March 17 (1929)

Madison Kennels of St. Louis reaches the finals of the National Challenge Cup (today’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup) by routing Sparta of Chicago, 7-4, at Sportsman’s Park. The estimated crowd of 9,000, including 8,711 paid, sees Bud Grennon score three goals, giving him 12 in Madison’s four 1929 Challenge Cup games to date. Outplayed in the first half, Sparta roars back in the second to cut Madison’s lead to 5-4. But Madison squashes the comeback with a fast counterattack that leads to a goal by Eddie Flavin. Sparta coach Charles Fenel credits Madison’s speed as the difference, but contends that three of Madison’s goals should have been nullified, two for offsides and one for goalkeeper interference. Nevertheless, the score stands and Madison advances to the best-of-three finals, which will be won by New York’s Hakoah All-Stars, two games to none. A side note is that the amateur Muny League finals, also on March 17, attract a crowd estimated at 6,500 to Fairground Park to see South Side Radio win the title with a 4-0 defeat of Angelica.