America here we come! That was the message from the Sunderland team as they headed to the USA for a tournament 59 years ago today.
Sunderland played 12 games in a tournament which wasn’t in England and the Wearsiders did not play as the Black Cats.
It was a strange event in 1967 when Sunderland played under the name of the Vancouver Royal Canadians in a new league.
Stars such as Billy Hughes, George Herd, Jim Baxter, Jimmy Montgomery, and George Kinnell all starred and here’s a photo gallery to explain more about the intriguing competition.
As we gear up for a potentially huge day in SAFC day history today, let’s remember one of the quirkiest sagas in the club’s fascinating past.
Get in touch to share your own memories of Sunderland in the 1960s by emailing [email protected]
5. George earns a point
Sunderland picked up their first point in a 1-1 draw with Glentoran in Detroit, with George Herd heading home. | se
6. Colin shines in first home game
The Wearsiders then played their first home game at Vancouver’s 33,000 capacity Empire Stadium, with youngsters Colin Todd, Derek Forster, Colin Suggett and Billy Hughes stealing the show in a 4-1 defeat of Dundee United (Dallas). | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. A moment of relaxation
Jim Baxter on the right along with George Mulhall, George Herd, George Kinnell, and Neil Martin in 1967. All five were in the squad which played in America. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Fluke goal was winner
Sunderland won 1-0 against Shamrock Rovers (playing as Boston) when John O' Hare (front row middle) scored a fluke goal. | se