May 23, 1926 – New York Giants 3:0 (4:5 aggregate) New Bedford Whalers, Lewis Cup final at the Oval

This was the second year of the Lewis Cup competition, the equivalent of the League Cup for ASL teams. The Whalers won the home leg, 5-1, at Battery Park in New Bedford May 22, 1926. According to the Boston Globe, Jimmy Montgomerie “lost a penalty,” meaning he either missed a penalty kick or surrendered one – the Giants’ right back Charlie Kelly did convert a PK. The Whalers had two own goals, Neil Turner scored twice, and Andy Stevens (who totaled 44 goals in 39 league matches) converted just before the final whistle.

Stevens’ goal turned out to make the difference. In the return game, the Giants came within a goal of equalizing the series. The Whalers finished second to the Fall River Marksmen in the 1925-26 ASL standings.

Stevens (1905-68) served with the Queen’s Own Rifles in World War II and suffered post-traumatic stress disorder.

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY