Speedy collapse of the American Soccer League is forecast by incidents occurring subsequent to the action taken by New Bedford in leaving the ranks of the rebellious loop to be reinstated by the U. S. F. A. and admitted to membership in the Eastern Soccer League.

New Bedford’s action, coming with no pre-announcement, was the most severe blow to be dealt the outlaw loop since the start of the soccer controversy, and is predicted by soccer men as the end of the war which was waged throughout the present season.

Only recently the American League calling a special meeting to discuss the New Bedford situation, announced that the remaining clubs pledged to remain intact and carry on the fight harder than ever.

But this threat is discounted with actually happenings since that meeting and other rumored reports which intimate a speedy demolition of the American Soccer League. It is reported that J & P Coats, pioneer member of league soccer, who dies its playing at Pawtucket, R. I., is through. The threadmakers have made no application for reinstatement or to be admitted to the Eastern League, but it is believed that such action is delayed in honoring the pledge made at the recent meeting of the outlaw league.

The withdrawal of the Coats team was the most important of recent happenings which are known to have occurred within the last several days, but if rumors prevalent in New York could be accepted with credence, the collapse would probably be complete.

New York gossip reaching the ears of the local management although no confirmation could yet be secured has it that Nat Agar, owner, manager and the whole show of the Brooklyn Wanderers is virtually conceding defeat, and is about to withdraw from soccer. It is rumored that this announcement was made to the Brooklyn players after their game on Sunday afternoon.

The loss of Brooklyn, one of the few of the paying clubs, would undoubtedly be the death knell for Agar, it is understood, has been one of the most active club owners involved in the fight against the national body.

Up Fall River way where Sam Marks presided in soccer activities, word comes out the fans are becoming restless and are clamoring for reconciliation. Sentiment seems directed that way and gossip goes further as to intimate hat unless some such action is taken the American Leaguers may shortly have to compete against opposition. There is talk that interest well backed financially are considering placing another club in Fall River, a team which would be affiliated with the parent organization.

Regardless of what may occur in the near future it is hardly believed that any attempt will be made to reorganize in major league circles. Such action would no doubt be delayed due to the lateness of the season. However, with playing worries at an end and warfare no longer existing it is quite likely that activities would be prounced during the summer months and plans outlined to again operate a major league circuit under normal conditions.

Bethlehem played at New Bedford yesterday and was given a great ovation by close to four thousand soccer fans. Dave Edwards and the two Barries, Jim and Willie, former members of the Bethlehem team, are suspended. The trio were on hand to see Bethlehem play, but make no overtures to the Bethlehem management for reinstatement. Their predicament is quite acute and it may be some time, if ever, before they are restored to an eligible status. That would involve the payment of fines and the transfer of Bethlehem to some other club.

Armstrong Patterson, president of the United States Football Association, returned to his home in Detroit, Mich. However, the head executive of the national body will be back East in two weeks when, on that occasion, the Western representation in the National Cup competition comes on to play Hakoah All-Stars, the Eastern survivor by virtue of a 1 to 0 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday afternoon.