Made in Washington

1984 – Around the World and Close to Home

The Soviet Union and its bloc nations boycott the Olympic Games, India Prime Minister Indira Gandhi is assassinated, and Apple introduces the user-friendly Macintosh personal computer. Ronald Reagan is re-elected as President in an electoral landslide (525-13) over a Democratic ticket that includes Geraldine Ferraro as the nominee for Vice President, the Supreme Court allows consumers to videotape TV programs for their own use, and sprinter Carl Lewis and gymnast Mary Lou Retton star at the hugely successful Los Angeles Summer Games. Booth Gardner defeats GOP incumbent John Spellman for Washington governor, the high-rise West Seattle Bridge is dedicated, and Patrick Ewing’s Georgetown wins the NCAA Final Four over Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston before more than 38,000 in the Kingdome.

Made in Washington

While the North American Soccer League lifted the game’s profile immensely, many believed it lagged in providing playing time to American and Canadian players. For instance, during the Sounders’ inaugural 1974 season, players born in the United States started 11 times, combined.

Beginning in 1976, NASL rules stipulated at least one North American citizen be on the field at all times. In Seattle’s final season, 1983, that number had slowly grown to four. The Sounders were emphasizing development of homegrown talent, and eight players from Washington were not only on the roster but start a total of 70 games. Still, the key outfield roles largely went to foreign-born players.

Into this landscape stepped a new kind of enterprise. In 1984, Football Club Seattle announced a Challenge Series designed to test the fan support and community’s ability to produce players who can compete at a professional level.

“We are dedicated to the local kids,” said coaching director Jimmy Gabriel, the former Sounders captain and head coach. “Everything we do is geared to the American player and helping that player become the best he can.”

In its first year, FC Seattle launched as a sponsor to 23 men’s, women’s and youth teams. They also sponsored tournaments and produced coaching videos and manuals. A program was also developed for Special Olympics players. The Challenge Series addressed the top of the so-called pyramid.

“Right now, there’s a gap between the amateur and professional levels,” said Gabriel. “It’s too big of a jump from the high schools or colleges to the pros. It takes longer to adjust than the pros are allowing. We aim to fill that gap.”

FC Seattle tryouts for the Challenge Series selection attracted top players from the local colleges and state league, along with some ex-professionals from the area. Of the 22 players to see action that summer, all but one had either been raised or attended college in Washington.

Could they compete, or possibly beat, an NASL club or the Olympics-bound U.S. National Team? And would anyone pay to watch this experiment unfold?

“I believe we can do it,” said Gabriel. “I know these kids can compete, and I think their style will command the American fan’s attention.”

TACOMA STARS
Season Record
22-26, 5th West
Coach
Bob McNab (1st year), Freddie Goodwin (1st year)
Top Scorer
Mark Peterson (38 goals)
FC SEATTLE
Record
1-4-1 (exhibitions)
Head Coach
Jimmy Gabriel (1st year)
Top Scorer
Bruce Raney (2 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle Pacific, D2 2nd pl
Men's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran (NCIC)
Women's Conference Champions
Western Washington (NCSC), Whitman (NCIC)
NWAC Men's Champion
Bellevue
Girls Regional Champion
Union Bay Flyers (U19)
WIAA Boys Champion
Thomas Jefferson
WIAA Girls Champion
Snohomish
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Ozzie Gencoz
Member Associations
31
Players
72,785 (b: 54,234, g: 18,551)
Largest Attendance
16,730, Tacoma Stars vs. New York Cosmos, Tacoma Dome
Largest Amateur Attendance
8,199, FC Seattle vs. U.S. Olympic Team, Memorial Stadium

1984: Made in Washington

Football Club Seattle tests whether a team of top local players can compete against NASL pros – and whether fans will come watch it.

Sounders Reunion Match Benefits Charity
August 12, 1984

For the second time in three years a Sounders reunion match is held, this time with proceeds benefitting Seattle's Variety Club. A squad featuring Micky Cave, Adrian Webster, Steve Buttle, Mike Ivanow and Bernie Fagan play the Cliff McCrath Selects at Memorial Stadium. A crowd of about 1,000 see the McCrath team win, 1-0, on Bruce Raney's rebound past Ivanow midway through the second half. Variety Club raises funds primarily for Children's Hospital and Medical Center.

UW Club Upsets No. 9 Cal
September 13, 1984

Kris Jorgensen and Bonnie Broughton each tally a goal and assist to lead Washington over 9th-ranked Cal, 3-1. The Huskies trail the Bears for 23 minutes until Jorgensen ties it in the 51st minute. She assists Broughton on the go-ahead goal, and then Karla Hossfeld seals it the 79th. The Huskies win one and tie three in four games vs. varsity opponents during their Bay Area trip. The Bears go on to reach the NCAA semifinals.

Huskies Denied by Committee
November 12, 1984

Although initially slotted for the Far West's No. 4 seed by the regional committee, Washington misses the NCAA tournament. Instead, the national selection committee overrules and takes San Francisco, which had lost 4-0 at home to the Huskies five weeks earlier. After rising to No. 8 in the coaches' poll, UW sustained losses to NAIA Warner Pacific and Div. II Seattle Pacific. Those teams finish third and second, in their respective tournaments. Regional chair Mike Davis of Portland says the national committee argued that USF, despite two more losses, played a more difficult schedule and higher power rating.

Akers Leads UCF to NCAA Quarterfinals
November 3, 1984

Freshman Michelle Akers of Shoreline scores twice to lead Central Florida past William & Mary, 3-1, and on to the NCAA quarterfinals in Orlando. Akers scores the game's first goal and adds an insurance marker in the second half. She scores her UCF record 14th goal in the quarterfinal loss to eventual champion North Carolina. Three of the Lady Knights' four losses are to UNC. Joining her on the squad is goalkeeper Amy Allmann of Federal Way.

Durgan Starts in Pivotal Olympic Match
August 2, 1984

Jeff Durgan of Tacoma starts for the United States in a must-win Olympic group stage match versus Egypt at Palo Alto, Calif. Despite scoring first, the U.S. is held, 1-1, before 54,973 at Stanford. Durgan, who missed the first two matches, makes it 36 minutes before aggravating a calf muscle pull and departing. Over 1.4 million attend the Olympic tournament, including a U.S. record crowd of 101,799 for the gold medal match at the Rose Bowl. Still, ABC elects not to air any live action.

Whittemore Betters Record, But SDSU Run Ends
November 7, 1984

Seattle's Kyle Whittemore scores his record-breaking 21st goal, but it's not enough as San Diego State's late-season surge ends with a 3-1 loss at UNLV. Whittemore, a sophomore, had scored 20 times as a freshman. He scores six times during the Aztecs' five-game October win streak. Everett's Pat Henderson and Lynnwood's Rick Blubaugh are also key contributors for SDSU.

Cozars Founder Gardner Elected Governor
November 6, 1984

Booth Gardner, founder and coach of the Tacoma Cozars and past owner of NASL and ASL franchises, is elected the 19th Governor of Washington. Gardner, 48, defeats incumbent John Spellman by 56 percent. It is the most expensive race in state history, with a combined $4 million spent by the two candidates. Gardner, a moderate Democrat who previously served as Pierce County Executive, does so despite Ronald Reagan winning the U.S. Presidency in an Electoral College rout (525-13). He founded the Cozars as a girls' youth team in 1974, and it is now a national power at the senior level. Gardner first owned the ASL Tacoma Tides before becoming part of the NASL Colorado Caribous ownership.

Clemson Takes Big Kick With Timely Winner
December 16, 1984

With all the scoring occurring in the final 11 minutes, Clemson claims the NCAA Division I championship with an 89th minute winner in Seattle's Kingdome. John Lee's header beats two-time defending champion Indiana, 2-1, in the Big Kick played before 7,926. Gary Connor breaks scoreless stalemate for Tigers in 79th minute, and five minutes later the Hoosiers' Paul DiBernardo answers on a free kick. Lee converts at 88:18 following a Maxwell Amatasiro corner that Dick Landgren flicks on. Snowfall on the morning of the game may have held down attendance, although it was the highest for an NCAA final since 1977.

Lowenbrau-Zurich Documentary goes Primetime
January 16, 1984

Seattle's KING 5 preempts network programming to air a documentary featuring three-time women's national champion FC Lowenbrau-Zurich. The film, narrated by Jean Enersen and entitled "Going for Four," profiles coach Mike Ryan and 14 players as they prepare to win a fourth national title in 1983.

Stars Win Ninth Straight at Home
March 28, 1984

Ray Evans waits until late on to achieve his first career hat trick, and it proves the difference in Tacoma's ninth straight home win, 7-4, over Wichita. Evans, 34 and 17 years into his career, scores the first of his three goals midway through the third quarter, quickly adds another, and finishes it with 45 seconds left in the game. Gary Heale and Dale Mitchell each score twice for the Stars, who have won nine of 10 overall and now stand tied with Los Angeles for fourth in the West.

FC Seattle Starts Fast, But Olympians Prevail
July 13, 1984

Tad Willoughby produces a virtuoso performance in defeat, 3-1, to the U.S. Olympic Team before 8,199. He outshines Ricky Davis and Mike Fox, and sets-up the game's first goal with a 30-yard dribble and, following a 1-2 with Tom Blahous, finding Mike Hiatt for a header. His corner to Steve Englebrick in the 24th minute is cleared off the line by Bruce Savage. But the Olympians gradually take hold, score and then score again and again. For the third time in the four Challenge Series games, Seattle strikes first, through Willoughby. Yet by halftime Davis and Steve Sharp tally, and in the waning seconds Sharp scores his second.

Snohomish Breakaway Wins State in Overtime
November 17, 1984

Jenny Berbeck gets behind the Highline defense to score in overtime and give Snohomish the AAA championship at Auburn. The Panthers, out-shot 20-7, force extra time behind the 13 saves of Lulu Castagna. They break through when, with 63 seconds left in the second extra period, Jenny Birks clears to midfield, and Berbeck beats the lone remaining defender and the Pirates' keeper. It's her 26th goal of the year.

Crook, Strikers Blank FC Seattle
June 21, 1984

Kent's Bill Crook, a former Sounder, scores from the penalty spot in the final minute of play as the Minnesota Strikers blank FC Seattle. Ray Hudson and Alan Willey score the visitors' first two goals. The match had been scoreless for the first 78 minutes. Crook, 20, is a regular on defense for the Strikers. He earns his first USMNT cap Nov. 30 vs. Ecuador.

Seattle Pacific Dominates But Can't Repeat
December 8, 1984

Seattle Pacific dominates possession and chances while hosting the NCAA Division II championship game before 4,500, but the Falcons cannot repeat as champion. Florida International, scoring off its only corner kick in 110 minutes, wins the title, 1-0, in overtime. SPU defender Dennis Gunnell marks Sunblazers star Munga Eketebi out of the match. Eketebi, who scored five times in a 10-1 semifinal win, gets off one the visitors' five shots. Seattle Pacific fires 29 shots and earns a record 19 corners, but pays dearly for some missed chances, particularly in the opening 10 minutes. Troy Edwards heads in the FIU corner in the 96th minute.

Seattle's Dunlap Drives Carolina
October 8, 1984

Joan Dunlap scores North Carolina’s final goal and adds an assist on one of two April Heinrichs goals in a 3-0 win over William & Mary. It extends Dunlap’s streak of contributing either a goal or assist to 23 games for the Tar Heels (14-0-0), dating back to Oct. 15, 1983. On Oct 23, she nets a hat trick in the first 22 minutes of a 5-0 victory over William & Mary.

Carter, Vikings Open Strong
September 13, 1984

Coming off a perfect 1983 campaign, Western Washington opens with a resounding 9-0 thumping of Seattle University at the Chico Invitational. Debbie Carter scores five times as the Vikings' win their 25th straight.

Fry Moves Again, This Time to Cosmos
November 2, 1984

Bellevue's Chance Fry moves to his third team in as many weeks as the Cosmos obtain him from Chicago for the upcoming indoor season. Fry scored 15 goals for Tulsa during NASL indoor play in 1983-84 and eight more outdoors. After the Roughnecks folded Sept. 8, Chicago purchased his rights. Brian Schmetzer, who, like Fry, went to Tulsa after the Sounders folded, went to San Diego on Oct. 5.

Woodinville Indoor Center Joins Mix
March 21, 1984

Woodinville Indoor Soccer Center opens, becoming the Puget Sound region's fifth facility designed for small-sided play and instruction. Woodinville joins centers in Bellevue, Everett, Federal Way and Tacoma.

St. Mary's Sends Western Out of Tournament
November 18, 1984

A late St. Mary's free kick proves to be the difference as Western Washington goes out of the NAIA tournament, losing 3-2 in the Area 1 final at Olympia. Sue Caporicci's game-winner for the Gaels comes in the 72nd minute. Paula French hits the post, and Cindy Gordon just misses connection with Annette Duvall for a would-be equalizer in the waning seconds. Duvall, plagued by tendonitis in her knee throughout the season, finishes with a career record 61 goals. Gordon, who scored twice in a 4-0 semifinal win over Puget Sound, totals 12 for the season.

FC Seattle Goes Away for First Win
August 4, 1984

FC Seattle finds its first win on its first trip from home. Bruce Raney's 81st minute goal gives the visitors a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps at B.C. Place. Seattle had gone 0-3-1 at home during its Challenge Series, but Tad Willoughby puts them in front. After Peter Ward ties it in the 55th minute, Seattle presses for the win, and Raney works a combination with Joe James to score from 16 yards. Vancouver leads the NASL West and starts six regulars while five are missing due injuries and Olympic team duty.

FC Seattle Stuns Vancouver, Early and Late
June 10, 1984

Bruce Raney provides the early lift FC Seattle wants, and Doug Backous delivers the late heroics in their inaugural match, a 2-2 draw with the Vancouver Whitecaps. Using 12 players who played youth or college in-state, Seattle gets a standing ovation from the Memorial Stadium crowd of nearly 6,000. Raney volleys the local amateurs in front after just 45 seconds. Former Sounders Jeff Stock and Peter Ward assist on goals that put the Whitecaps ahead by the 16th minute. But Backous scores at 84:24 when a Mike Hiatt corner kick is flicked on by Tom Blahous at the near post. Seattle out-shoots Vancouver 20-13 and ex-Sounder Jack Brand makes only one save.

Albion Reds, Cheetahs Threepeat
March 4, 1984

Both the Highline Albion Reds and Federal Way Cheetahs win their third consecutive girls' Washington State Youth championship at Renton. Albion Reds defeat Skyway Angels of Renton, 2-1, in the U15 final. The Cheetahs win, 2-1, over Snohomish Zodiax in the U13 title match.

Durgan, Fry Peterson Called in for WC Qualifying
September 11, 1984

Alkis Panagoulias calls in Jeff Durgan, Chance Fry and Mark Peterson in U.S. National Team preparations for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. Durgan plays for the New York Cosmos, Fry for the Tulsa Roughnecks and Peterson for the Tacoma Stars. In all, 26 players report.

WA Teams Win Royal Hawaiian
March 24, 1984

Washington’s Aerie No. 1 FOE and Tacoma Cozars sweep the men’s and women’s open division championships at the Royal Hawaiian tournament in Honolulu. The Cozars beat Hawaii’s Leahi, 3-2, while the Eagles defeat Vaiete in penalties after drawing 0-0. The Seattle Pacemakers claim the men’s master’s, 3-1 over San Jose’s Zagreb.

Goulet Goal Sends Warner to Nationals
November 9, 1984

Brent Goulet, a sophomore from Tacoma, scores with under two minutes left in overtime, lifting Portland's Warner Pacific over defending NAIA champion Simon Fraser, 1-0, in the Area 1 championship game at Burnaby, B.C. Goulet takes a cross from Seattle's Erick Knapp for his 25th goal. Seattle native Todd Strobeck makes 10 saves in earning the Knights' shutout. Warner Pacific advances to its first NAIA national tournament.

Four-Time Champ Sporthaus Takes U19 Boys
March 11, 1984

Lake City's Sporthaus SC completes its run by defeating North County's H&L Sports in the U19 final at Renton. For Sporthaus, also known earlier as the Seattle Bobcats, it's a fourth state title. Kyle Whittemore of Sporthaus is named the tournament MVP. Federal Way Wild Pack win their third state cup, 3-1, over Lynnwood Cobras.

Goulet, Warner Pacific Reach Semifinals
November 21, 1984

Brent Goulet finds the game-winner in the 106th minute to give 5th-ranked Warner Pacific a 3-2 overtime win over Park (Mo.) in Fresno, sending the Knights through to the NAIA semifinals. Goulet finishes with two goals and five in two days. He also had a hat trick in the group stage opener, a 6-0 win over Westmont. Goulet scores again the a 5-3 semifinal loss to West Virginia Wesleyan Nov. 23, finishing the season with 31 goals.

Jefferson Becomes First Boys' Repeat Champ
May 26, 1984

Unbeaten Thomas Jefferson erupts for three second-half goals to become the first state boys' repeat champion in the WIAA era. The Raiders overpower Interlake, 4-1, before 3,500 at Memorial Stadium in Seattle. Ray Hoff, Larry Piffer, Todd Holman and Shawn Bogart score for TJ, which features nine members of the national champion Goalpost and outscored opponents 101-6 during the season and allowed just one goal in the tournament. Iain Ferguson tallies an equalizer in the 30th minute for the Saints, who upset Nathan Hale in the semifinals.

Tacoma Closes Out First Season
April 21, 1984

Zequinha provides the sweet finishing touch to Tacoma's first season, completing a furious 4-3 comeback with a goal seven minutes into overtime against Kansas City. The Stars trail 3-0 entering the fourth quarter but force overtime after Dale Mitchell's second goal of the night and 35th of the season. Each of the fourth-quarter goals come with Jimmy Sinclair as the sixth attacker. In the fifth period, Mitchell hits Zequinha, the Brazilian speedster, for the winner before 8,711. Tacoma finishes 22-26, the eighth-best record in MISL, after a 1-11 start.

Cosmos Shrug Off FC Seattle Scare
July 6, 1984

Shrugging off an early scare from FC Seattle, the New York Cosmos demonstrate their class in beating the local amateurs, 2-1, before 7,631 at Memorial Stadium. Eddie Krueger's right-wing cross swerves into the roof of the net after 1:50 for a Seattle lead. The once-mighty Cosmos, led by Vladislav Bogicevic, control possession and equalize through Alan Green. A scissors volley from Roberto Cabanas then wins it in the 66th minute. Seattle proves feisty, committing 29 fouls. Captain Robbie Zipp is bloodied by a collision with New York keeper David Brcic, and Tom Blahous knocks down Carmen Marcantonio.

Tacoma Moves Into Playoff Contention
March 9, 1984

Flemming Pehrson scores in the fourth minute of overtime, lifting Tacoma over the New York Arrows, 5-4, for the Stars' sixth straight victory and third in a row on the road. They are now just 1 1/2 games out of the final MISL West playoff spot. Dale Mitchell bags a pair of goals for Tacoma, including the tying goal at 10:41 of the fourth quarter. It's the club's first overtime win after losing the first seven, plus one shootout.

Flyers Win State Cup at Stompers' Expense
March 4, 1984

In a showdown between two of the most successful girls' club in state history, North Seattle's Union Bay Flyers prevail over Highline's Pepsi Stompers on penalties, 3-3 (6-5), at Renton Stadium. Flyers keeper Kathy Long saves the Stompers' sixth attempt after Katie Rusho's conversion. Gina Cassella and Michelle Akers score in regulation for Union Bay, which won a third straight U19 state cup and sixth overall. The Stompers, featuring seven starters under age 16, including Shannon Higgins, had won six cups in a row and took first in league play, ahead of the Flyers. Long is named outstanding goalkeeper for the entire tournament and Lori Henry of the Stompers the outstanding player.

Sockers Consider Moving to Seattle
July 4, 1984

San Diego Sockers GM Jack Daley says the club is considering moving its outdoor operations to Seattle for NASL play in 1985. The Sockers would continue playing indoor games in San Diego. they are averaging just 6,000 for games at Jack Murphy Stadium. Eventually, the Sockers cease all outdoor play and join three other former NASL franchises in the MISL for 1985-86. Daley was the Sounders' GM from 1974-81.

Bob Walsh Brings Big Kick to Kingdome
August 15, 1984

Seattle sports promoter Bob Walsh announces that the NCAA Division I men's championship game is coming to the Kingdome in four months. Walsh brought the Final Four to the Dome in April and will again in 1989. He steps up after Fort Lauderdale organizers pull out after two years. It will be the first time the title game has been played indoors. The NCAA is seeking a permanent site. Later, Walsh brands the game The Big Kick.

Ex-Sounder Cave Dies in Accident
November 7, 1984

Micky Cave, 35, the No. 2 career scorer for the NASL Sounders, dies of accidental carbon-monoxide poisoning outside Pittsburgh. Cave, an assistant coach for MISL Pittsburgh Spirit, is found dead in his bedroom in Aleppo Township. He apparently left his car running in attached garage. One of those finding Cave was his former Seattle teammate Steve Buttle, who plays for the Spirit.

Mitchell's Brace Advances Canada
August 3, 1984

Dale Mitchell of the Tacoma Stars scores two goals as Canada secures advancement to the Olympic quarterfinals with a 3-1 win over Cameroon at Boston. After being fouled in the box, Mitchell opens the scoring with a penalty kick just before halftime. His second clinches it with eight minutes to go. Mitchell scores again vs. Brazil on Aug. 6 at Stanford, but the Canadians go out, 1-1 (4-2).

Stars Win Three Straight for New Coach
January 28, 1984

Behind hometown product Mike Enneking, Tacoma comes from behind to beat Wichita, 4-3, for its first three-game win streak. Enneking, a Bellarmine Prep and UW graduate, scores the tying and winning goals, the latter with 3:05 left. Wichita scores the game’s first three goals. The Stars, after starting out 4-16, are 3-5 since Freddie Goodwin replaced Bob McNab as coach.

Washington Snaps Western 38-Game Win Streak
October 31, 1984

Washington's club ends Western Washington's 38-game women's win streak by winning, 2-1, at Husky Stadium. Bonnie Broughton scores the winner with 20 minutes to go after Stephanie Yoshino wins the ball and makes the feed. Karla Hossfeld puts UW in front before Nancy Harling equalizes from 30 yards just before halftime. Western, which last lost in 1982, still finishes first in the NCSC for the third straight year, two points ahead of Washington. In the first meeting Sept. 22, a shorthanded UW lost, 4-0.

Tyee Captures First AA Title
November 17, 1984

In the first AA-A tournament sponsored by WIAA, Tyee takes top honors over its neighboring Mount Rainier via penalties, 1-1 (3-1) at Edmonds. The Totems, based less than four miles from the Rams, complete back-to-back upsets when Sheree Sacco, Tammy Miller and Darcie Jordan score from the spot. Miller's goal in the 57th minute forces overtime. Carrie Proszek gives Mount Rainier the halftime lead. Tyee had advanced past Shorecrest, the 1983 all-division champion, in a semifinal tiebreaker, 2-2 (3-1).

Dunlap Scores as Carolina Wins Another Title
November 18, 1984

Seattle's Joan Dunlap scores as North Carolina claims its fourth straight national championship, 2-0, over Connecticut before a rabid home crowd of 3,500 at Chapel Hill. Both Tar Heels goals come in the final 13 minutes. April Heinrichs gets the first and Dunlap, a speedy sophomore, gets her 21st of the year in the 81st minute. UNC, which has won an AIAW and the first three NCAA tournaments, finishes 24-0-1.

FC Seattle Announces Challenge Series
May 3, 1984

FC Seattle, a collection of mostly top amateurs, announces a four-match Challenge Series at Memorial Stadium that will feature three NASL opponents – Vancouver, New York and Minnesota – and the U.S. Olympic team. The objectives are threefold: to test the market for a possible return of pro soccer, provide strong competition for the top local players and determine if those players can hold their own vs. top-flight opposition. Bud Greer funds FC Seattle, and former Sounders coach Jimmy Gabriel will oversee the coaching staff. Cliff McCrath, SPU coach and a FC Seattle director, persuades the Olympic team to visit by offering to outfit the players with dress attire.

Fry Debuts for U.S. National Team
October 6, 1984

Chance Fry makes his first international appearance for the United States, joining fellow Washingtonian Jeff Durgan in the starting lineup of a 4-0 World Cup qualifying win over Netherlands Antilles at St. Louis. By 11 days later Fry has five caps. He assists on the winner vs El Salvador and hits the post in a loss at Guatemala. Both Fry and Durgan were named second team all-NASL.

Tacoma Eliminated in Penultimate Game
April 14, 1984

Although they overcame a disastrous start to surge into contention, the Tacoma Stars are eliminated from the MISL playoff race in the next-to-last game. A Juan Cardenas hat trick helps the L.A. Lazers snap the Stars' 11-game Tacoma Dome win streak, 6-5, before 10,824. Mark Peterson scores two goals for Tacoma, which had won 20 of 33. The Lazers also won at the Forum two nights earlier.

Durgan Named to Olympic Team
July 14, 1984

Tacoma's Jeff Durgan becomes the first Washingtonian selected for a U.S. Olympic Team. Durgan, 22, plays center back for the Cosmos and has two caps for the full national team after playing for coach Alkis Panagoulias while with Team America in 1983. This marks the first Olympic competition in which professionals are allowed. The U.S. automatically qualify as host nation. Dale Mitchell of the Tacoma Stars represents Canada.

I’ve been offered partial and full rides back East. But I’m happy here. The full paid education sounds great, but I think I’d give up too much.
Kathy Ridgewell, Cozars standout and Green River Community College student, on her college scholarship offers, all from out of state
Something like this makes me very happy, makes me happy for soccer I this country. It shows me that Americans can play at the highest level.
U.S. National Team coach Alkis Panagoulias assessing FC Seattle's level of play following their pre-Olympics friendly
You can travel throughout the state. You could live in the North End (of Seattle) and have practice twice a week in West Seattle. You could even go to Portland for the weekend. Soccer just kind of takes over your life.
Nancy Bertiaux, president of Hillwood SC and parent of two youth players
There’s a Sounders syndrome. There’s no strong feeling in the community anymore. The love affair is over. From now on it’s going to have to be a policy of reality.
UW coach Denny Buck on the health of the Puget Sound soccer community following the Sounders' demise
I’d love to have them, but as a responsible administrator, I can’t allow it. My staff (and budget) can’t take on any more children to feed. Soccer around here is a proven recreational sport but not a spectator sport.
Washington AD Mike Lude's response to drive for a women's varsity program
Local boys make good…It wasn’t exactly like the United States beating England in the 1950 World Cup, but a 2-2 tie against the Vancouver Whitecaps by Football Club Seattle’s young pro rejects and ex-college stars certainly qualifies as an upset.
Seattle Times reporter Craig Smith on FC Seattle earning a result in its inaugural match
There’s no question we can put together a women’s team that can compete with anyone. The only problem is funding. It’s something the sponsors haven’t gotten into yet…It’s just a matter of how long it will take to do it.
Jim Depew, U.S. Soccer Senior Division chair, on the delay in putting the first women's national team on the field
Just before each game, I tell the girls this is a game that you love to play, so go out and play it the way you want to play it. And I tell them to have fun.
Western Washington coach Dominic Garguile on his pregame instructions
We help him on some of his campaign work. At the Democratic convention in Tacoma, we were there handing out flowers, holding signs, talking to people. It’s an experience. He’s such a sweetheart, we’d do anything for him.
Cozars forward Kathy Ridgewell on team sponsor, coach and gubernatorial candidate Booth Gardner
Seattle Pacific saved its best for last. The Falcons couldn’t have done it much better – they routed Florida International, played almost error-free soccer, dominated the game territorially, outshot FIU 29-5 – and they lost 1-0 in overtime.
Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley summarizing the 1984 NCAA Division II championship game, hosted by Seattle Pacific
It was everything Seattle area soccer fans have had in the past – outdoor soccer, speed soccer, pro soccer, amateur soccer – but with something else they have never had before: A team of homegrown lads to root for.
Seattle P-I reporter Debra Carlton on FC Seattle's debut vs. Vancouver
We were hoping for 18,000, but the Seahawks, Christmas shopping, nobody knows these teams – it’s a lot to ask of people when everybody’s minds are on something else.
Jimmy Gabriel of FC Seattle on 1984 Big Kick attendance
I don’t want to get up on a soap box, but those (UW) people work just as hard as anybody else. It would be neat if those guys could go to a tournament.
Western Washington coach Dominic Garguile on Washington women's club program seeking varsity status
Washington is a victim of their (Northwest) region because they don’t have a lot of strong Division I schools. (The Huskies) beat USF, beat Cal and beat Stanford, but the past few weeks they’ve struggled against Division II and NAIA schools while USF played a lot of Division I schools.
San Jose State coach and NCAA regional committee member Julie Menendez reasoning on Washington's exclusion from the tournament
The (varsity) team will probably bring the accolades that the crew has brought to the school. Soccer is probably the biggest sport in the Northwest. The U should take a leading position in activities the community is interested in…Our immediate goal is varsity status. The long-term goal, which will be easier to attain, is to assist in funding. And that’s a lot easier program to sell when you have a varsity team.
Chuck Rumpf, president of University of Washington Women's Soccer Foundation
The amazing thing about Kyle is how consistently he's been scoring, especially at this level of play. When he's on, there's not a more dangerous striker in the United States.
San Diego State coach Chuck Clegg on Kyle Whittemore
Maybe it should be called "the noble experiment." Or maybe just plain good news for Seattle soccer fans, who endured a steady diet of sour and dour news as the Sounder franchise kicked its way into oblivion last year. The news is that Football Club Seattle, a well-funded team of Northwest amateurs, will host the U.S. Olympic team and three NASL clubs.
Seattle Times reporter Craig Smith on the announcement of FC Seattle's Challenge Series
We’re playing for the public of Seattle. We feel there ought to be a team in Seattle because there is so much soccer in this area. It’s for the good of the league – like a must.
Cosmos coach Eddie Firmani on why he brought his team to play FC Seattle
We were denied the application because they can’t see us producing revenue, and there’s not enough Division I competition…It’s just a shame we can’t attract the players to stay in Washington.
UW women's club coach Jerome Rauen on AD Mike Lude's refusal to start a varsity program
It’s been a hell of a run to get back in contention after an early run like we had. It’s disappointing, but we’re so excited just to be there.
Freddie Goodwin, Tacoma Stars coach, on the surging finish to the club's first season
We’d like to play at the highest level possible that makes financial sense. Certainly the NASL does not.
FC Seattle general manager Bill Barry on the club's aspirations beyond playing exhibitions in 1984
I’m delighted with the atmosphere and how the crowd interacted with the team. I’m looking for better crowds as they see what kind of ball we are able to play.
FC Seattle owner Bud Greer on his team's inaugural performance vs. Vancouver
The Lowenbrau Zurich soccer team merits the kid of attention that Going for Four gives it, and those who might not have paid much notice to the team prior to the film will surely be a great deal more involved in its future having met the player and seen them in fast-moving action.
Seattle Times columnist John Vorhees reviews the Lowenbrau-Zurich documentary
Tad Willoughby picked the wrong time to be born. He’s 23 years old, the worst age you can be if you’re an American and want to play professional soccer. If he had been born 7 or 8 years earlier, Tad Willoughby would have gotten his chance to play in the NASL.
Seattle Times columnist Steve Kelley on FC Seattle midfielder Tad Willoughby
He said he couldn't believe how well this girl was playing, and he mentioned Michelle's name. Then I knew she was going to be great. Before, I didn't really know. She was always on a winning team. I thought it was the team she was playing with.
Mike Akers, brother of Michelle Akers, recalling when Sounders star Roger Davies singled out her play
These games are of national significance. If these kids can compete as I believe they can, and if their style proves attractive to the fans, this could spur other clubs in other areas to do the same.
FC Seattle coaching director Jimmy Gabriel on the Challenge Series significance
That amazed me. Everyone was on their feet when the game was over, cheering, hollering. That’s more than hard-core people.
SPU coach Cliff McCrath on crowd atmosphere for FC Seattle vs. Vancouver
Ah, No. 10. An excellent, excellent player. It made me feel good to see a player like him. It makes me believe the game is here to stay in America.
U.S. coach Alkis Panagoulias on FC Seattle's Tad Willoughby
You gotta hand it to them. They wouldn’t let us get hold of the game.
Former Sounder Jeff Stock on FC Seattle performance vs. his Vancouver Whitecaps
Seattle made me proud to be from the Northwest.
Tacoma product and Cosmos defender Jeff Durgan after playing against FC Seattle
Seattle created a benchmark with the Final Four that every other host is going to have to beat – not match but beat. I think they’ve done the same thing with soccer.
NCAA soccer committee chair Bill Coultart on Seattle's hosting of the 1984 title match
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Michelle Akers (Shoreline) Central Florida (D1/1st/F)
Joan Dunlap (Seattle) North Carolina (D1/2nd/F)
Brent Goulet (Tacoma) Warner Pacific (NAIA/2nd/F)
Collegiate Men's Records
Central Washington n/a (club)
Evergreen 9-2-5
Gonzaga 3-8-3
Pacific Lutheran 9-4-3
Puget Sound 2-15-2
Seattle University 5-13-0
Seattle Pacific 19-6-1
Washington 14-3-2
Western Washington 5-9-1
Whitman 6-7-4
Whitworth 9-7-3
Collegiate Women's Records
Evergreen 2-12-2
Pacific Lutheran 12-5-1
Puget Sound 7-7-1
Seattle University 4-15-0
Washington 11-2-3 (club)
Western Washington 16-2-0
Whitman 11-3-2
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Stingers (NYSA)Shooting Stars (HSA)
U12 Phoenix (NYSA)Hawks (EYSA)
U13 KFC Sounders (TCYSA)FCS Chicks (LWYSA)
U14 Richland Tornado ((TCJSA)Chargers (SYSA)
U15 Sabres (HSA)Auburn Angels ((AYSA)
U16 Thunder (TPCJSA)FC Rovers (SSCYSA)
U17 Nighthawks (FWSA)WEAC Amocats (TPCJSA)
U19 Hammers (SYSA)Normandee (HSA)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U9 Cascade Scorpions (GRJSA)
U10 Camas Washougal Leopards (CYSF)
U11 Cobras (KYSA)Lake Hills Thunderbirds (EYSA)
U12 Xpress (FWSA)Clippers (FWSA)
U13 Wildpack (FWSA)Cheetahs (FWSA)
U14 Sting (LWYSA)Hotsox (FWSA)
U15 Force (FWSA)Albion Reds (HSA)
U16 Lake Hills Hawks (EYSA)Pepsi Stompers (HSA)
U17 Goal Post (FWSA)
U19 Sporthaus FC (SYSA)Seattle Flyers (SYSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Thomas Jefferson 4Interlake 1
Girls 4A Snohomish 1Highline 0 OT
Girls 3A Tyee 1Mount Rainier 1 (3-1)
On this Day in History
September 29, 1957
Both a testimonial match and banquet are held for the ailing Barney Kempton. Proceeds go toward Kempton's medical expenses. Over 500 see Vancouver's Royal Oaks defeat a Seattle all-star selection, 2-0, at Catholic Memorial. Former mayor Bobby Harlin, sports promoter and newspaper editor Royal Brougham are among the banquet speakers who toast Kempton's years of service to the game over 40 years. Besides being an outstanding winger in his day and key administrator, he is credited with keeping the youth game alive, having helped organize the sport in Parochial schools under auspices of the CYO.
More from 1957 ›
March 10, 2022
RAVE Foundation, the Sounders' charitable arm, launches the 26 Fields by 2026 campaign as part of the club’s effort to bring play equity to youth in Washington through its Defend the Right to Play social justice arena for change. Headlining the campaign objectives is building 26 fields by the year 2026 in historically marginalized communities throughout Washington, with the target date of completion in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Other goals include providing a free soccer ball to every child who lives within one mile walking distance to each field and investing in programs on and around those fields that use soccer as a vehicle support children’s health and well-being.
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May 21, 1983
Washington coach Frank Gallo resigns after three seasons (51-9-2) and one NCAA tournament berth. The part-time position pays less than $3,000. Former Husky keeper Denny Buck, 29, is named Gallo's successor on June 25.
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May 20, 1985
U.S. National Team captain and Tacoma native Jeff Durgan, 23, returns home, spurning much bigger offers to sign for $250 per game with FC Seattle. Durgan was NASL Rookie of the Year with the Cosmos in 1980. Durgan becomes the fourth NASL veteran committing to FC Seattle, joining Brian Schmetzer, Robbie Zipp and Eddie Krueger.
More from 1985 ›