The 1912–13 American Cup was the annual challenge cup held by the American Football Association. This marked the twelfth time a New Jersey team won the tournament and the third time for this year's winner the Paterson True Blues. It took three matches for them to overcome their final opponents Tacony of Philadelphia aka the 'Tacks'. Another notable encounter between New Jersey teams was a four game duel between Newark Caledonians and the Paterson Rangers in the second round. They battled to 0-0, 2-2, and 1-1 draws before the Caledonians surpassed the Rangers 1-0 in the fourth game.

Preliminary round The draw was held September 14, 1912 at the Continental hotel in Newark, NJ. The 33 teams were divided up into Pennsylvania, New England, and New York/New Jersey districts."Soccer Football Clubs Arrange Season Schedules". (September 15, 1912). The Sunday Call, p.13 col.4 New England District

Pennsylvania District – No games

New York/New Jersey District – No games First round The all Rover match between Fall River and Fore River was ordered replayed due to the game being played with only 40 minute halves instead of 45. The second match was also protested and had to be replayed because the grounds at Quincy were not enclosed. The Olympic–True Blue match was replayed because they both wore very similar style and color of uniforms. As the home team, the True Blue squad was obligated to don an alternate kit in this situation. New England District

replays

Pennsylvania District

New York/New Jersey District

replays

Second round New England District

Pennsylvania District

replay

New York/New Jersey District

replays

Third round

Semifinal

Final

First replay

Second replay

Lineups:Paterson- Esplin, Wilson(c), Murray, Forfar, Clark, Hudson, Ford, Lowe, Lynch, Gradwell, Neilson.Tacony- Ness, Small, McKelvey, Kennedy, Morrison(c), Richardson, Alexander, Kemp, Owens, Miller, Andrews.

Champions

True Blue Football Club 1913. National League runner–up and American Cup Champions.Back row: De Blyker (trainer), Wilson, Forfar, Clark, Hall (manager), Esplein, Murray, Hudson, Garside (trainer).Front row: Ford, Lowe, Lynch, Gradwell, Neilson.

See also 1913 American Amateur Football Association Cup 1912–13 St. Louis Soccer League season 1912–13 National Association Foot Ball League season

References