Philadelphia was central to the formation of the first two pro soccer leagues in the US, the National League baseball-backed American League of Professional Football, and the American Association of Professional Football, which played its first games before, and outlived, the ALPF.
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.
Our series on the origins of soccer in Philadelphia concludes.
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.
The decline of Philadelphia’s first organized league is followed by the appearance of the first professional soccer teams in the city.
Philadelphia’s first organized soccer league continued to grow in its second and third seasons with more teams, rising attendance, and intercity games.
One hundred years ago, Tacony FC took on Brooklyn FC in the third round of the American Cup. Also, a recap of league play and the Inquirer’s call for soccer fields in Fairmount Park.
One hundred years ago in Philadelphia soccer history, the fixtures for five area teams in the US Open Cup were announced, and Hibernian learned they were losing their home field. Also, local league results.
100 years ago in Philadelphia soccer history, Bethlehem appealed the order to replay their American Cup match against Wissinoming. And while rain caused many league games to be postponed, an exhibition game at Starr Garden ended in a riot.
One hundred years ago this week, Bethlehem was ordered to replay American Cup first rounder after fielding an ineligible player and the issue of teams poaching players was coming to a head. Also, results from around Philadelphia’s leagues.
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