Collegians Step Up in Class

1972 – Around the World and Close to Home

Arab terrorists attack the Olympic Summer Games in Munich, slaying 11 Israeli athletes, U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz wins a record seven Olympic gold medals, and five White House operatives are arrested for breaking into the Democratic National Committee offices at Watergate Complex in Washington, D.C. In Washington, Renton heavy truck manufacturer Pacific Car & Foundry becomes PACCAR, an F3 tornado kills six and injures 300 in Vancouver, and Sonics player-coach Lenny Wilkens leads the team to a record 47 wins.

Collegians Step Up in Class

Apart from the annual U.S. Challenge (Open) Cup encounter, Washington soccer's exposure to the outside world was almost entirely limited to Oregon and British Columbia. That began to change in the autumn of 1972, with a couple of college coaches enticing visitors from afar. Better still, they maximized the opportunity by validating the rising quality of their respective teams.

Seattle Pacific's Cliff McCrath arrived in 1970 with a Rolodex packed with contacts back east, where he had coached for 11 seasons. One of his associates was 1950 World Cup hero, Harry Keough, and now the coach of the most dominant collegiate program in the land, St. Louis University. Long a city rich in talent and tradition, St. Louis had claimed seven NCAA championships and McCrath rang Keough's number. The Billikens were about to embark on their first regular season trip to the West, and McCrath was keen on luring them north in late September. So, in addition to stops in Denver and San Francisco, Keough agreed to play two nights only in Seattle, at Washington and Seattle Pacific.

While McCrath was working the phones, the Huskies' Mike Ryan was dreaming of drawing big crowds into cavernous Husky Stadium to see the best teams in the West each October. To that point, Washington had never ventured outside the Northwest but for a disastrous 1968 postseason debut. Now, through fundraising, he was offering return games in exchange for four proven California schools– California, Chico State, UCLA and San Jose State–entering a three-day, three-game tournament involving four Washington teams (SPC, Seattle University, Washington and Western Washington). These were the first steps in traveling and testing homegrown selections against the best in the region and, in the case of St. Louis, the nation.

St. Louis arrived on Montlake having drubbed Air Force and Metropolitan State by a combined count of 12-2. Washington proved a stingy host, holding on for a scoreless draw. The following night, across town at Memorial Stadium, the Falcons scored their first upset of a Division I power, getting a late equalizer to end 1-1. St. Louis was playing for the fourth time in as many nights, yet would end the trip with two wins in the Bay Area. By December, Keough would lift the NCAA trophy for an eighth time.

Soon Ryan was mobilizing the youth clubs around Puget Sound to come see the Husky Soccer Classic. Tapping into the enthusiasm generated by the results versus St. Louis, over 3,000 tickets were sold in advance for the tournament's final day, Oct. 14. Although neither the Huskies nor Falcons advanced in the winners bracket, dropping openers to Chico State and UCLA, respectively, a state record collegiate crowd of 5,000 created a lively atmosphere inside the huge arena. San Jose State, with Olympian Jim Zylker playing a prominent role, edged Chico for the tourney title, 1-0. Earlier in the day, Seattle Pacific scored its second shocker in three weeks, beating Cal, 3-0.

By expanding the horizon, Ryan and McCrath and their respective teams reaped rewards for both the short and long run. Washington and Seattle Pacific earned postseason bids in November, and in subsequent seasons each program would grow more competitive with the more established California programs, and local college games began drawing bigger and bigger crowds.

At the top of the state league, a new entity was etched into the trophy base, but it was a familiar cast clutching the cup. Rainier Brewers, runners-up the previous year, won out over Triumph Continentals and Olympia Vikings. The Brewers, managed by Robin Chalmers, feature several members of the Sixties juggernaut Seattle Hungarians, most notably Mike Kuczi, Zoltan Mako, Alex Bogdan and Les Muller. Rainier, the second-half winner, beat the Olys, 5-1, to cap the campaign.

ADULT AMATEUR
Northwest Champion
Rainier Brewers 1:3 Germania Portland
State Men's Champion
Rainier Brewers 5:1 Olympia Brewing Vikings
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington (D1, 1st rnd), Seattle Pacific (D2, 1st rnd)
NCSC Men's Champion
Washington (11-0-1)
YOUTH
WIAA Boys Champion
Shoreline (unofficial)
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Ozzie Gencoz
Member Associations
6
Players
15,776 (11,358 boys 4,417 girls)
Largest Attendance
6,100, Wolverhampton v Aberdeen, Memorial Stadium, 5/24/1972

1972: Collegians Step Up in Class

Washington and Seattle Pacific finish on even terms with powerhouse St. Louis en route to returning to their respective NCAA tournaments

First Summer Camp Opens
June 25, 1972

Northwest Soccer Camp begins when Cliff McCrath and Mike Ryan share with each other that soccer was growing so fast that neither of them can keep pace with the scores of requests from players, coaches, and parents to assist them with player development, coaching seminars, and training sessions. It all begins at Camp Casey on Whidbey Island: one week, 30 resident campers, four coaches and a budget of $2,200. Meals are donated and no cost to campers.

Lutes' Abe Honored
December 7, 1972

Pacific Lutheran's diminutive forward, Abraham Abe, is voted player of the year in the Northwest Collegiate Soccer Conference, despite the Lutes finishing a distant third behind Washington and Seattle Pacific. The Falcons' Ken Covell finishes as top scorer with 18 goals and Ward Forrest sets a new UW mark with 14.

State Begins Girls Play
June 26, 1972

At the Washington State Youth Soccer Annual General Meeting, girls' soccer becomes part of the organization, with state tournament play to commence in 1973.

Vikings Crash in Challenge Cup
March 5, 1972

Olympia Brewery Vikings, missing their injured star, Bobby Hough, crash out of the National Challenge Cup, 6-1, in the West semifinal at San Francisco's Concordia.

Soccer a Threat to Football?
January 20, 1972

Junior high school principals in Kingco approve adding boys soccer, and since it is not yet a sanctioned sport for WIAA, players can participate in both school and club games during the fall.

UW Extends Lead Through Forrest
October 30, 1972

Ward Forrest's hat trick propelled Washington to a 3-2 victory over Western Washington, extending the Huskies' conference lead over Seattle Pacific to an almost insurmountable seven points.

UW, SPU Tie NCAA Champs
September 26, 1972

Eight-time NCAA champion St. Louis University would go on to take its ninth title less than three months later, but Harry Keough's Billikens do not emerge unscathed from their first visit to Washington. First, the Huskies and freshman keeper Ed Fillion hold SLU to a scoreless draw. One night later, out-shot 50-8, Seattle Pacific gets acrobatic saves from Rex Yoder and a long-range equalizer from Doug McKenna for a 1-1 tie at Memorial Stadium. St. Louis features Hermann Trophy winner and Olympian Mike Seerey among its many future professionals.

Yoder Saves 14 But Fullerton Scores 3
October 7, 1972

Seattle Pacific goalkeeper Rex Yoder saves a record 14 shots in vain as Cal State Fullerton completes a two-match sweep of the Huskies and Falcons with a 3-1 win at Interbay Field. Rafael Ramirez scores twice and sets-up the third for the Titans. Yoder ties his mark a month later in an NCAA tournament loss at Chico State.

Tacoma Heidelberg Prevails in NCC Marathon
February 13, 1972

In a marathon match at Highline Stadium, Tacoma Heidelberg ousts shorthanded Seattle Heidelberg in the second round of the National Challenge Cup. Roger Goldingay scores five goals for Seattle, who lose Heinz Ritter to a red card for striking referee Ben Patterson. It's 2-2 after regulation,4-4 after the first overtime and 6-6 after a second extra period. In penalties Allen Robinson converts the decisive shot (3-2) and Tacoma advances to face Olympia Vikings, who defeat Rainer Brewing in the other Northwest semifinal.

Charlton Clinics Return
June 18, 1972

England and Leeds star Jackie Charlton returns to hold June youth clinics for more than 500 in Bellevue, Federal Way and Seattle.

Record Crowd at Husky Classic
October 14, 1972

A record crowd of 5,000 attends the final day of the Husky Classic at Husky Stadium. San Jose State beats Chico State in championship final. Earlier Seattle Pacific upsets Cal, 3-0, and UCLA defeats Washington, 2-0.

State League to Turf
March 5, 1972

A longtime institution on Sundays at Lower Woodland, the state league's first division moves to the Astroturf of Memorial Stadium with a triple-header and admission fee of $1.50 for adults.

Shoreline High Wins State
March 2, 1972

Gordy McIntyre's second-half goal for Shoreline High School proves the difference in the state's first high school championship game against Everett, 1-0. The unsanctioned title featured the winners of the Metro and Wesco. McIntyre takes an Al Leiter pass and chips over busy Seagulls keeper Steve Anderson. Leiter and Gordie Severeid hit the post and crossbar, respectively.

Wolves, Dons Meet at Memorial
May 24, 1972

Scottish runners-up Aberdeen ruin Wolverhampton's holiday in Seattle, 3-0. A crowd of 6,100 comes to Memorial Stadium. Dons' newly signed Barrie Mitchell scores twice, both headers past Wolves keeper Phil Parkes in first 32 minutes. It's Aberdeen's fifth straight win on their U.S. tour. Wolves finished 10th in England's top flight.

Five-a-Side
April 23, 1972

In the last of 31 30-minute games, Olympia Brewery Vikings defeat Seattle Heidelbergs, 5-1, for the championship of the 29th annual Five-a-Side tournament at Memorial Stadium. Reidar Olsen scores three goals.

Girls Hold Championships
January 16, 1972

Federal Way Soccer Association organizes the state's first junior girls' tournament, with 25 teams in all. Totem Hot Shots win fifth and sixth grade division, 1-0 over Federal Way Blue Barons and Federal Way Blue Devils beat Lynnwood Roadrunners, 2-0, for junior high division at Federal Way High.

Locals Humble Austrians
July 30, 1972

Seattle Heidelbergs of the state league defeat Vienna Sandt, 4-1, at West Seattle Stadium. It's only the second loss by Austrians in 18 touring games over three years. Abu Kamara, Sierra Leone student at UW, stars on defense for the Heidelbergs. Eli DeOliveira scores two goals for Seattle. The previous night Sandt drubbed Tacoma Heidelberg, 4-0, at Baker Stadium.

Huskies Finally Reclaim Crown
November 4, 1972

Washington finally secures a conference championship, its first in four years, by bashing Western Washington 8-2 in Bellingham. The Vikings were three-time defending champions of the Northwest Collegiate Soccer Conference. The Huskies go undefeated (11-0-1) in NCSC play to finish three points clear of Seattle Pacific.

Huskies Return to Postseason
November 25, 1972

Washington returns to the NCAA tournament for the first time in four years and, after remaining scoreless for the first half, is humbled by UCLA, 5-0. Once Bernardo Ortiz breaks the ice, the Bruins pull away, finishing with a 30-10 advantage in shots. UCLA goes on to face St. Louis in the NCAA final.

Seattle Wolves Defeat Germans
June 30, 1972

Billed as the state's first professional club, the Seattle Wolves debut with a 3-1 win over touring Wolfsburg-Goettingen of West Germany's second tier. If all goes well, Wolves owner Johnny Haas intends to petition for an NASL club in 1973 or '74. However, less than a thousand attend the Highline Stadium exhibition which stars guest player Jackie Charlton.

Cross-Border traffic
March 1, 1972

During February and March, Washington and British Columbia youth players flood the border crossings for the 10th annual Canadian Exchange Series, promoting the game as well as friendships between teams from the Seattle and Vancouver areas. In all, 703 teams from U8 to U16 participate.

Rainier Brewers Win Second Half
April 16, 1972

Bob Shoemaker's lone goal seals the second-half state league championship for Rainier Brewers. Mike Kuczi threads a through ball for Shoemaker to finish for a 1-0 victory over Auburn Sorensen's at Lower Woodland. The Brewers (7-1-0), upset by Triumph Continentals a week earlier, win the Puget Sound Navigation trophy and will face Olympia Brewing for the overall state title.

Forrest Fires Olsen's, Huskies Win Fourth
April 16, 1972

Behind Ward Forrest's hat trick, Olsen’s United defeats Highline Rebels, 3-1, in overtime of the state U17 final. A day earlier, the Newport Huskies won their fourth straight state title, taking the U13 final, 7-0, over Snohomish's Town & Country Chargers at Memorial Stadium. Stan Sawhill of U12 co-champs Newport Sharks is named the overall player of the championships, which started February 6 with 249 boys' teams across seven divisions.

Falcons Turned Back Again
November 21, 1972

For the second year in a row Seattle Pacific reaches the NCAA Division II tournament, only to again be turned back by Chico State. However, the Falcons, who end the regular season by winning nine and tying one, narrow the gap. After losing by seven goals a year earlier they fall, 3-2.

Olsen Brace Seals Vikings Win
January 9, 1972

Reidar Olsen's brace leads Olympia Vikings past Rainier Brewers, 4-1, to clinch the state league's first half title and Roosevelt trophy at Lower Woodland. Harold Myrold and Doc Grundy also score while Bob Berith tallies for the Brewers. The Vikings go on to finish 12-1-1 a week later. Triumph Continental (10-2-2) and Rainier (8-3-2) are next in the table.

500 Watch Closed Circuit Euros
April 29, 1972

Over 500 watch two European Nations Cup quarterfinal doubleheader from Italy via closed circuit TV in the Seattle Coliseum. Cost: $8-10.

St. Joseph's Wins CYO
November 18, 1972

St. Joseph's gets a late header from Mike Gates to claim the CYO Cadet Division title, 3-2, over St. Luke's.

Craggs Celebrated
October 7, 1972

National Soccer Hall of Fame member Eddie Craggs, 75, is honored with a banquet. The State league championship trophy is named for Craggs, who states: "I had to coax them to leave the word 'memorial' out of the engraving. I figure to be around presenting it for years to come."

Pelé Visits Nearby
July 7, 1972

Diehard fans flock across the border to see Pelé and Santos visit Vancouver's Empire Stadium. Pelé doesn't score but his Brazil teammate Edu does twice to crush the B.C. Premier League All-Stars, 5-0, before 16,300.

First Girls' Tournament Held
January 16, 1972

The first statewide girls' tournament concludes in Federal Way with a couple host teams prevailing in the finals. Totem Hotshots edge Blue Barons, 1-0, in the 5th and 6th Grade division while Blue Devils blank Lynnwood Roadrunners, 2-0, in the junior high title match. The tournament is not a sanctioned state cup, and 18 of the 24 entries are from Federal Way.

Rainiers Take State Crown
April 30, 1972

Mike Kuczi's brace leads Rainier Brewers to a 5-1 victory over defending champion Olympia Brewing Vikings at Memorial Stadium. The Vikings, playing without injured star Bobby Hough, had won the first half of the season's first division and Rainiers had claimed the second half. Washington State won the second division and Pacific Lutheran the third tier.

Washington Boys Win Regionals
June 25, 1972

Bellevue's Olsen's United and Tacoma's Norpoint Royals win boys U17 and U11 West Coast championships in Portland. Olsen's ends a B.C. stranglehold on U17 division, taking title, 2-1 in overtime, on goals by brothers Ward and Dave Forrest. Danny Hopper scores Norpoint's championship game winner.

New Leadership Installed
July 26, 1972

Tom Webb is elected president of Washington State Soccer Association, along with a new board that includes Jack Mickelberry as secretary-treasurer, replacing Eddie Craggs, who retires after more than 20 years at the post. Webb had earlier served as state youth president.

Rainiers Roar Back in Cup Semi
December 10, 1972

Rainier Brewing roars back from two goals down to catch Seattle Heidelberg and eventually prevail in penalties, 3-3 (4-3) in a Pacific Coast Coal Cup semifinal at White Center. Mike Kuczi converts a controversial penalty kick in the waning moments of regulation to rally from 3-1 down. The two teams are scoreless in overtime. Rainier will face Olympia Olys (6-1 winners over Hillwood Metro Volkswagen) in the cup final, which will be delayed three times by snow until April 15, 1973.

Vikings Advance in Challenge Cup
February 20, 1972

Billy Duckworth finds the game-winner for Olympia Brewing Vikings in 1-0 win over Tacoma Heidelberg in the Northwest regional final of National Challenge Cup at Highline Stadium. Tacoma goalkeeper Bob Lynch, only 18 and a Wilson High School senior, makes a triple save to keep Heidelberg in it.

Israeli Champs Arrive
August 18, 1972

Straight off reclaiming the Israeli championship once again, Maccabi of Tel Aviv visits Seattle, playing the Northwest Selects, comprised of stars of Vancouver and Seattle semi-pros and amateurs. Future Sounder Bernie Fagan comes south to play alongside Seattle Hungarians legends Les Fabri and Mike Kuczi. Maccabi prevails, 1-0, before 1,800.

We started (four years ago) with 40 boys. Now we have 2,000 boys and girls in an area that equals the Lake Washington School District.
Burt Dutton, co-founder, Lake Washington Junior Soccer Association
Soccer has been a God-send for us. It helps make Glenn’s life more normal. It has helped him to get along with other boys better it has taught him a lot…I’m very grateful to soccer.
Alice Peterson, whose 10-year-old deaf son Glenn plays for the Interbay Gulls
The kids all stay with families, but any parents who travel with the teams stay in hotels. For the parents, it can almost be a second honeymoon, getting rid of the kids for a night.
Tommy Grieve, youth publicist, regarding Canadian Exchange
As the sport grows in popularity because of the kid program, markets will also grow. Here in Seattle, we feel we already have a market. We consider Seattle a soccer city.
Phil Woosnam, NASL Commissioner
Collegiate Men's Records
Gonzaga (club) n/a
Pacific Lutheran 6-5-1
Puget Sound 2-7-3
Seattle University 5-6-1
Seattle Pacific 11-4-3
Washington 12-4-2
Washington State (club) 12-10-7
Western Washington (club) 4-6-2
Whitman (club) n/a
Washington State Youth Cup Winners
Age Boys
U9 St. Vincent Eagles (FWSA)
U10 Lake City Hawks (SYSA)
U11 Lakecrest Packers (FWSA)
U12 Ansa Quicksteps (TPCJSA)
U13 Newport Sharks (EYSA)/Pacific Hawaii Knights (SSCJSA)
U14 Newport Huskies (EYSA)
U16 Lake Hills Raiders (EYSA)/R&S Vikings (TPCJSA)
U17 Olsen's United (EYSA)
On this Day in History
July 4, 2009
Robbie Rogers assists on two goals and scores a third as U.S. celebrates Independence Day at Qwest Field by beating Grenada, 4-0, in a CONCACAF Gold Cup group match. Freddy Adu, Stuart Holden and Charlie Davies also score, and Sounders midfielder Brad Evans makes his international debut as a 63rd-minute substitute
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March 12, 1950
William H. (Bill) Chapman, who served four different terms as president of the Washington State Soccer Football Association, dies at 77. Born in England, Chapman had been associated with Pacific Northwest soccer since 1905. His last term was from 1944-49.
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April 26, 1997
Kei Kinoshita comes on as Sounders first-half substitute vs. Colorado, becoming first Japanese player to play professionally for a U.S. team. Kinoshita, 25, had played for Vissel Kobe of the J League. He first became acquainted with Seattle when Vissel Kobe played the Sounders in a 1995 exhibition.
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February 3, 1979
Former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, in Seattle for the USA-USSR friendly, expresses confidence in America's soccer promise and has a chance meeting with Chinese premier Deng Xiaoping on the morning of the match. Kissinger, a self-described "soccer nut" since boyhood in Germany, tells local reporters he believes the USMNT will qualify for the 1982 World Cup and become both a contender to win and host the tournament by 1990. Kissinger is attending the game in his role as NASL honorary chairman, along with USSF president Gene Edwards and NASL commissioner Phil Woosnam.
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