Professional soccer games were played at both the Cycledrome and Kinsley Park in Providence in the 1920s and ‘30s. Kinsley Park (capacity 6,000 est.) was demolished in 1933 and the Cycledrome (capacity 10,000) in 1937. [Read more…] about May 2, 1926 – Providence Clamdiggers 2:2 Hakoah Vienna at Cycledrome (Att.: 6,000)
Freddie Wall scores twice as Philadelphia FC hands Providence Clam Diggers their only home defeat of second half of ASL season. Wall, born in Fall River, finished seventh in the ASL with 22 goals in 25 games, playing for the Newark Skeeters and Philadelphia, that season. Wall, born in Fall River, Mass., also played for local clubs such as Lusitania Recreation in East Cambridge and was part of a generation that included proven goal-scorers on the international stage, such as Barney Battles, Davey Brown, Jim Brown, Buff Donelli, Tommy Florie, Billy Gonsalves, Arnie Oliver, Bert Patenaude, Archie Stark, et al.
According to The Boston Globe: “The Phils’ center-forward almost won the game single-handed when he scored two goals and passed to Wardrop a third.” For the deciding goal, Wall outmaneuvered Joe Kennaway, who would go on to be Celtic FC’s starting goalkeeper from 1931-39.
Bethlehem Steel 5×1 Walsh Chevrolet, National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup)
The same day, “18-year-old goalie” Johnny Reder of Fall River “was sensational” playing for Walsh Chevrolet. Reder, born in Lublin, Poland, Sept. 24, 1909, according to Colin Jose’s “American Soccer League 1921-1931,” went on to a two-sport professional career, playing for three ASL teams and as a first baseman/third baseman for the Boston Red Sox. Reder also was named MVP of the NY-Penn League while playing for the Williamsport Grays in 1935.
J&P Coats 3:1 Boston Wonder Workers
New Bedford Whalers 5:3 New York Nationals
Feb. 16, 1924 – Armenian-Americans “13th team of ‘nationalities’ to join district leagues in Boston area
NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY
Bobby Blair scored twice as J&P Coats took a 3-0 win over the Providence Gold Bugs, remaining unbeaten in the second half of the ASL season in “a contest which brought about the biggest crowd and best soccer of the current season,” according to 2/10/29 editions of the Boston Globe. Providence’s Joe Kennaway would go on to become Celtic FC goalkeeper from 1931-39.
On the same day, the Boston Wonder Workers were upset, 4-3, by Jersey City at the Walpole Street Grounds. The visitors from Skeeterville “inject(ed) Jimmy Douglas, Olympic goalie of 1924 into their lineup” and “deserved to win,” according to the Globe account. “The field was heavy, in fact it was ankle deep in mud …” [Read more…] about Feb. 9, 1929 – ‘Biggest crowd, best soccer of the season’