June 23 (1946)

Schumacher of St. Louis wins the U.S. Junior Cup for the second consecutive year on the field. But this time, they keep the title after beating Prague of New York, 2-0, in the championship game at Throggs Stadium in New York. Schumacher had to forfeit the title in 1945 when it was discovered that three Schumacher players had appeared in games with senior teams earlier that season. In 1946, Schumacher scores just 12 minutes into the final when Bill Brady drives home a pass from Warren Smith. The teams battle fiercely the rest of the way. Schumacher’s tough defense, led by right fullback Ralph Stocker, future U.S. Soccer Hall of Famer Bob Annis and goalkeeper Albert Pidgeon, frustrate the home team. Paul Douglas scores an insurance goal with five minutes remaining. Officials for the Prague team allege that Schumacher used overage players, but their protests are for naught and Schumacher keeps the Cup championship. The 1946 Junior Cup (today’s McGuire Boys U-19 Cup) is the first of 22 that will be won by St. Louis teams.