In the American Football Association Cup, the Milwaukee Brewmasters continued their efforts to win a third straight title, advancing to the semifinal round after defeating Philadelphia United Cricket Clubs 3-1 at the Blatz Platz.  The Washington Insiders also advanced, knocking off the Ultimate Division champion Baltimore Bannerets.   The Boston Shipwrights hope to add a Cup to their collection of three Ultimate Division banners.  Baltimore Chimney Swifts were the last semi-final team.  After the close finish to their crosstown rivals for the Ultimate Division, they would like nothing better to claim the Cup.
 

jxhnhvhn wrote:

Good to see the Scarlets back in the top league! I was hoping Gem City would stay up, but I guess they'll have to work their way back up. Torn on whether to cheer for the Chimney Swiffs or Brewmasters in the cup.

There isn't demotion from the Regional Divisions yet, so Dayton is safe.  Once the Regional Divisions are full at 20 clubs will there be demotion.  For now, there is only promotion for the Sectional qualifiers.

ZO82 wrote:

will there be a go for the Southern League

There will soon be a Southern Regional Division.

In the AFA Cup final, the Insiders delighted their fans at Boundary Field and reversed their role in the semi-final by leaping out to an early lead, with goals from Gompers and Morris in the 11th and 13th minutes, respectively.  They were not able to hold the lead for long, though.  The Chimney Swifts responded with goals from Ray (26’) and Edwards (29’) to knot the score before halftime.  Soon after the break, Morris was sent off with a second yellow card.  Baltimore immediately dialed up the pressure and took the lead on an Alexander Hobart header off of a corner kick in the 50th minute.  After that, the Chimney Swifts locked down any attack the undermanned Insiders would bring.  On the rare occasion that Washington got the ball to the Chimney Swifts’ half, the McKay brothers were relentless in winning the ball back.  With the final whistle, the Chimney Swifts had claimed the American Football Association Cup, their first since 1901.

For the Columbia Challenge Tournament, expectations were high that it would feature an all-Baltimore final, with the Bannerets being Ultimate Division champions and the Chimney Swifts the holder of the AFA Cup.  Rounding out the field were the Penultimate Division vice-champions, Milwaukee Cream City FC, and the host Alameda Vampires.  The Penultimate Division champions, the Cleveland Longlegs, refused to travel to California because their “thrifty” owners felt the expenses were too exorbitant,

The Bannerets did their part by downing the Vampires 2:1.  The Chimney Swifts fell behind against Cream City by giving up a goal in the 12th minute.  They answered with goals in the 23rd and 29th to go ahead for good.

Last edited by Goldengoose05 (5/06/2020 5:49 pm)