The Scots had been established in the late 19th century and was a founding member of the first National Association Football League (NAFBL).

When the NAFBL folded at the end of the 1898–1899 season, the Scots continued to play in smaller local leagues.

The Scots began the 1918–1919 season, but the U.S. entry into World War I led to the loss of much of the team.

They returned to high level competition when they were an inaugural member of the second American Soccer League in 1933.

Originally known as the "Scots-Americans", the club was officially renamed the "Kearny Americans" beginning with the 1941/42 season.