February 24 (1918)

While the United States fights on the World War I battlefields of France, the St. Louis League continues to play (and sometimes fight) as professional soccer carries on its weekly Sunday doubleheaders at Cardinal Field on the corner of Natural Bridge and Vandeventer. The Ben Millers tie Innisfails 1-1 and remain in first place, while St. Leo’s and the Naval Reserves battle to a 2-2 standoff. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that “the good weather brought out another good crowd,” which is also good for the players, who are paid from the day’s gate receipts. “Two near fist-fights, one in each game, add to the interest,” according to the Post-Dispatch. One of the belligerents is Eddie Mulligan, who will leave on March 2 for Camp Funston, Fort Riley, Kan., to serve in the Army. The St. Louis League was founded in 1907 and will continue to 1938, usually with four teams each season at various locations such as Cardinal Field and Sportsman’s Park. Numerous U.S. Soccer Hall of Famers and several National Challenge Cup champions will play in the St. Louis League.