1917–18 National Challenge Cup

The United States had recently entered World War I, and the soccer world felt the effects as increasing numbers of players joined the armed forces to wage battle in Europe. Soccer was not as hard-hit as some other sports, but all leagues felt the impact; in fact the Čechie team of Chicago lost every member of its roster to enlistment. The United States Soccer Football Association issued a call to its member associations for teams to resist the temptation to strengthen their teams at the expense of others — when wealthy, but decimated teams eye the poorer but complete teams, their wallets and checkbooks should remain pocketed in the name of fair play. A welcome consequence of the war situation was a willingness of the USFA's own warring factions to end their dispute and work together in relative harmony during those trying times. Many soccer organizations launched fund raising campaigns and benefit matches to raise money to provide support for US soldiers through, among other means, the provision of soccer equipment and gear to enhance their recreational opportunities. One such project was the Soccer Football Chain Letter Fund launched by Thomas Cahill and the USFA.[1]

Other welcome events included record attendance figures in some late-round games of the National Challenge Cup that were well promoted. One of the major topics of discussion was the pros and cons of substitutes. At the time the laws did not specifically allow nor outlaw substitutes per se, but the consensus was that eventually they would become a reality. For the 1917-18 year, the USFA reported receipts of $6,318.64 and disbursements of $3,034.39, giving the USFA a net worth of $2,784.25 in cash and one $500.00 Liberty Bond.

Bracket

Home teams listed on top of bracket[2]

Third Round
Dec 25-Mar 23 		Quarterfinals
March 2–24 		Semifinals
Mar 30, Apr 20 		Finals
May 5,19
            
PA McKeesport F.C. 9
NY Rochester Celtics 0
PA McKeesport F.C. 0
PA Bethlehem Steel F.C. 5
PA Bethlehem Steel F.C. 2
PA Disston A.A. 1
PA Bethlehem Steel F.C. 4
IL Joliet F.C. 0
IL Joliet F.C. 2-9
IL Scottish Americans 2-2
IL Joliet F.C. 4
OH Cleveland F.C. 2
OH Cleveland F.C. 3
MI Corinthians 1
PA Bethlehem Steel F.C. 2-3
MA Fall River Rovers 2-0
MA Lynn Hibernians 6
MA Fore River 1
MA Lynn Hibernians 0
MA Fall River Rovers 5
MA Fall River Rovers 3
MA Pan-Americans 1
MA Fall River Rovers 3
NY West Hudson A.C.F 1
NJ West Hudson A.C.F. 4
NY New York F.C. 3
NJ West Hudson A.C.F 4-5
NJ Paterson F.C. 4-1
NY New York IRT 3
NJ Paterson F.C. 4

(*) replay after tied match

Final

First game
Fall River Rovers (MA)2–2 (a.e.t.)Bethlehem Steel (PA)
Sullivan  10'
Chadwick  45'		 Report[3] Ratican  4' (Fleming)
Fleming  (Murphy)
Attendance: 13,000
Referee: Charles Creighton, New York (USA)

Replay
Bethlehem Steel (PA)3–0Fall River Rovers (MA)
Ratican  30' (Ferguson), 75' (Fleming)
Pepper  32'		 Report[4]
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: Charles Creighton, New York (USA)

See also

References
  1. "The Year in American Soccer - 1918". Archived from the original on 2008-01-16. Retrieved 2008-01-20.
  2. USOpenCup.com
  3. "Title Unknown". Archived from the original on 2009-10-20.
  4. "Title Unknown". Archived from the original on 2009-10-20.
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