The Globe -- Bethlehem
Friday, January 25, 1924
A Swing Along Athletic Row

Ready for Crucial Test
Tomorrow will be the day on which will be decided whether the Bethlehem Steel soccer team will continue in the National Cup competition and qualify to meet Fall River in the Eastern final or whether the Steel Workers whose brilliant campaigning thus far this season has been one of the sensations of the soccer world will be eliminated and hand the palm to the Newark F. C. Fall River qualified for the Eastern final last Saturday afternoon by defeating the Abbot Worsted eleven after a most torrid battle. The Steel Workers with the possible exception of Tom Maxwell, a speedy forward, are ready to go and in the best possible condition. Maxwell was injured about the leg in the game here against the National Giants last Saturday and although he is practically recovered it is not yet determined if he will start. The management apparently fear that even through the bruise is healed, the slightest of blows might aggravate the injury and compel the team to compete in this important cup affair minus the services of a forward. Much like last Saturday when after the first half of the game Maxwell retired.

Would Not Weaken the Team
Even though Maxwell, a former Third Lanark player and rated as one of the foremost forwards in the country, is indisposed for the game tomorrow, the lineup of the Steel Workers would not be weakened by his absence. There is Jack Rattray, the veteran with the local clan, and Grainger, both seasoned players, who could fill in at t he position. Rattray last Saturday played center forward while Walter Jackson was given a rest for the cup tilt. IT is significant that the Steel Workers include in their roster of players reserves who are just as capable as the regulars and players who have a thorough understanding with each other. If Bethlehem qualified in the semi-final the final round should be one of the best soccer attractions ever. The intense rivalry between Fall River and Bethlehem is at straining point an both teams are anxious to duel each other in the battle for Eastern soccer supremacy. In all likelihood this final round will be played in the Polo Grounds, New York City.

Many Fans Will Witness The Game
It is understood that a delegation of local fans will make the trip to Philadelphia tomorrow afternoon to witness the game. The players will leave in the morning at 9:45 o'clock and while many of the rooters will be passengers on this train a good many will follow later. Several trains following will get them to the Quaker City in time for the contest and since there is little danger of the Phillies ball park being sold out for the contest there is no need for a usual haste in reaching the grounds. In addition to the steam facilities from Bethlehem to Philadelphia there is a limited trolley service leaving Eighth and Hamilton streets, Allentown, every hour and which requires but two hours to reach 69th and Market streets, Philadelphia.


1923-1924
Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club