May 16, 1914 – First U.S. Open Cup Final in Pawtucket, R.I. (Att.: 7,000)

This event kicked off the U.S. Open Cup, then called the National Challenge Cup, which has become the most enduring of U.S. team sporting competitions, in terms of continuity and longevity. The tournament has been held annually through epidemics, labor disputes, wars. The U.S. Open Cup is the world’s second longest continuously-operating football association cup competition, according to Josh Hakala of www.thecup.us.com .

The Boston Globe account of the match called it “the USFA football final … fully 7,000 persons, including fans from all parts of New England, crowded into the field to witness the titular struggle. … It was the largest crowd which has seen an association football match in New England in years and a splendid exhibition of the English game.”

May 16, 1914 – Brooklyn Field Club 2:1 Brooklyn Celtic, U.S. Open Cup final at Lonsdale-av Grounds (Coats Field) in Pawtucket, R.I. (Att.: 7,000)

Qualifying for the 104^th annual edition of the cup began earlier this year and continues with second-round games this week:

— Boston City FC v GPS Omens, at Della Russo Stadium, Revere, Mass., 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 17

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY