & Wilcox vs. Watessing, West Hudson Juniors vs. Alley Boys and the replay between Hudson United and St. George FC were all rescheduled for Dec. 14. The one game that managed to kick off was in Woodside, Long Island between Yonkers FC and Fulton AC from Brooklyn. The two teams played on a field that was described by the New York Tribune as a “sea of mud.” Spectators armed themselves with umbrellas and raincoats as they stood around the field in ankle deep mud to watch the contest. The game was between two clubs from the same league, but different levels of play. Yonkers competed in the New York State Amateur Football League’s first division, while Fulton played in the second division that season. Fulton came into the tournament as a bit of an underdog, as they were the only team in the competition that didn’t play in their home league’s top division.
The game had been under way only eight minutes when Pietrie kicked the mud-covered ball past Fulton goalkeeper McKillop fpr a 1-0 lead. As the heavy, misty rain continued, Pietrie struck again, this time helped by long passes and clever combination work. Fulton nearly cut the lead in half a few minutes later, but the waterlogged ball struck the crossbar and bounded back into play. As referee Hollywood sounded his whistle to end the half, six players were attempting to kick the ball out of a large puddle. Despite playing with just ten men the entire game, Fulton put up a hard fight in the second half, but the Yonkers defense was too much to overcome. Fifteen minutes after the start of the second half, F. McDonough’s shot from the left wing flew into the Fulton net to put the score at 3-0.
1913/14 National Challenge Cup – Second Round
Dec. 7, 1913
Yonkers FC 3:0 Fulton AC
Woodside, Long Island, New York
Scoring Summary
Yonkers: Pietrie – 8th min.
Yonkers: Pietrie – 28th min.
Yonkers: F. McDonough – 60th min.
Lineups
Yonkers: Craig, McKenzie, Kidd, Kerr, Taylor, Dennison, A. McDonald, Martin, Pietrie, Young, F. McDonald
Fulton (10 men): McKillop, Nichols, Michaels, Hays, Jarvis, Bignall, Barlow, Carver, Smith, Young
Referee: W. Hollywood | Linesmen: Hays, McCarthy
Postponed to Dec. 14
New York Celtic vs. German FC
Hudson United vs. St. George FC (Replay)
Clan MacKenzie vs. Columbia Oval
Brooklyn Celtic vs. Hollywood Inn
Babcock & Wilcox vs. Watessing
West Hudson Juniors vs. Alley Boys
THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup
Sept. 12, 1913 / Oct. 11, 1913: How the 1913/14 National Challenge Cup began
Nov. 1, 1913: The inaugural National Challenge Cup gets under way
Nov. 2, 1913: Brooklyn Field Club begins their journey as Round 1 concludes
Nov. 29 1913: Farr Alpaca forfeit Round 1 replay with New Bedford FC
Dec. 6, 1913: Four teams move on to Round 3, two more to be decided by protest or replay
Dec. 14, 1913: Second Round nearly complete as USFA announces protest results, draw for Round 3
Dec. 21, 1913: Third time’s the charm for St. George FC as Round 2 comes to a close
Jan. 12, 1914: Rochester’s MacNaughton Rangers forfeit replay with Niagara Falls Rangers
Jan. 24, 1914: Differing opinions as New Bedford FC eliminates West Philadelphia FC to reach quarterfinals
Jan. 25, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club, Columbia Oval join the quarterfinals
Mar. 8, 1914: Pullman FC beats Hyde Park Blues in Chicago derby to complete quarterfinal field
Mar. 28, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club defeat ‘cup holders’ Yonkers FC to reach Challenge Cup Semifinals
Mar. 29, 1914: Brooklyn Celtic defense carries them past Columbia Oval, into Semifinals
Apr. 5, 1914: Niagara Falls Rangers topple Pullman FC to complete Semifinal field
Apr. 18, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club edge New Bedford FC to reach inaugural National Challenge Cup Final
Apr. 26, 1914: Brooklyn Celtic cruises past Niagara Falls Rangers to reach inaugural National Challenge Cup Final
Before the 1913/1914 Final: By boat or by train, Brooklyn Field Club, Brooklyn Celtic prepare for inaugural National Challenge Cup Final
May 16, 1914: Brooklyn Field Club wins inaugural National Challenge Cup on late winner over Brooklyn Celtic
