Dec. 9, 1934 – Thornton Victorias 2:0 Portuguese SC, ASL match

Tommy Florie, who captained the U.S. national team in the 1930 World Cup, scored both goals. The Victorias were sponsored by Victoria Mills in Thornton, R.I.

Florie played for Harrison SC, the Providence Clamdiggers and New Bedford Whalers, totaling 126 goals, 11^th on the all-time scoring list in the original ASL. Florie led the Whalers with 13 goals in 32 games as they finished second to the Fall River Marksmen in the 1929-30 standings, then combined with Marksmen Bert Patenaude and Billy Gonsalves to lead the U.S. in the World Cup in Uruguay.

When Florie was named to the 1934 World Cup team, he was performing for the Pawtucket Rangers, along with U.S. teammates Ed Czerkiewicz, Walter Dick and Joe Martinelli. Florie was in the starting lineup for the U.S. win over Mexico (4-2) and loss to Italy (7-1) in Rome. Portuguese SC’s lineup included U.S. national team member Andy Auld.

Florie twice won the National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup); in 1932, he teamed with Gonsalves as the Whalers defeated Stix, Baer & Fuller, and in 1941, he was 43 years old when he scored a goal as Pawtucket FC defeated Detroit Chrysler, 8-5, on aggregate.

Portuguese Sport Club won the 1934-35 ASL title, edging the Pawtucket Rangers, 1-0, in the championship game. Florie played for the Rangers as they reached the 1934 National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup) final, falling to Stix, Baer & Fuller.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY