Nov. 6, 1909 – Boston Rovers 3:2 Lynn City at Franklin Park

Former Manchester City center forward William “Billy” Gillespie (b. Oct. 2, 1873 in Strathclyde, Scotland) scored for Lynn City. Gillespie, described as “one of the greatest center forwards England has had in years,” had combined with Billy Meredith, winning the 1904 FA Cup with the Citizens. Manchester City was  later disciplined for paying players above the maximum wage; Gillespie refused to pay a fine, instead moving to the U.S., settling in Lynn and later coaching Harvard’s soccer team.

Highlights of the match included T. Mellen’s shot “from near midfield, which goal tend Sheridan managed to get his hands on, but could not prevent from going through.” George Collins, who became the Globe’s Soccer Editor and also managed the U.S. national team in the 1924 Olympics, played for the Rovers.

“The largest crowd of the season witnessed the game, including 300 school boys of this city and about 100 boys from the Newton schools. Soccer is to be introduced in the schools of this city and other places, and the boys were present to get points on the game by invitation of the Rovers. Men familiar with the game explained the clever plays to the boys as they developed.”

TODAY IN NEW ENGLAND SOCCER HISTORY