Philadelphia Soccer History

Philadelphia Soccer History

The founding of the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association

A look at the founding of the EPSA, originally known as the Foot Ball Association of Eastern Pennsylvania and District, in April, 1913, six days after the founding of the United States of America Football Association, known today as the US Soccer Federation.

Local / Philadelphia Soccer History

A champion’s medal comes home

Last Friday, a 103-year-old championship medal won by a Scottish goalkeeper in Philadelphia returned to the city to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Soccer Hall of Fame. Here’s the story of the goalkeeper who won that medal and how it came back from Scotland to Philly.

Philadelphia Soccer History

The origins of soccer in Philadelphia, part 10: It’s only just begun

Our series on the origins of soccer in Philadelphia concludes.

Philadelphia Soccer History

Christmas soccer in Philly, 1914

The long tradition of holiday games continued for Philadelphia soccer teams in 1914.

Philadelphia Soccer History

The origins of soccer in Philadelphia, part 9: Manz wins the 1897 American Cup

After the quick demise of the Philadelphia Phillies pro soccer team in 1894, Philadelphia’s other pro team would return to the amateur ranks before going on to win Philadelphia’s first national soccer championship in 1897.

Philadelphia Soccer History

The origins of soccer in Philadelphia, part 8: Philly’s first pro clubs appear during troubled times for city’s first league

The decline of Philadelphia’s first organized league is followed by the appearance of the first professional soccer teams in the city.

Philadelphia Soccer History

The origins of soccer in Philadelphia, part 7: Philly’s first league continues to grow

Philadelphia’s first organized soccer league continued to grow in its second and third seasons with more teams, rising attendance, and intercity games.

Philadelphia Soccer History

The origins of soccer in Philadelphia, part 6: The first league

Our series continues with the start of Philadelphia’s first organized soccer league, the Pennsylvania Football Union, in 1889.

Featured / Philadelphia Soccer History

The origins of soccer in Philadelphia, part 5: Local college-based football after the 1863 Laws of the Game

Our series continues with a look at college football in Philadelphia after the 1863 Laws of the Game, and how rival rules of the game resulted in what would become American gridiron football supplanting soccer-style football in intercollegiate sport.

Philadelphia Soccer History

Thanksgiving soccer in Philly, 1914

Philadelphia’s tradition of Thanksgiving soccer continued with two big American Cup games and a game between two longstanding rivals.