1917–18 American Cup


The 1918 American Cup was the annual challenge cup held by the American Football Association. At the A.F.A.'s annual meeting on June 2 at the Continental Hotel in Newark, NJ the delegates elected were president Duncan Carswell of Orange, vice–president Donald McMillan of East Newark, recording secretary Robert M. Marshall of Kearny, and financial secretary/treasurer Andrew H. Beveridge of Arlington.In a reversal from the previous season, State associations could not restrict teams from entering multiple competitions. Twenty-nine teams entered the competition. Bethlehem Steel won the trophy for the third straight time and fourth overall.

First round

The draw for the first round was held October 13, 1917 at the Continental Hotel in Newark, NJ. The first round games were scheduled to be completed by October 28. J. & P. Coats of Pawtucket, Jersey A.C., and the Wanderers of Philadelphia drew byes. The New York/Clan MacDonald replay was protested and a third game was ordered.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut District
replays
Northern Massachusetts District
replay
Massachusetts/Rhode Island District
replay
'''Pennsylvania District'''

Second round

The draw for the second round was held November 3, 1917 at the Continental hotel in Newark, NJ. Matches were due to be played on or before November 29. The Wanderers of Philadelphia withdrew because they could not afford the trip to Quincy, MA. The Pan–Americans of Fall River withdrew from the tournament when they could not agree on financial arrangements with Bethlehem Steel management.

Third round

'''replay'''

Semifinals

'''replay'''

Final

The American Cup final took place in J. & P. Coats Park in Pawtucket, RI. Bethlehem Steel won their fourth American Cup and third in succession. This win was coupled with a National Challenge Cup title after defeating Fall River on May 20. They came close to a third title but fell short finishing second in the National Association Football League to Paterson.