The Boston Wonder Workers attracted a strong following from 1924-28, their demise coinciding with administrative problems and “Soccer Wars” involving scheduling conflicts with the American Soccer League and National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup). Supporters often traveled by ship to games in New York and Pennsylvania, but the Boston Soccer Social Club was apparently scheduling busses from South Station, as well. [Read more…] about April 3, 1927 – On the bus to Brooklyn
That was the headline the day after Fall River defeated Bethlehem Steel. 2-0, in the National Challenge Cup Eastern final at Dexter Park in Brooklyn on March 9, 1924.
The Boston Globe story estimated 5,000 supporters had traveled from Fall River “and other Massachusetts towns,” a trip estimated to cost about $25 – teams and fans usually traveled by boat.
The match drew “a record crowd,” to Dexter Park, which had a 25,000 capacity. Attendance figures were not listed in the game story, but each club received about $2,500 in gate receipts. Later estimates were a 20,000 crowd.
The Marksmen’s direct play was effective because the field was muddy and “in deplorable condition.” Johnny Reid headed in a Dougie Campbell cross and Campbell finished a Frank McKenna free kick. Alec Lorimer (Fall River) and Tommy Maxwell (Bethlehem) were ejected.
Fall River owner Sam Mark, asked by the Globe’s George M. Collins about the upcoming final, responded: “Believe me, boy, there is no bigger game than this one for me. Beating Bethlehem Steel was our objective and we did it.”
TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY