![]() | |||
Full name | German American Sport Club of Elizabeth | ||
---|---|---|---|
Founded | 1924 | ||
|
Elizabeth SC is an American soccer club based in Union County, New Jersey that is an inactive member of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League.[1]
History
[edit]Elizabeth SC was founded in 1924 as Elizabeth Germans[2] in Elizabeth, New Jersey by a group of German immigrants who shared a passion for the game of soccer. The club immediately joined the German American Soccer League, now the Cosmopolitan Soccer League. In 1940, the Liberty Sport Club merged into Elizabeth SC. In the 1940s, the club started divisions for fencing, track and field, handball and bowling.
In the post-World War II era, Elizabeth SC experienced a tremendous growth in membership, which, in turn, resulted in success in the club's athletic teams. In 1949, the club would capture the U.S. Amateur Cup. Over next few years, the club would start a Ladies Auxiliary and expand its youth movement. Additionally, in 1960 and 1961, the club's handball division would win the U.S. championships.
In 1965, Elizabeth SC purchased its long-time playing field and clubhouse, Farcher's Grove, through a holding corporation. The club's soccer program reached new heights in 1970 when the club won the National Challenge Cup. The club would again win the National Cup in 1972. The club also won two league championships in the 1970s as well as the New Jersey State Cup.
In the 1980s, the club's youth program, the Union Lancers, won the Under-19 championships in 1987 and 1988. In 1999, Farcher's Grove was sold and the club was left without a playing field. After searching for other options, the club suspended its athletic activities. The club remains an inactive member of the Cosmopolitan Soccer League and continues to meet regularly.
In 1970 and 1972 the Elizabeth Sport Club won the National Challenge Cup. Below is a list of players who played on the ESC team.
1970 Elizabeth SC vs. Croatia of Los Angeles 2–1
Starting lineup for Elizabeth:[3]
Andy Tutulic Norbert Vollmer Mario Gonzalez Albert Burkhard Billy O’Donnell Manfred Schellscheidt Baba Daniels Frank O’Donnell Heinz Teska Chardin Delices Hector Yanez
subs: Garry Sacko Erich Neudecker Victor Gamaldo
1972 Elizabeth S.C. vs. San Pedro Yugoslavs 1–0
Starting Line up: Andy Tutulic Mario Gonzalez Norbert Vollmer Tim Feeny Barry Matty Abe Wolanow Manfred Schellscheidt Miguel Gonzalez Chardin Delices Gary Sacko Walter Smotolocha
Subs: Sean Tracy Mario Barca George Chapla Eric Fraser Jerry Cerrigone Victor Gamaldo Mave Metchick
Honors
[edit]- National Challenge Cup winners (2): 1970, 1972
- National Amateur Cup winners (1): 1949
- Cosmopolitan Soccer League Champions (7): 1938, 1947, 1948, 1949, 1953, 1971, 1973
- New Jersey State Cup Winners (5): 1949, 1952, 1955, 1966, 1967
- Participations in CONCACAF Champions' Cup: 1971