New York, Nov. 8 -- Bethlehem, holder of the national soccer championship, defeated the eleven of the New York Football Club at Harlem Oval yesterday, by a score of three goals to two, in a hotly fought contest, the issue of which was not decided until the last minute of play.

Most of the scoring occurred in the first period, at the end of which honors were even, with two goals credited to each side. The deadlock continued throughout the entire second half, until just before the whistle blew. Ratican the former St. Louis star, headed the ball from a corner into New York's net.