Thomas Hatfield
The History of Soccer in Greater Cleveland from 1906 until 1981 begins with the playing of the game on Payne’s pasture in Cleveland in 1906 and by 1920 its adherents were poised to continue soccer’s growth during the Golden Age of Cleveland Soccer, 1919-1932. The foundation that was laid during the Beginning Period blossomed during the 1920’s into a Golden Age that culminated in the National Championship in 1932. A period of decline followed and lasted until the end of World War II and towards the end of the Period of Decline another intra-squad game like when soccer began in 1906 was held. Lester Vasquez divided his Cleveland Americans into East Side and West Side squads and played a practice match at Gordon Park. His efforts symbolized a new beginning for Cleveland soccer. The Period of Revival lasted from 1946 until 1966 and in it’s last year the World Cup was held in England and attracted the attention of the general public. Hal Lebovitz, Cleveland Plain Dealer Sports Editor, was one of the viewers via Early Bird satellite TV as England defeated West Germany in overtime. He wrote: 'soccer has everything. As you saw yesterday, it has constant action. There is no time out for huddles or the hitching up of pants. It takes speed, great skill, strength, remarkable stamina and is a sport that truly requires survival of the fittest.' The groundwork was laid for the Early Modern Period of Cleveland Soccer from 1967 until 1981. The final chapter provides information on the professional game, the indoor game, school soccer-high school, college soccer, CYO soccer, junior soccer, senior league competition, inter city play, exhibition games and special events, international games, National Amateur Cup competition, National Open Cup competition and promotion of the game.
