Feb. 2, 1926 – American Woolen Co. (sponsor of Shawsheen Indians) president William Madison Wood, 68, commits suicide
Post by frankdellapa@gmail.com
The Shawsheen Indians were reigning National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup) champions, having won the title less than a year earlier. After taking a 3-0 victory over the Canadian Club in the final at Mark’s Stadium in North Tiverton, R.I., Shawsheen announced plans to join the ASL. The Indians started the 1925-26 season strong, handing the Fall River Marksmen one of their two defeats during the season. After taking a 3-2 win over the Boston Wonder Workers on Nov. 28, 1926, Shawsheen had a 10W-4L-1D (21 points) record.
But the team went into a slump and was eliminated from the National Challenge Cup in its opening match.
George M. Wallace, Wood’s personal secretary, controlled the Indians’ franchise in the ASL. Wood, first generation offspring of Azorean immigrants, built some of the world’s largest mill complexes and set up Shawsheen as a model worker’s town, building Balmoral Park in Andover, Mass., as a 10,000-capacity home stadium for the Indians. Wood committed suicide in Flagler Beach, Fla., on Feb. 2, 1926. In April 1926, Shawsheen withdrew from the ASL after having played 28 games.
Jan. 16, 1926 – New Bedford Whalers 5:0 Shawsheen, National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup)
The Indians were showing signs of difficulty, according to The Boston Globe:
“Murdock, the Indians’ regular goalkeeper, did not play, and perhaps he is going to wear a Bethlehem uniform soon. … Shawsheen’s future depends on the policy of its owner. What Wallace plans in reorganization is unknown.”
Feb. 2, 1930 – Fall River Marksmen 5:0 Lusitania Recreation, National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup) match at Sam Mark’s Stadium (Att.: 5,000)
Feb. 2, 1997 – Revolution select Scott Coufal in second round (12th overall) of MLS draft, plus Sam George in MLS Supplemental draft. Revolution midfielder Paulo Dos Santos chosen by Tampa Bay in MLS Supplemental draft
Feb. 2, 1999 – Revolution acquire John Harkes from D.C. United
Feb. 2, 2012 – Revolution acquire Jose “Pepe” Moreno on loan from Once Caldas
NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY