Washington State
Legends of Soccer

Curated by the Washington State Legends of Soccer, providing information and history of the Beautiful Game in Washington State. Just as the game evolves, so will this site. We continuously add new content, so be sure to return often.

What are you looking for?
Donate Now!
Explore our history. Click on any of the panels below to learn what happened that year.
Spokane Premier Control Shifts
June 29, 2000

Spokane Shadow takes over organization of premier programs from the Spokane Youth Sports Association, which operates the Spokane Skyhawks. The Shadow is significantly more expensive than other clubs. Registration for the Skyhawks is $80 per season.

Over 500 Teams Begin Exchange
October 29, 1977

Considered the largest youth soccer exchange in the world, the 17th annual Washington-Canadian Exchange begins at the border. In all, 540 boys’ teams and 35,000 players, coaches and families will be involved. A girls’ exchange is still in its infancy since the stateside program is much larger than in British Columbia.

SPU Reaches Nine with Win over Seattle U
October 30, 1991

Two goals and an assist from NCSC player of the year Jason Farrell spark Seattle Pacific's 6-0 win over Seattle University at Shoreline Stadium. It gives the No. 2-ranked Falcons a record ninth straight single-season win. The SPU defense extended its record shutout string to nine games, all by shutout. Brian Meier, Todd Haley, Mark Kovats and Jason Smith also score.

West Valley Boys Upset Peninsula
May 29, 1993

West Valley of Yakima becomes the first boys WIAA champion from east of the Cascades, upsetting Peninsula, 3-2, in overtime at Pullman. Sophomore Jason Koreski hits the game-winning goal with 31 seconds left in the first overtime, heading in a cross from freshman Donovan Welch. The Rams' Chad Barkes had tied it, 2-2, with five minutes remaining in regulation.

Wenzel Makes Four Starts at FIFA Championships
August 30, 2007

Danny Wenzel of Federal Way starts his fourth straight match for the U.S. U17 National Team as the close-out play at the FIFA Youth World Cup in South Korea. Wenzel, a defensive midfielder, is joined by Seattle's Ellis McLoughlin and Pasco's Brandon Zimmerman in the XI vs. Germany in the Round of 16. The Germans eliminate the U.S., 2-1. McLoughlin makes three starts and Zimmerman two. Each formerly played for Crossfire Premier and plays all four games during the tournament, won by Nigeria.

Gabriel Replaces Rioch at FC Seattle
September 25, 1985

Jimmy Gabriel is named successor to Bruce Rioch as head coach of FC Seattle. Gabriel, the former Sounders coach, had served as coaching director for two years. Rioch resigned to return to England, and within five months he’s named manager of Middlesbrough. Also, Bill Sage replaces Jack Brand as president and announces the club will revert to amateur following one year of semi-pro. It’s estimated the organization lost $500,000.

Kitsap Pumas not only celebrate winning their first Premier Development League title but do so at home, in Bremerton, after defeating Laredo, 1-0. (Kitsap Pumas photo)
2011
Gonzaga celebrates winning its first WCC women’s championship after defeating Pepperdine at Malibu. (Courtesy Gonzaga Athletics)
2023
Alex Morgan (r) was among the U.S. National Team players to join the Sounders Women in 2012. (Courtesy Sounders Women)
2012
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer presents Osvaldo Alonso with a framed jersey to commemorate his record 300th appearance for the club. (Courtesy Corky Trewin / Sounders FC)
2017
(Courtesy The Seattle Times)
1956
(Courtesy Seattle Times)
1959
(Courtesy Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
1984
In 2017 Roosevelt became the first Seattle public high school to win a state 3A or 4A title since 1985. (Courtesy WIAA)
2017
Opening ceremonies from the USYSA Region IV tournament at Renton Stadium. (Courtesy Washington Youth Soccer)
1980
2006