[1] The match signaled an increase in attendance as the previous time the NSL drew a similar amount was three seasons ago.
[10][13] After an eight-year absence, Toronto Italia returned since their initial departure in 1961 to play in the Eastern Canada Professional Soccer League (ECPSL).
[11][10][14] Changes also occurred at the executive level with Joe Piccininni succeeding Bill Boytchuk as league president.
[16] The governing body in response suspended the league, but the NSL continued operations and ultimately consented to paying the bond.
The cup tournament was a separate contest from the rest of the season, in which all fourteen teams took part.