1918–19 American Cup


The 1919 American Cup was the annual challenge cup held by the American Football Association. At the A.F.A.'s annual meeting 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 James Galletly of Kearny, and financial secretary/treasurer Andrew N. Beveridge of Kearny, NJ. Twenty-five teams entered the competition. Bethlehem Steel Works won the trophy for the fourth straight time and fifth overall.

First round

The draw for the first round was held October 5, 1918 at the Continental Hotel in Newark, NJ. The first round games were scheduled to be completed by October 27. Scottish American, Jersey A.C., Bridgeport City, Clan MacDuff, and Merchant Shipbuilding of Bristol drew byes. The New York/Paterson match was protested on account of ending seven minutes early and a replay was ordered.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut District
replay
New England District
replay
'''Pennsylvania District'''

Second round

The draw for the second round was held November 9, 1918 at the Continental hotel in Newark, NJ. Matches were due to be played on or before December 15.
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut District
New England District
'''Pennsylvania District'''

Third round

The draw for the third round was held December 28, 1918 at the Continental hotel in Newark, NJ. Merchants Shipbuilding A team fielded an ineligible player and was required to replay their match with J. & P. Coats.
'''replays'''

Final

The American Cup final took place at Disston Ball Park in Tacony, PA. Bethlehem Steel entered the final with 22 wins 2 ties and 1 loss with 81 goals scored and 17 against. Paterson won 16 tied 4 and lost 5 with 52 goals scored and 30 against. Bethlehem and Paterson were engaging in a virtual replay of the National Challenge Cup final played in Fall River the week prior. The result of both finals was 2–0 in favor of Bethlehem. Bethlehem won a third title in the season by finishing first in the National League followed by Paterson.