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.
Two more teams advanced to the round of eight in the inaugural National Challenge Cup on this day as Brooklyn Field Club ousted Bethlehem FC by a single goal, and Columbia Oval knocked off the unbeaten Alley Boys 2-1.
At Marquette Oval in Brooklyn, the Field Club snuck by the Allied League-leading Bethlehem FC, 1-0. After a scoreless first half, Brooklyn was able to hold back many offensive attacks by Bethlehem, thanks to standout defensive work from Drinkwater and Nichols.
After a Field Club corner kick, a fierce scrum formed in the Bethlehem goalmouth. From there, Miller sent a shot toward goal only to be stopped by Bethlehem’s Lewis, who was called for a hand ball. Miller stepped up to take the penalty, which was initially stopped by goalkeeper Scafe, who dropped the ball allowing Hynd to pounce on it and score the only goal of the game.
Elsewhere, in front of several thousand spectators at Lennox Oval in Manhattan, Columbia Oval pulled off an upset in knocking off the unbeaten Alley Boys 2-1.
The score was 1-1 at halftime on goals from J. Toal of Columbia and the Alley Boys’ Costello. Wollard scored the game winner for Columbia Oval in the second half. At the time Alley Boys were undefeated over 12 games at that point of the 1913-14 season.
Note: Bethlehem FC is the same club that later became Bethlehem Steel FC the following season.
1913/14 National Challenge Cup – Third Round
Jan. 25, 1913
Brooklyn Field Club 1:0 Bethlehem FC
Marquette Oval – Brooklyn, NY
Scoring Summary
Brooklyn: Hynd – 2nd half
Lineups
Brooklyn: Haughie, Hynd, Drinkwater, Mathews, Clark, Nichols, Ford, Black, Slade, Miller, Shanholt
Bethlehem: Scafe, McKelvey, Peacock, Stewart, Morrison, Lawler, Galbraith, Lewis, Lance, Donaghy, Fleming
Referee: CE Creighton | Linesman: J. Williams, H. Thompson
Columbia Oval 2:1 Alley Boys FC
Lenox Oval – Manhattan, NY
Scoring Summary
Columbia: J. Toal – 1st half
Alley Boys: Costello – 1st half
Columbia: Wollard – 2nd half
Lineups
Columbia: Hopkins, Harper, F. Maskell, Ellis, Holbrook, Blatchford, Pierson, E. Maskell, Lord, Woollard, J. Toal
Alley Boys: Dinkle, Coogan, Ellant, Short, McMahon, Glynn, Welsh, Costello, Myers, O’Rourke, Briely
Referee: J. Erskine | Linesmen: C. Byers, D. Andrews
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
