On Saturday night (early Sunday morning), Celtic begin their three-game tour in the USA. This will be the Bhoys’ 15th US visit, after first going in 1931.
This latest trip involves games in Washington DC, North Carolina and Indiana, playing DC United, Man City and Chelsea.
In this three-part series starting today, you can read more about Celtic’s other US visits.
1 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1931
The Bhoys’ first trip across the Atlantic was in 1931. During a US and Canadian tour, Celtic played 13 games, winning nine, drawing one and losing three. The Bhoys appeared at various grounds, including famous Baseball stadia such as Wrigley Field and Fenway Park.
This was a notable trip for different reasons, including being the first time that Celtic played under proper floodlights (against a Michigan XI and the University of Detroit Stadium). On this visit, the Bhoys played against Joe Kennaway, who would later sign for Celtic in place of the tragic John Thomson.
2 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1951
Celtic’s second American visit was in 1951. The Celts played nine games across the USA and Canada, winning six, drawing two and losing one. Celtic played in various locations, including New York, Toronto and Kearney, New Jersey, famous for its huge Celtic Supporters’ Club.
On this trip, the Bhoys won the D. Kennedy Cup, beating Chicago Polish Eagles 4-0. Celtic still hold this trophy.
3 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1957
Celtic’s third Atlantic trip took the team to Canada and the USA. Eight games were played, with five wins, one draw and two defeats. In half of these matches, Celtic’s opponents were Tottenham Hotspur, also on a US tour. Another opponent – the Philadelphia Uhrik Truckers – surely have one of the longest names of any Celtic opponent.
The trip must have been good for the team. Months after returning to Scotland, they achieved a British record cup final score as they hammered Rangers 7-1 to win the League Cup.
4 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1966
Celtic’s famous summer tour that helped shape the Lisbon Lions. The Bhoys went to the USA, Canada and Bermuda. Across 11 games, Celtic won eight and drew three, failing to be defeated at any point. They also scored a huge 47 goals whilst conceding only six!
Celtic history books record this trip as being key to the Bhoys’ 1966-67 success as it helped the players bond, ensuring they went on to win all five competitions they entered.
5 – CELTIC IN THE USA – 1968
Celtic’s fifth transatlantic journey took them to the USA and Mexico. Celtic played three games, including one in Mexico. The Bhoys twice met AC Milan, drawing and winning these games. In the second match – played in Toronto – Celtic’s 2-0 victory meant they claimed the first C.N.E. Cup of Champions trophy, which can still be seen at Celtic Park.
Celtic lost 3-2 to Necaxa in their game in Mexico City but it was still notable to play in the world-famous Azteca Stadium.
Tomorrow, read more about Celtic’s other US visits on The Celtic Star.
Matthew Marr
Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailhistory
Matthew’s debut Celtic book titled ‘The Bould Bhoys – Glory to their name’ was published by Celtic Star Books last year and is available to order HERE. This brilliant book is also available on Amazon Kindle for just £3.49 and includes all photo sections that appear in the hardback edition.
