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.
Playing on a field soaked by heavy rain, the New Bedford FC snuck by West Philadelphia FC 2-0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the inaugural National Challenge Cup.
The wet conditions did not deter more than 2,000 fans from witnessing the contest at Atlantic Field in New Bedford, Mass. The game was kept scoreless at halftime, thanks to the brilliant goalkeeping by Howarth of New Bedford, who saved “five seemingly impossible shots” according to the New York Tribune.
Field conditions deteriorated in the second half, with standing puddles of water dotting the field that resembled a “sea of mud.”
The game remained scoreless until midway through the second half. New Bedford
Accounts of the second half differ, according to which newspaper you read. The New York Tribune described Klemm’s goal as a “fine drive” and Morgan’s goal coming after a “brilliant burst of speed”. The Philadelphia Inquirer differed in their opinion of the game, describing West Philadelphia as controlling “two-thirds of the game” only to be felled by “a couple of cheap goals” allowing New Bedford to “waltz off with an unearned victory.”
The two accounts even differ on who scored the final goal, the Tribune listing Morgan, while the Inquirer credits Chadwick.
One other third round game that was scheduled for this day was cancelled by weather. St. George FC had made the trip to Philadelphia for their third round match against Peabody in vain, as rain made the Washington Park pitch unplayable. The contest was rescheduled for Jan. 31. In addition to the cup contest, all league games in Philadelphia were put off by the bad weather.
1913/14 National Challenge Cup – Third Round
Jan. 24, 1913
New Bedford FC 2:0 West Philadelphia FC
Atlantic Field – New Bedford, Mass.
Scoring Summary
New Bedford: Klemm (Morgan) – 65th min.
New Bedford: Morgan* – 75th min.
*Philadelphia Inquirer reported Chadwick as the second goalscorer
Lineups
New Bedford: Howarth, Preston, Mahan, Holden, Brown, Raistrick, Moller, Klemm, Morgan, Chadwick, Fredette
West Phila: Irwin, Campbell, Cannon, McEwan, Fisher, Gillies, J. Doherty, Anderson, Liggett, Kendall, A. Doherty
Referee – Fred Houghton | Linesman: Jackson and Meyer
Attendance: 1,000
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
