April 24, 1916 – Disston AA 0:1 Fall River Rovers, National Challenge Cup semifinal

Tommy Swords’ 16^th-minute goal made the difference for Fall River Rovers in the National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup) played in the Tacony section of Philadelphia. Less than four months later, Swords would become the first captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team on a visit to Scandinavia. Swords, a Fall River, Mass., native, was referred to as “formerly halfback of the Hibernians of this city (Philadelphia).” The result qualified the Rovers to meet Bethlehem Steel for “the first real National championship contest in this country” in Pawtucket, R.I., May 6, according to The Boston Globe story.

Disston AA was nicknamed “The Sawmakers,” sponsored by the company founded by industrialist Henry Disston.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY