1914 National Challenge Cup

The First Cup: Four teams move on to Round 3, two more to be decided by protest or replay (Dec. 6, 1913)

December 7, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

1914 West Philadelphia — West Philadelphia FC in 1914

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.

A pair of games had already kicked off the second round of the inaugural National Challenge Cup, but neither had produced a winner on game day. New York teams Hudson United FC and St. George FC finished in a scoreless draw on Nov. 30, and a replay was scheduled for Dec. 14. Rochester’ MacNaughton FC defeated the Niagara Falls Rangers 1-0, but the United States Football Association (USFA) was in the process of reviewing a protest submitted by the losing side.

1914 Kensington AFC — Kensington AFC from the 1913/14 season.

The second round continued with six games on Dec. 6, when action took place in Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New Bedford, Mass. In Philadelphia, the West Philadelphia FC advanced to the third round of the National Challenge Cup with a resounding 4-1 victory over Allied League rivals Kensington AFC. Ligget and Anderson scored two goals each for West Philly, while Dunkinfield netted the lone tally for Kensington. West Philadelphia had been sitting atop the Allied League standings with a 4-2-0 record, while Kensington occupied the bottom rung of the eight-team league at 0-5-0.

1914 Peabody — Peabody FC (Philadelphia, Pa.) from the 1913/14 season.

In what the Philadelphia Inquirer described as “A splendidly fought game”, Wissiniming and Peabody FC played to a 1-1 draw in their second round contest in Philly. Wissinoming, of the Pennsylvania League, scored first when midfielder R. Hyslop took a shot that Peabody goalkeeper Hanna has no chance to save. Maryley answered for the Allied American League side in the second half with the tying score. New Bedford FC, who were awarded their opening round match over Farr Alpaca when the Holyoke, Mass.-based club chose to play a league game instead of their replay at New Bedford, overcame Presbyterian FC of Bridgeport, CT by a 3-0 score. After Alpaca’s forfeit, New Bedford remained the state of Massachusetts’ lone representative and they moved on to Round 3 by eliminating the state of Connecticut’s only entry.

1914 New Bedford FC — New Bedford FC (New Bedford, Mass.) during the 1913/14 season.

Despite frigid winter conditions, Hyde Park Blues and Pullman FC each won their second round games in Chicago. At 52nd Avenue and West Madison Street, Pullman made easy work of Campbell Rovers with a 3-0 win, as they avenged a recent loss in the Association Football League of Chicago. With a biting breeze from the north, passing was made difficult on the slippery pitch that was frozen solid. These conditions reduced scoring chances to dumping the ball into the goalmouth and try for any kind of shot. Pullman had the clear advantage over Campbell, and their goalkeeper Sutton did not handle the ball at all in the first half, only needing to kick it away twice. After McNaughton and Mackie scored in the first half to give Pullman a 2-0 lead, the car builders bunkered down their defense and smothered any Campbell chances. Shalcross added a third goal in the second half to put the game out of reach. At 16th Street and 48th Avenue, the Hyde Park Blues outlasted MacDuff FC 2-0 in the arctic conditions on goals from Cole and Mair. Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the game, as Halsall of MacDuffs and Jack Evans of Hyde Park left the game late in the second half, due to complications from the cold.

1914 Braddock (vs. Bethlehem, Pittsburgh Press) — Braddock FC (Pittsburgh, Pa.) from the 1913/14 season.

Hyde Park will move on to face Pullman in the next round, although there was word that the MacDuff club would lodge a protest over a player in the Hyde Park lineup, who they believed to be ineligible. This protest, along with Niagara Falls Rangers’ protest over their loss against MacNaughton FC, will be reviewed by the USFA and ruled on before the Round 3 draw on Dec. 14. The main attraction of the day was the showdown between Pittsburgh’s Braddock FC and Bethlehem FC at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. Braddock had just concluded the first half of the Pittsburgh District League, finishing second (6-1-2) to Homestead Steel Works, though they would later slip down the standings in the second half and finish with a 7-10-3 record. Bethlehem was at the beginning of a season that would provide a glimpse of the future success the team would have when they would become Bethlehem Steel FC the following season. At the time of the game with Braddock, Bethlehem was 3-0-0 in the Allied American League and they were due to face West Hudson in the quarterfinals of the American Cup. By the time their season ended in May 1914, they had won the Allied League with a 13-0-0 record, the American Cup championship and the Allied League Cup.

1914 Bethlehem FC — Bethlehem FC (Bethlehem, Pa.) from the 1913/14 season.

Despite the threat of poor weather, nearly 3,000 fans, along with 250 supporters who traveled from Bethlehem, turned up at Forbes Field to witness the first National Cup game ever played in the Steel City. Braddock kicked off and just twelve minutes into the match, Bethlehem was awarded a penalty kick. Tommy Fleming stepped up and beat Braddock goalkeeper Marshall for a 1-0 lead, which Bethlehem held on to at half time. For most of the first half, play stayed in the Braddock half of the field, but in the second half Braddock came to life, and with ten minutes gone, Kelly tied the score for the home club. It only took ten more minutes for Braddock to retake the lead on a goal from McCann. The Pittsburgh Press described McCann’s play leading up to the goal as a “scientific exhibition of footwork.”

With five minutes remaining, it seemed as if Braddock would pull off the upset, but Fleming dashed those hopes with a free kick to tie the game at 2-2. With darkness approaching, the lights at Forbes Field were turned on and extra time was soon under way. With two minutes remaining in the first extra period, Fleming earned his hat trick with a goal that put Bethlehem in the lead for good. Fleming’s play was described by the Pittsburgh Press: “This player was by far the best man on the visiting team. He is scientific and as fast as the wind. His aim is sure and his opponents’ goal is in danger when he secures the ball within kicking range.”

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The 1913-14 season was Fleming’s first in the United States, having played in Scotland for Greenock Morton. Fleming was lured to the United States, along with numerous other English and Scottish players, by offers of substantially better wages than what was offered at home. His Hall of Fame career would run to 1929, and in his time with Bethlehem he would win the National Challenge Cup four times, the American Cup five times, as well as numerous other league championships.

1913/14 National Challenge Cup – Second Round
December 6, 1913

Braddock FC 2:3 (AET) Bethlehem FC Forbes Field – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Scoring Summary

Bethlehem: Tommy Fleming (PK) – 12th min. Braddock: Kelly – 61st min. Braddock: McCann – 71st min. Bethlehem: Tommy Fleming – 85th min. Bethlehem: Tommy Fleming – 103rd min.

Lineups

Braddock: Marshall , Blackwood, Howe, Beagling, Kelly, Whyte, Anderson, Rattray, Stevenson, Lowther, McCan

Bethlehem: J. Love, George McKelvey, E. Peacock, R. Stewart, Robert “Bobby” Morrison, Mike Lawler, Johnny Galbraith, Edgar Lewis, Jack Lance, Ned Donaghy, Tommy Fleming

Referee: Isaac Wilson

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West Philadelphia FC 4:1 Kensington FC Northwestern
44th St. & Parkside Ave. Ballpark – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Scoring Summary

West Philly: Liggett (2), Anderson (2) Kensington – Dunkinfield

Lineups

West Philadelphia: Irwin, Cannon, Campbell, McEwan, Fisher, Gillies, A. Doherty, Kendall, Liggett, Anderson, J. Doherty

Kensington: Warren, Trotter, Dalton, Wambech, Marnock, Cooper, Dunkinfield, Mellors, Ford, Burrows

Referee: E. Waldron Linesmen – McCracken, Blackney

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Peabody FC 1:1 Wissinoming FC
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Scoring Summary

Wissinoming: R. Hyslop – 25th min. Peabody: Marley – 2nd half

Lineups

Peabody: W.R. Hanna, Lynch, Witson, Colston, H. Hanna, Leslie, Hemingway, Evans, Marley, Jacovelli, Meadows

Wissinoming: O’Brien, Coventry, T. Hyslop, Brown, Boyle, Gibbs, R. Hyslop, McBride, Skinnider, McGraw, Simpson

Referee: G. Young Linesmen – Broadley, Cannon

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Pullman FC 3:0 Campbell Rovers FC
52nd Ave. & West Madison Grounds – Chicago, Illinois

Scoring Summary

Pullman: McNaughton, Mackie, Shallcross

Lineups

Pullman: Sutton, Blockley, B. Govier, Dickson, Brown, Taylor, Pollitt, Mackie, Shalcross, Cartwright, McNaughto

Campbell: Linley, Stevenson, Paul, Williamson, Buchan, Thompson, Trueman, Main, Crosbie, Graham, Duncan

Referee: D. McKean | Linesmen: Leach, Cumnmings

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Hyde Park Blues FC 2:0 MacDuff FC
16th Street & 48th Avenue Grounds – Chicago, Illinois

Scoring Summary

Hyde Park: Cole, Mair

Lineups

Hyde Park: Birchall, Heale, Scott, Whiteside, Parker, D. McKay, Craig, J. Evans, Cole, Barlow, Mair

MacDuff: Fraser, J. Moir, McGregor, Paterson, McKay, Qualte, Platt, Brown, Monroe, Halsall, Peat

Referee: W. Napier (Note: Game protested by MacDuff FC over Hyde Park Blues using an ineligible player)

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New Bedford FC 3:0 Presbyterian FC
New Bedford, Mass.

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

The First Cup: Niagara Falls Rangers protest loss to Rochester’s MacNaughton Rangers (Dec. 4, 1913)

December 4, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

1914 McNaughton Rangers — MacNaughton Rangers in 1913/14 season

Links to the full series are located at the bottom of this story.

Less than a week after losing to MacNaughton Rangers in the second round of the National Challenge Cup, the Niagara Falls Rangers registered a protest with the United States Football Association. The match, which took place on Nov. 30 at Hudson Avenue Field in Rochester, resulted in the home team winning 1-0 on a 40th minute goal by Stille.

Two members of Niagara Falls management stayed an extra day in Rochester after the game and realized that Bliss, MacNaughton’s left fullback, was holding a job as a high school soccer coach for which he drew a salary.

This makes him a professional, and he had signed an amateur form to play with MacNaughton. While Bliss had played with the Rochester club all season, this technically would make him ineligible to play for MacNaughton in cup games.

1914 Niagara Falls Rangers — Niagara Falls Rangers in 1913/14 season

To show their support for the club, the Niagara Falls Rangers supporters took up a collection to cover the fee for lodging a protest so that the clubs’ funds would not take a hit.

The matter would be decided with the USFA was scheduled to hold the third round draw on Dec. 14.

THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup

The First Cup: A battle of Rangers in Rochester kicks off Round 2 (Nov. 30, 1913)

November 30, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Links to the full series are located at the bottom of this story.

On the strength of a goal from Stille, Rochester’s MacNaughton Rangers advanced to the third round of the National Challenge Cup by defeating the Niagara Falls Rangers 1-0 at Hudson Avenue Field. It was the opinion of many, including supporters of the Rochester team, that the better club was on the losing end.

From the very start Niagara Falls began to press and after five minutes, Harper nearly brought MacNaughton goalkeeper King to his knees with a hard waist high shot that seemed destined for the back of the net. With Niagara Falls fullbacks Clarkson and Holye sending sending balls into the MacNaughton penalty area, and the shots from the visitors either scraped over the crossbar or just missed the posts.

A long drive from Hoyle landed squarely in the goal mouth, but as Milnes and Forrest rushed in the ball somehow it failed to cross the goal line.

For most of the opening half Niagara Falls goalkeeper Highlett was left with little to do, needing only to save a solitary shot from distance.

However, with five minutes to go until the break it was the MacNaughtons who took the lead against the run of play. Stille took the ball from midfield and made his way around Hoyle, and had Clarkson closing in on him. Stille fired off a shot that sailed about six inches inside the post. Highlett got a hand on the ball, but not enough to push it out of danger.

After the goal Niagara Falls returned to the attack, and soon after was awarded a penalty kick after the Macs’ Bliss was called for a hand ball in the penalty area. As the visiting supporters clamored excitedly in anticipation for the equalizing goal, King disappointed them by making a diving save of the spot kick.

The second half began on a decidedly rougher tone as both teams committed numerous fouls that were left unpunished by referee Ackroyd. Play soon degenerated into stopping whoever had the ball instead of gaining possession of the ball itself. While referee Ackroyd began to call fouls, he failed to send any of the players off the field for their rough behavior.

Midway through the second half the MacNaughtons had a chance to double their lead when Hoyle brought down Stille in the penalty area. Highlett was not required to save the kick as Playfair sent the ball sailing over the crossbar.

Near the end, Forrest of Niagara Falls, who had been playing a stellar game, received a pass from Kemp and just before he was about to shoot, he was brought down in the penalty area. Despite the pleas from the Niagara Falls players, Ackroyd did not call for a penalty and allowed play to continue.

Just before the final whistle MacNaughton made a final charge on the Niagara Falls goal, forcing Highlett to make several difficult saves, twice finding himself in the goal itself after making saves. Clarkson nearly saved the day for Niagara Falls with a free kick sent into the goalmouth, but Murdoch headed the ball safely away to preserve the victory for the Flower City eleven. (Note: In the early 19th century Rochester gained the nickname “The Flower City” when the city became home to an expanding nursery business)

Hudson United FC 0:0 St. George FC

Downstate in New York City, Hudson United and St. George FC squared off in front of a large crowd at Manhattan Field. Both clubs hailed from the Metropolitan & District Amateur League in New York had plenty of fans from both sides cheering them on, but none of those fans could urge their team to score. The teams played to a scoreless draw with the replay scheduled for a week later.

The New York Tribune described the contest as “replete with spectacular plays and the work of both goalkeepers was worthy of mention. They stopped the high and low ones, the fast and slow ones alike and were applauded innumerable times.”

1913/14 National Challenge Cup – Second Round
November 30, 1913

Hudson United FC 0:0 St. George FC
Manhattan Field – New York, NY

Lineups:
Hudson United: Anthony, Bone, Shallot, Cusack, Hopper, L. Longhorst, Hasall, M. Davine, Jolly, W. Devine, Buckle

St. George: Irving, C. Longhorst, Kelly, Durney, Bernstein, Barrett, Farley, Grant, Newman, Dunhavin, Jackson

Referee: Erskine | Linesmen: French, Johnson

MacNaughton Rangers FC 1:0 Niagara Falls Rangers

Hudson Avenue Field – Rochester, NY

Scoring Summary:
MacNaughton: Stille – 40th minute

Lineups:
MacNaughton: King, Broadhurst, Bliss, Lotta, Fleming, Murdock, Gray, McCammon, Stille, Campbell, Playfair

Niagara Falls: Highlett, Hoyle, Clarkson, Pearce, Lameden, Parks, Holmes, Kemp, Forrest, Milnes, Hargee

Missed Penalty: Playfair (MacNaughton) 2nd half

Referee: J. Ackroyd | Linesmen: J. McKin, Tom Kennett

THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup

The First Cup: Farr Alpaca forfeit Round 1 replay with New Bedford FC (Nov. 29, 1913)

November 29, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

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.

November 29, 1913

The Farr Alpaca club decided to forfeit their replay against the New Bedford FC in favor of playing a scheduled match in the Western New England League against Sons of St. George on this day in 1913.

Farr Alpaca, a Holyoke, Mass.-based club sponsored by a textile mill, were granted a replay when New Bedford failed to list two of its players on their roster before their original game on Nov. 1. New Bedford had won that match, 3-1.

For the past week there was some debate as to what Alpaca manager Charles Burnett would do about the situation. The decision that the replay was to take place in New Bedford played a major factor in electing to forfeit the game. The first match on Nov. 1 proved to be a financial loss for the visiting Alpaca club due to the small crowd that turned up in New Bedford.

Also playing a role in the decision is the race for the Western New England League title. It was decided that the team in first place after Dec. 20 would be declared the champions. With league matches against Clan McLaren and West Boylston already postponed due to American Cup games, Burnett decided it would be too risky to count on rescheduling the game with St. George by Dec. 20, with the chance of games being put off due to weather. The Alpacas were in a tight race with Clan Murray for the league championship, and it stood to reason they needed to get every game in that they could.

Burnett had tried to convince New Bedford to play the game in Holyoke, Mass., offering all sorts of financial inducements to get the location switched. The New Bedford officials were convinced a better crowd would turn up for the replay, and wanted to play the game on Thanksgiving Day. The Alpaca management wrote to New Bedford to say that if the game was not moved from Nov. 27 to Nov. 29, they would be compelled to forfeit. Despite moving the date of the game to the Alpacas wishes, the game was still forfeited to New Bedford.

With the forfeit, New Bedford moved on to face the Presbyterian FC of Bridgeport, Conn. in the third round on Dec. 9.

The First Cup: Farr Alpaca’s protest upheld as Second Round draw announced (Nov. 8, 1913)

November 9, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

The Farr Alpaca club got another crack at New Bedford FC after the protest of their 3-1 loss in the opening round was upheld today by the United States Football Association (USFA). The Holyoke, Mass. team raised concerns over the fact that New Bedford failed to include the names of two players used in the game on the team roster before the contest on Nov. 1. The result was overturned by the USFA during a meeting held in New York City.

The rules require managers to exchange rosters seven days before the game is played. The players in question were eligible to play, but since they were not included in the roster, the Aplaca team will get another chance at the team from the Whaling City, who defeated them 3-1 in the original match. The replay is scheduled for Nov. 29 in Holyoke, Mass.

The draw for the Second Round was also announced at the same USFA meeting. Games must be played on or before Dec. 6.

Pennsylvania
Bethlehem FC at Braddock
Peabody at Wissinoming
Kensington AFC at West Philadelphia

New England
Presbyterian (Bridgeport, Conn.) at New Bedford or Farr Aplaca

Michigan
Packard at Roses FC

Illinois
Hyde Park Blues at MacDuff
Pullman at Campbell Rovers

New York
German FC at New York Celtic
Yonkers at Fulton AC
St. George at Hudson United
Columbia Oval at Clan MacKenzie
Brooklyn Field Club at Rangers FC
Hollywood Inn at Brooklyn Celtic

New Jersey
Watsessing at Babcock & Wilcox
Alley Boys FC at West Hudson Juniors

Western New York
Niagara Falls Rangers at McNaughton Rangers

The First Cup: Brooklyn Field Club begins their journey as Round 1 concludes (Nov. 2, 1913)

November 4, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

1914 Brooklyn Field Club — Brooklyn Field Club

The opening round of the inaugural National Challenge Cup came to a close on Sunday, Nov. 2 with five games that took place in New York and New Jersey.

The 1913/14 tournament was very special for Brooklyn Field Club and they began their journey through the competition with a 3-0 win over Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) Strollers. Other Round 1 winners included Niagara Falls Rangers, German FC, Alley Boys FC, and the New Jersey club Babcock & Wilcox.

Entering the tournament with a six-game winning streak, the Brooklyn Field Club rolled over the IRT Strollers 3-0 at Hedley Field in Brooklyn in Round 1. At no time was the result in doubt, as Harry Shanholdt scored twice for the winners, and Coward added another. After the game, it was announced that Brooklyn’s win streak was officially entact as their victory last week over Clan McDonald was upheld, after a protest was filed by the losing club.

Meanwhile, over in Harrison, NJ, Alley Boys FC overwhelmed the Jersey Blues, 8-5. The game was out of reach by the halftime break as the Alley Boys held a comfortable 7-0 lead after 45 minutes. The Blues didn’t give up, as they fought back to score five goals in the second half, but ultimately fell short.

Four goals by A. Vander Weghe led the way for German FC in a dominant 5-0 win over Cameron FC. The game was played at the Columbus Oval in Manhattan. Play was give-and-take in the early stages of the game until the 22nd minute, when Mannborg broke through the Cameron backfield and passed to A. Vander Weghe for the first goal. Vander Weghe struck again eight minutes later for a 2-0 halftime lead.

Soon after the second half began it was clear that German FC were the superior team, repeatedly breaking through the Cameron backfield. Vander Weghe scored twice more with the help of Mannborg, who himself scored to bring the final score to 5-0 in favor of the Germans. Despite the five goals, Cameron goalkeeper Hallwell played a fine game, preventing things from really getting out of hand.

1914 Babcock & Wilcox — Babcock & Wilcox

After the game, the winners were taken to reception at the Café Bismarck, where each team member was awarded a silver medal by W.S. Esling, one of the officers of the German Football Club.

Babcock & Wilcox, representing the New Jersey State Amateur Soccer League, defeated the Cowboy FC 2-0 in Bayonne, NJ. B & W could not capitalize on numerous chances early on, leaving the first half scoreless between the two clubs.

In the second half the Boilermakers found their stride and put two past the Cowboy defense. The first was a brilliant shot from Stewart from the outside right, followed by Wright for the second goal.

The other four games that took place on Nov. 2 were in and around New York City area. The fifth game took place in Buffalo, NY where the Niagara Falls Rangers demolished the Corinthians of Buffalo 6-1 to advance to Round 2. Despite fielding four players from the Buffalo’s Rangers club, the Corinthians did not stand a chance against the stronger Niagara Falls side.

Rangers struck first after just three minutes as Kemp gave up a chance to score by passing to a wide open Wallace, who had a straight shot into the back of the net. At the 30-minute mark Rangers lead was doubled when Cornithians’ Cessford scored an own goal when trying to clear the ball with a header.

The Cornthians showed a bit of life after the accidental score seven minutes later. After forcing Milnes to save a couple shots on goal, Denson scored off a corner kick from Proctor. Just before the break Murphy pushed the lead back to two goals for Rangers when he scored on an assist from Kemp.

Soon after the restart Wallace played provider, assisting on Harper’s goal in the 47th minute. On the fifth Rangers goal, the Corinthian back line attempted an offside trap with Wallace, but it was unsuccessful as Harper’s shot was fumbled by Kohlert, and Wallace pounced on the ball for his second goal of the day. Lumsden finished the scoring for Rangers by knocking home a corner kick from Wallace, who finished with two assists to go along with his two goals.

1913/14 National Challenge Cup – First Round
Games of Nov. 2, 1913

Brooklyn Field Club 3:0 IRT Strollers
Nov. 2, 1913 – Hedley Field – Brooklyn, NY

Scoring Summary
Brooklyn: Harry Shandholt (2), Coward

Lineups
Brooklyn: Haughie, Hinds, Bryson, Matthews, Adamson, H. Agar, N. Agar, Nichols, Shanholdt, Coward, Ford
IRT: Byrne, C. Coull, Dahill, Traynor, Crogan, W. Coull, J. Stuart, McGuire, Gormeny, W. Stuart, Reilly

Referee: W. Hollywood | Linesmen: W. Gallow, J. Mulligan

German FC 5:0 Cameron FC
Nov. 2, 1913 – Columbus Oval – Manhattan, NY

Scoring Summary
GFC: A. Vander Weghe (Mannborg) – 22nd minute
GFC: A. Vander Weghe – 30th minute
GFC: A. Vander Weghe – 2nd half
GFC: A. Vander Weghe – 2nd half
GFC: Mannborg – 2nd half

Lineups
German FC: Heisler, Glaser, Richardson, Reichwagon, Hager, Meyer, M. Vander Weghe, A. Vander Weghe, Mannborg, Fitzpatrick, W. Mmeyer
Cameron FC: Hallwell, Shaw, J. Isaac, Stahl, Bruce, Glass, Sinclair, E. Pickford, W. Isaac, G. pickford, Goodman

Referee – Charles Creighton | Linesmen – J. Finsten, J. Snook

Babcock & Wilcox FC 2:0 Cowboy FC
Nov. 2, 1913 – Bayonne, NJ

Scoring Summary
BW: Stewart – 2nd half
BW: Wright – 2nd half

Lineups
Babcock & Wilcox: Kesson, Geibel, Harding, Stenger, Davidson, Dick, Stewart, Leggett, Wright, Rogers, Sweeney
Cowboy FC: Reiman, Gedditte, Ortman, Alderton, Schmidt, Crossman, Lowe, Rosenbower, Koelsch, Dean, Meisch

Referee: Andrew Laurie

Corinthians (Buffalo) 1-6 Niagara Falls Rangers FC
Nov. 2, 1913 – Buffalo, NY

Scoring Summary
Rangers: Wallace (Kemp) – 3rd minute
Rangers: Own goal (Cessford) – 30th minute
Corinthians: Denson (Proctor) – 37th minute
Rangers: Murphy (Kemp) – 43rd minute
Rangers: Harper (Wallace) – 47th minute
Rangers: Wallace (Unassisted) – 2nd half
Rangers: Lumsden (Wallace) – 2nd half

Lineups
Corinthians: Kohlert, Krafft, Cessford, McLean, McLachlan, Denson, Proctor, McPherson, Lynch, Cullen, McCabe
Rangers: Milnes, Clarkson, Hoyle, Pearce, Lumsden, Parks, Harper, Murphy, Forrest, Kemp, Wallace

Referee: H. Keefe

THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup

The First Cup: The inaugural National Challenge Cup gets under way (Nov. 1, 1913)

November 2, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

Links to the full series are located at the bottom of this story.

November 1, 1913

The 1913/14 National Challenge Cup began got under way on Nov. 1, 1913 with three games scheduled, but only two of them would be played.

The New Bedford FC defeated Farr Alpaca of Holyoke, Mass. in the opening round by a score of 3-1. While New Bedford was a talented squad in their own right, it could be considered a bit of an upset considering that Farr Alpaca, a club sponsored by a textile mill in Holyoke, Mass., had only lost one match in the last three years entering that weekend’s action.

Burnett opened the scoring for Farr Alpaca with a goal from the penalty spot, but it was to be the only blemish on the record of New Bedford’s goalkeeper Howard.

Two minutes later Beeton evened the score with a penalty conversion of his own for New Bedford. Meller gave the home side a 2-1 lead just before halftime and then struck against in the second half to give the home side a 3-1 cushion.

The ball stayed in possession of New Bedford for much of the game, and the New Bedford back line of McManus, Burnett and Littlejohn did a good job at keeping the Alpacas off the scoresheet aside from their lone penalty kick.

Hall and Leitsen also stood out for the Holyoke club according to newspaper reports.

The start of the game was delayed while referee A. Milne and the New Bedford management settled a dispute over the pay Milne was to receive for officiating the contest.

Over in Eastern Pennsylvania, Bethlehem FC completely outclassed the visitors from Disston AA by a score of 7-0. The Sawmakers from Philadelphia were no match for Bethlehem FC (who became Bethlehem Steel FC the following season) in front of their home fans. Bethlehem lost the coin toss and had to start play facing a strong wind, which helped keep the game close for the first fifteen minutes. After receiving a pass from Lance, Fleming was able to beat both Disston backs to score a splendid goal, leaving Disston goalkeeper Errickson with no chance.

From this point, Bethlehem displayed a fine combination passing game, at times bewildering the Disston players. Lewis scored the second goal by taking the ball at midfield and making a solo run through the Disston defense.

With the start of the second half, Bethlehem found themselves with the wind at their back and continued to outclass Disston. The goals came in rapid succession, as Fleming scored his second, Lewis added two more, along with Lance and Stewart to make the final score 7-0. It should be noted that Disston goalkeeper Errickson did a good job to keep the score from reaching double digits with some sensational saves.

There was a third game on the schedule, but it would ultimately not be played as Tacony FC forfeited their opening round match against Kensington Association FC.

Tacony had an American Cup match against the Trenton Hibernians scheduled for the same day, and the club felt the AFA match was more important. The American Cup was an elite-level regional tournament that dates back to 1885. Tacony seemed to value the American Cup a little more because the year before they reached the championship game, losing to the Paterson True Blues, 5-4. Tacony would end up defeating Trenton 3-1 and would eventually reach the Cup Final for the second year in a row where they would fall to Bethlehem Steel.

This represented the struggle that many teams had with playing multiple cup competitions, something that has not gone out of style a full century later. The Philadelphia Inquirer commented on the situation on Nov. 3, 1913, writing “There is something radically wrong in the arrangements when a team is scheduled to play two important cup games in one afternoon.”

1913/14 National Challenge Cup – First Round
Farr Alpaca 1:3 New Bedford FC
Nov. 1, 1913 – New Bedford, Mass.

Scoring Summary
Farr Alpaca: Burnett (PK)
New Bedford: Beeton (PK)
New Bedford: Mellor
New Bedford: Mellor

Lineups

New Bedford: Haworth, Bagley, Ralstrick, Preston, Murphy, Helden, Mellor, Klemm, Morgan, Beeton, McKenna

Farr Alpaca: McManus, Littlejohn, Burnett, McKinstrie, Turner, Gammie, Arnold, Lietzen, Chruikshanks, Hall, Dowdall

Referee – A. Milne | Linesmen – Southworth, Scott

Disston AA 0:7 Bethlehem FC
Nov. 1, 1913 – Bethlehem, Pa.

Scoring Summary

Bethlehem: Fleming (Lance)
Bethlehem: Lewis
Bethlehem: Fleming
Bethlehem: Lewis
Bethlehem: Lewis
Bethlehem: Lance
Bethlehem: Stewart

Lineups

Bethlehem FC: Love, McKelvey, Garvey, Stewart, Morris, Lawler, Fleming, Donaghy, Lance, Lewis, Galbraith

Disston AA: Errickson, Quinn, Dutcher, Henry, Stalger, Gibeson, Whittaker, Eastwood, Sheritt, Shive, Parks

Referee – Charles Mayne | Linesmen – Callum, Shackelton

THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup

The First Cup: How the 1913/14 National Challenge Cup began

October 23, 2012 by Chuck Nolan Jr.

1914 Dewar Trophy (Spaulding) — The Dewar Challenge Trophy given to the winner of the National Challenge Cup.

Links to the full series are located at the bottom of this story.

October 11, 1913

The sport of soccer, then largely known as ‘football’, even in the United States, was still in its infant stages in 1913. The sport had been played on the continent for a few decades, but mostly on a regional level. There were regional tournaments, like the American Cup, which dated back to 1885, but there was no competition to determine a true national champion.

Earlier that year, the United States Football Association was launched, and one of their goals was to create a national team for the sport representing the U.S. What better way to develop a talent pool of players than to recruit from teams, both professional and amateur, from all over the country who will compete in a single-elimination tournament.

On September 12, USFA Secretary Thomas W. Cahill sent invitations to 287 clubs across the country, but in the end, only 40 of those teams accepted. The tournament would be represented by clubs from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Michigan and Illinois.

And with that, the National Challenge Cup was born.

Every competition needs a trophy and the trophy came from Sir Thomas Dewar, a British whiskey distiller. He donated the Dewar Challenge Trophy to the American Amateur Football Association to be used for their “AAFA Cup Tie Competition” which took place in the spring of 1913. The 1913 edition of AAFA’s cup competition was the second running of the tournament, but it would be the last, as the three-foot tall trophy, which weighs in at about 100 pounds, was then adopted for the National Challenge Cup and remains the trophy for the competition to this day.

(Note: The original trophy rarely travels from its current home at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Frisco, Texas, and much like the NHL’s Stanley Cup, the winner each year has an engraved plate attached to the base of the trophy.)

1914 Dr. G. Randolph Manning — Dr. G. Randolph Manning was president of the United States Football Association when the National Challenge Cup was created in 1913.

On October 11, 1913, the USFA unveiled the 40 teams that would take part in the inaugural National Challenge Cup at a meeting held at the Grand Central Hotel in New York City, presided over by Dr. G. Randolph Manning, president of the USFA.

Here is the list of teams that entered the 1913/14 National Challenge Cup:

New York

German FC
Interborough Rapid Transit Strollers
Columbia Oval FC
New York Celtics
Hudson United FC
St. George Field Club
Rangers FC
Cameron FC, all of Manhattan
Brooklyn AFC
Fulton AC
Clan McKenzie FC
Brooklyn Celtics, all of Brooklyn
Hollywood Inn FC
Yonkers FC of Yonkers*
Niagara Falls Rangers FC
Buffalo Corinthians FC of Buffalo
McNaughton Rangers FC of Rochester

* Current holders of the Dewar Challenge Trophy, having won the AAFA Cup Tie Competition earlier in the year

New Jersey

Watessing FC of East Orange
Cowboy Club
Jersey Blues of Jersey City
Babcock & Wilcox of Bayonne
West Hudson Juniors
Alley Boys FC of Harrison

Pennsylvania

Peabody FC
West Philadelphia FC
Kensington Association FC of Philadelphia
Bethlehem FC of Bethlehem
Wissinoming Association FC
Disston FC
Tacony FC of Tacony
Braddock FC of Braddock

New England

New Bedford FC of New Bedford, Mass.
Farr Alpaca FC of Holyoke, Mass.
Presbyterian FC of Bridgeport, Conn.

Michigan

Roses FC
Packard FC of Detroit

Illinois

Clan MacDuffs
Campbell Rovers FC
Pullman FC
Hyde Park Blues, all of Chicago.

October 12, 1913

1914 Thomas Cahill — USFA secretary Thomas W. Cahill announced the draw for the inaugural National Challenge Cup on October 12, 1913.

The pairings for the first-round of the inaugural National Challenge Cup were announced by the USFA the following day in Newark, New Jersey with representatives from all over the country in attendance.

The teams were separated by geography and all of the first round matches were scheduled to be played on the first Saturday or Sunday of November.

USFA secretary Thomas W. Cahill announced the parings as follows:

New York City District

Brooklyn AFC at Interborough Rapid Transit Strollers
Cameron FC at German FC

Byes: Yonkers FC, Brooklyn Celtics, Clan McKenzie FC, Columbia Oval FC, New York Celtics, Hudson United, St. George FC, Rangers FC, Hollywood Inn FC, and Fulton AC

New England District

Farr Alpaca FC (Holyoke, Mass.) at New Bedford FC (New Bedford, Mass.)

Bye: Presbyterian FC (Bridgeport, Conn.)

New Jersey District

Babcock & Wilcox (Bayonne) at Cowboy Club (Jersey City)
Jersey Blues (Jersey City) at Alley Boys FC (Harrison)

Byes: Watessing FC (East Orange), West Hudson Juniors (Harrison)

Chicago District

Byes: Pullman FC, Clam McDuffs, Hyde Park Blues and Campbell Rovers FC

Pennsylvania District

Kensington AFC at Tacony FC
Disston FC at Bethlehem FC

Byes: West Philadelphia FC, Braddock FC, Wissinoming AFC

Detroit District

Byes: Roses FC, Packard FC

Western New York District

Niagara Falls Rangers at Buffalo Corinthians FC

Bye: McNaughton Rangers (Rochester)

THE FIRST CUP SERIES (THECUP.US)
A detailed look back at the 1913/1914 National Challenge Cup