Feb. 14, 1926 – ‘Great Soccer in the Rain at Tiverton, R.I.’

The U.S. Open Cup (the National Cup then), and American Soccer League games, were conducted through the winter months in the early part of the century. And supporters showed up (and stayed), despite the weather.

On this day, the Boston Wonderworkers held the Fall River Marksmen to a 1-1 draw at Mark’s Stadium.

The subhead in The Boston Globe read:

‘Crowd of 7000 at Game, a League Thriller’

The opening graph noted: “The ground was clear of snow and ice and the teams got away with a bang.”

The Boston team played with a numerical disadvantage for most of the game as Johnny Ballantyne was ejected after disputing a non-call as Alex McNab was felled in the penalty area. Tommy “Whitey” Fleming gave Boston the lead and Tommy Croft equalized before halftime.

In the second half, the Marksmen had a chance to break the deadlock after Tommy “Red” McMillan handled “in saving a goal for Boston.” But Tommy Steel, who played for the U.S. against Canada in 1925, saved Bill McPherson’s penalty kick.

“No extra time was played as the lines were obliterated and referee Oates decided to call it a day.

“Not a fan left the ground even when the rain was at its height, the play was so gripping. They admired the tenacity of the 10 Boston players who refused to be beaten.”

A week later, the Wonderworkers eliminated the Marksmen, 3-2, from the U.S. Open Cup, apparently relinquishing the home field. This game was played before a 12,000 crowd and the grounds crew apparently came through. The Globe’s 2/21/1926 editions noted: “the playing field at Tiverton is reported in great shape.”

The Marksmen won the ASL, scoring 142 goals in 44 games and compiling a 21W-0L-3T home record.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY