The Globe -- Bethlehem
January 27, 1919
When the Soccer Whistle Blows

The Football Association of eastern Pennsylvania and District, which has the distinction of being the oldest state organization in the country, is making wonderful progress this season. Since its organization in March 1913, or only a few weeks later than the United States Football Association, the national body, the Eastern District has accomplished wonderful work. The membership this year comprises six leagues, the Blue Mountain circuit included, while including the affiliated clubs there are sixty-seven clubs affiliated with the state organization. Prior to the war the Eastern District had nearly 200 clubs. This number was reduced owing to a total of 422 players enlisting in the service, but now that quite a number of the players are coming back indications point to several new teams being in the field prior to the end of the season. Through the organization of the Football Association of Eastern Pennsylvania and District has been placed on a concrete foundation in this city. Before the Eastern District came into the field the various leagues conducted their own business. Players were allowed to jump their contracts from one league to another. A professional player could change from one club to another, but now both amateur and professional players must be registered with the Eastern District before they can play with any of the affiliated leagues and they must also be released on a proper form before they are at liberty to sign with another team during the season.

At a meeting of the National League at Newark, the Scottish Americans of that city resigned from the league, this club having disbanded for the season. The Robins Dry Dock F. C. of Brooklyn was admitted to the league and will take the place of the Scottish Americans in the schedule. The other teams in the organization are: Bethlehem Steel Co., Paterson F. C., New York F. C., Babcock and Wilcox, and Merchant Ship of Harriman, Pa.

Merchant Ship A soccer football eleven are finally in the American Challenge Cup competition by their victory over J & P Coats team of Pawtucket, at Philadelphia on Saturday. Bethlehem Steel team are also semi-finalists by winning from Federal Ship, the team which eliminated Merchant B in their replayed third round game. The other two teams to qualify for the semi final will be the winner of Babcock & Wilcox vs. Robins Dry Dock F. C. of Brooklyn, to be played at Paterson, Sunday, Feb. 9. The draw will take place at the American Football Association to be held in Newark in the near future. The draw for the semi-final matches for the National Cup also held by the Bethlehem team, resulted as follows: Goodyear F C. of Akron, O., at Bethlehem Steel Co. grounds; Paterson F. C. at Fore River, Quincy, Mass.; Morse Dry Dock F. C. at New York F. C., and Rose F. C. of Detroit at Bricklayers and Masons', Chicago. These games are to be played on or before March 17.

Pitted against the Babcock & Wilcox soccer eleven in a National Football League championship fixture at New York yesterday, the New York Football Club could do no better than play a tie game. The final score was New York 1, Babcock & Wilcox 1.

Merchant Ship Association football team defeated J & P Coats eleven of Pawtucket, R. I. 4 goals to 1 in a third round American Cup game at Philadelphia on Saturday. The first half was well contested, the Harriman ship plant stars leading 2 goals to 1.

Though handicapped by playing with 10 men against the full strength of their opponents, the Paterson Field Club managed to defeat the New York Ship aggregate 1 goal to 0 in their New Jersey Cup soccer match at Philadelphia on Saturday.


1918-1919
Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club