The dock was owned by the Todd Pacific Shipyards in Red Hook, Brooklyn, who formed the professional soccer club in 1918 to play in the National Association Football League.
In 1918, the entry of the United States into World War I had led to a drain on players due to military service.
A fourth, the East Newark Scots-Americans, began the season but folded after five games.
In order to maintain enough teams to stage a competitive season, the NAFBL brought in the Robins Dry Dock which assumed the Scots-Americans record.
[1] While Robins was unable to finish higher than third in its three seasons in the NAFBL, it quickly became dominant in national competitions.