1888–89 American Cup

The 1889 American Cup was the fifth edition of the soccer tournament organized by the American Football Association. The Fall River Rovers won their second consecutive title by defeating the Newark Caledonians in the final.

Participants

Newcomers to the tournament were the Paterson Rangers and Trenton Rovers. Absent was the Ansonia team while New York was defunct and the Kearny Rangers had amalgamated with ONT.

State	City	Team
Massachusetts	Fall River	East Ends
Massachusetts	Fall River	Olympics
Massachusetts	Fall River	Rover F.C.
New Jersey	Paterson	Paterson F.B.C.
New Jersey	Paterson	Paterson Rangers
New Jersey	Newark	Almas
New Jersey	Newark	Clark O.N.T.
New Jersey	Newark	Caledonian Club
New Jersey	Newark	Tiffany Rovers
New Jersey	Trenton	Trenton F.B.C.
New Jersey	Trenton	Trenton Rovers
New York	New York	Amateur League
New York	New York	Thistles
Rhode Island	Pawtucket	Free Wanderers
Rhode Island	Providence	Providence Athletics

First round

The Fall River Olympics drew a first round bye. The first game between the Almas and Paterson was not completed due to the ball bursting early in the second half. Paterson refused to continue so Alma claimed the contest. However, after a meeting of the delegates it was decided that the game should be replayed because the game had started without a referee in the first place. Clark ONT was awarded their replay match as a result of Trenton Rovers failure to appear.

Second round

Pawtucket and Thistles drew a second round bye.

Third round

ONT drew a bye.

Semifinal

Caledonians drew a bye.

American Cup bracket

Notes;

Champions

American Football Association
Challenge Cup

Rover F.C.

Second Title