In the game here on Saturday afternoon soccer patrons will witness in action two of the best scoring combinations in the circuit. Insofar as the offensive strength of the two teams is concerned the All-Stars have it slightly on Bethlehem, having played three more games than the local booters.
In the eighteen games played by Hakoah, ten of which were won, four lost and four drawn, the Jewish aggregation has piled up a total of 62 goals. Incidentally three of the four defeats experienced by the All-Stars were administered by Bethlehem, while the other defeat came at the hands of the New York Giants.
The goal-scoring average of the Bethlehem team is only three shy of the Hakoah margin, the locals having scored 59 goals in fifteen games played, fourteen of which were won and one lost. The lone defeat came in the recent meeting here with the New York Giants.
While the offensive strength of all three leading clubs appears to be on a part, it is the offensive strength of the Bethlehem team which completely outclasses the other two rivals. In the fifteen games played only 22 goals have been scored against Bethlehem. Hakoah has yielded 40 goals of which Bethlehem accounted for eleven in three games and the New York Giants were reached for 36 goals. These statistics indicate how equally the merit on the home team is balanced when the team is represented by all of the regular players.
While Bethlehem enjoys a commanding lead in the league race the weekend games threaten a material change in the percentage figures for both Hakoah and the New York giants are trailing the league leaders and pressing for the honors.
With the inclusion of Mahrer, the crack Austrian halfback, the Jewish organization will be a much stronger club than it was prior to the signing of the newcomer. Mahrer played his first game in the Hakoah victory over the New York Giants last Sunday and went across with a bang.
Bethlehem's crippled situation is somewhat relieved by the successful negotiations carried on for players. Duggy Campbell, a favorite with Bethlehem several years back, will be here to play on the Blue and White team. Campbell is expected to be here for a big practice session this afternoon. Campbell is a wing forward and will no doubt play in Gillespie's position. After leaving here he played with Fall River and later with the New York Giants.
Another popular favorite in the lineup on Saturday will be the veteran and famed internationalist, Jock Marshall. The latter, loaned to the Philadelphia Club, has been recalled and will probably remain with the team.
The league standing:
|
P |
W |
D |
L |
Pts. |
Pct. |
|
|
Bethlehem |
15 |
14 |
0 |
1 |
28 |
.933 |
|
N. Y. Giants |
18 |
11 |
2 |
5 |
24 |
.667 |
|
Hakoah All-Stars |
18 |
10 |
4 |
4 |
24 |
.667 |
|
Newark |
14 |
3 |
5 |
6 |
11 |
.393 |
|
I. R. T. Rangers |
15 |
5 |
1 |
9 |
11 |
.367 |
|
Philadelphia |
14 |
3 |
5 |
7 |
10 |
.357 |
|
Hispano |
14 |
2 |
2 |
10 |
6 |
.214 |
|
N. Y. Celtics |
8 |
0 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
.125 |