1916–17 American Cup


The 1917 American Cup was the annual challenge cup held by the American Football Association. At the A.F.A.'s annual meeting on June 24 at the Continental Hotel in Newark, NJ the delegates elected were president Duncan Carswell of Orange, vice–president Donald McMillan of East Newark, treasurer Harry Craig of Paterson, recording secretary Robert M. Marshall of Arlington, and corresponding secretary Andrew H. Beveridge of Arlington. Thirty-three teams entered the competition however none of the major Massachusetts teams entered. A new rule that season made by the Southern New England FA forbade their clubs from entering more than one tournament other than the State Cup. This being the case most of the teams opted for the National Cup instead. Bethlehem Steel brought home the trophy for the third time with a convincing 7-0 final win against the West Hudsons.

Preliminary round

The draw for the preliminary and first rounds was held October 1, 1916 at the Continental Hotel in Newark, NJ. The Preliminary round featured one game between Putnam of Philadelphia and Victor Talking Machine Company of Camden.
'''Pennsylvania District'''

First round

The first round games were scheduled to be completed by October 28. Brooklyn disbanded and were replaced with Continental. The Pan–Americans and Rovers of Fall River entered the tournament and were drawn together however no match was played per the SNEFA ruling this season. They were replaced with the Chicopee Rovers and Bridgeport Rangers. Scottish American advanced when Yonkers disbanded. Ford and Dublin won their first round engagements however both teams were disqualified due to fielding ineligible players allowing Continental and Clan MacDonald to advance.
New England District
replay
NY/NJ District
replays
'''Pennsylvania District'''

Second round

The draw for the second round was held November 11, 1916 at the Continental hotel in Newark, NJ. Matches were due to be played on or before November 30. The Chicopee Rovers were under suspension allowing Clan MacDonald to advance.
'''replay'''

Third round

The draw for the third round was held December 16, 1916 at the Continental hotel in Newark, NJ. Games were to be played by January 28.
'''replay'''

Final

The American Cup final took place in Wiedenmayer's Park in Newark, NJ. The West Hudsons, fifth in the National Association Football League, had been the champions of the American Cup on three previous occasions. Bethlehem Steel came into the final having played 36 games winning 32 with two ties and a two losses. They had scored 135 goals with 25 against. Both teams had met in February in the third round of the National Challenge Cup with Bethlehem advancing. On May 5 the 'Steelmen' finished runner–up in the National Challenge Cup to Fall River.