May 6, 1916 – Bethlehem Steel 1:0 Fall River Rovers, National Challenge Cup final at Coats Field (Att.: 15,000)

This match set standards for the National Challenge Cup (U.S. Open Cup) as a record crowd arrived for Bethlehem Steel’s second consecutive victory in the final in Pawtucket, R.I. Tommy Fleming’s 78^th-minute penalty kick decided the match.

“The Fall River Rovers are, with the one exception of Morgan, who hails from England, all local born and bred. The game will, therefore, be a virtual test of seasoned old country experience against home talent. There is a marked difference in their respective styles. The Fall River players have a bustling method as opposed to the smooth, machine-like action of the imported team.” (The Boston Globe)

Bethlehem’s lineup includes Campbell (Chesterfield); Clarke (Belfast Celtic, Glasgow Celtic); Duncan (Airdrieonians, Celtic, St. Mirren); Ferguson (Dundee, Leeds City), Fleming (Morton); Fletcher (Manchester City); MacDonald (Vale of Leven); Pepper (Notts County). Fleming, 33 for 34 on penalty kicks in last four years going into game, had a foot in both camps, having moved from Ayreshire to Quincy, Mass., as a teenager seeking higher wages for playing and also an opportunity to work in the Fore River Shipyard.

“… before the largest crowd that has ever attended a soccer game in the States, 15,000 people passing through the gates. … In the last minutes of the game Ferguson handled the ball in the penalty area and the incident being accidental the referee refused to award a penalty to the Rovers. At this decision the large crowd of Rovers’ supporters rushed on the field and mobbed the referee (David H. Whyte), but he luckily called time before they reached him. Several policemen managed with great difficulty to save him from rough handling by the angry crowd. One ringleader was arrested and will be prosecuted. Lieut Gov San Souci was in attendance to present the cup to the winning team, but after the disgraceful scene this was postponed.”

Emery San Souci (1857-1936) was Governor of Rhode Island from 1921-23.

United Shoe (Beverly, Mass.) 9:0 Bunting, district championship

            Lynn Hibernians 1:1 Lynn Fosse

            Chicopee Rovers 1:0 Farr Alpaca

            North Adams 1:3 Shelburne Falls, Berkshire District League

            Clinton 4:1 Fisherville, district championship

            Olympics 7:1 Clan McPherson at Lawrence, Mass.

May 6, 1928 – Hudson Essex (Fall River) 4:0 German-Americans, U.S. Amateur Cup Eastern final return leg at Mark’s Stadium (Att.: 4,000)

Note: preliminary to Fall River v J&P Coats game; Hudson v. Swedish Americans FC (Detroit) in “grand final.”

May 6, 2009 – Revolution trade former first round draft choice Rob Valentino to Colorado in exchange for Nico Colaluca