Stars Go Bold

1986 – Around the World and Close to Home

The Soviet nuclear reactor at Chernobyl explodes, releasing radiation into the surrounding area and forcing the evacuation of all inhabitants within 18 miles. The Space Shuttle Challenger explodes 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven astronauts, the Phantom of the Opera blockbuster musical opens on stage in London, and Diego Maradona stars as Argentina claims the World Cup in Mexico. Closer to home, a leaky Coliseum roof halts the Seattle Sonics-Phoenix Suns game, resulting in the first NBA rainout 7-footer Christian Welp of Washington is the Pac-10 basketball player of the year, and King County is renamed after Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. rather than former U.S. Vice President William King, for whom it was originally named in 1852.

Stars Go Bold

In a bold series of moves, the resident club in the City of Destiny determined it was time to go for it. Midway through their third season, the Tacoma Stars seized the moment and made some historic moves to rise above the rabble.

In a span of 10 days, the Stars jettisoned their coach, traded the top scorer and broke open the bank to acquire the biggest star in MISL history. Up to that point, Tacoma had trudged along, 27 games under .500. Bob McNab had been named head coach, then demoted, then promoted – all with little effect. Finally, follow a 2-12 stretch, president John Best began flipping switches.

Alan Hinton, with a history of guiding teams to the playoffs, including the Sounders from 1980-82, was a known quantity to several members of the team and the existing and potential fan base. During the first two seasons, the Stars had averaged just over 6,000. That number would rapidly rise with the arrival of Steve Zungul.

The Serbian striker was a five-time scoring champion, three-time MVP and, moreover, a five-time MISL champion. Together with Preki, Tacoma’s emerging starlet, Zungul, 31, was envisioned as the key to the Stars’ quest of winning titles. The Lord of All Indoors did not come cheaply.

Zungul, whose 516 career goals and 840 points far outnumber those of any MISL rival, cost $200,000. He reportedly receives a $150,000 signing bonus on top of $200,000 annual contract. The Stars are 12-17 prior to the deal, after which top scorer Dale Mitchell is traded. Zungul would proceed to win yet another scoring championship and MVP award.

During the final two months of the regular season, Tacoma plays over .500 (11-8) to earn a playoff berth. An upset of Wichita leads to a semifinal series with defending champion San Diego. Despite being eliminated by the Sockers, it’s clear the Stars have become a regional attraction, averaging 16,505 in their four home postseason dates, including 19,476 in their final outing. It was a trend that would carry-over into 1986-87, in which they started 12-2 and averaged near 10,000.

There was also a key change to for FC Seattle Storm. Jimmy Gabriel, the onetime Sounders captain and head coach who had been integral to forming the club and played for its state league forerunner, departed at the end of the season. His next stop: England and joining Harry Redknapp at Bournemouth.

One local side with a championship tradition, Seattle Pacific, would burnish that reputation. The Falcons, despite a relatively slow start, got stronger down the stretch and became the first NCAA Division II program to repeat as champion. SPU pulled over 4,100 to Memorial Stadium for the 4-1 victory over Oakland (Mi.). That was the second-largest collegiate attendance. The third and final edition of The Big Kick (NCAA Division I championship) draws 4,652 to the Tacoma Dome after two years at the Kingdome.

One consequence of youth soccer’s expansive growth is the need for more field space. East of Seattle, Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association has been leasing Sixty Acres West for two years, then sees King County Parks sell that to King County Agriculture. In Shoreline, neighbors oppose building and lighting two fields in a wooded corner of Hamlin Park.

TACOMA STARS
Season Record
23-25, 3rd MISL West Semifinals
Coach
Bob McNab (2nd year), Alan Hinton (1st year)
All-League
Steve Zungul (MVP)
Top Scorer
Preki (41 goals)
FC SEATTLE
Record
6-6-2, 2nd place Western Soccer Alliance
Head Coach
Jimmy Gabriel (1st year)
Best XI
Dennis Gunnell (1st team), John Hamel (2nd team)
Top Scorer
Dennis Gunnell (7 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Champions
Seattle Pacific, NCAA Division II
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle Pacific, D2 champion
Men's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran, NCIC
Women's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran, NCIC
NWAC Men's Champion
Skagit Valley d Edmonds, 1-0
YOUTH
Girls Regional Champion
Highline Pepsi Stompers (U19)
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Gerald Larson
Member Associations
33
Players
69,256 (b: 50,568 g: 18,688)
Largest Attendance
19,476, Tacoma Dome, Stars v San Diego, playoff
Largest Amateur Attendance
4,652, Tacoma Dome, Big Kick/NCAA Division I Championship

1986: Stars Go Bold

After two middling seasons, the Tacoma Stars ownership goes all-in, changing coaches and acquiring the Lord of All Indoors.

Night of Champions Goes to UCLA
September 24, 1986

Defending Division I champion UCLA, unbeaten in 24 games, visits defending Div. II champ Seattle Pacific for an exhibition. The Bruins win, 2-1, before 3,100 at Memorial Stadium after the Falcons’ Scott Cairns is sent off. Shaun DelGrande deflects in Paul Caligiuri’s blast in the 44th minute.

Once More, Cozars Denied Title
July 13, 1986

Seattle Cozars prove to be third time unlucky, allowing a late equalizer and then succumbing to Fairfax Wildfire (Va.) in the U.S. Women's Amateur Cup, 3-1 in overtime in St. Louis. Lisa Boyer put Seattle in front at 28'. Jennifer Baughman ties it with seven minutes to go. Marcia McDermott gets the go-ahead goal in the first extra period and a late own goal seals it. The game features 11 U.S. National Team players. It's their third straight championship game loss. Cozars avenged their 1985 defeat by beating Michelob Ladies the day prior in a semifinal, 5-4, in overtime. Denise Boyer gets the winner to complete her hat trick. Jeanne Oak scores two goals.

CYO Suspends Boys' Team for Using Girl
October 6, 1986

Seattle CYO officials ban the St. Joseph’s fourth grade boys' team after using a 7-year-old girl through its first five games. The remaining games will be forfeited. Marisa Monroe is considered one of the team's top three players by St. Joe's coach Jere Carrasco. CYO officials say that while there is no rule prohibiting girls, it would “undermine the girl’s program and leave it high and dry.”

Stars' McNab Feels Betrayed by Best
January 30, 1986

Fired for a third time in seven years of association with John Best, Bob McNab says he feels "betrayed" by the Tacoma Stars president and GM. Best understands McNab's anger and pain but adds that he's hired McNab three times. McNab says he slashed player payroll from $950,000 to an MISL-low $750,000. "Now I hear the club is prepared to pay $250,000 for (San Diego's Steve) Zungul. You can imagine the kind of taste that leaves."

Simmons Hits Winner vs. No. 1 Lutes
October 21, 1986

Shelly Simmons hits the winner with four minutes left as 6th-ranked Puget Sound defeats No. 1 Pacific Lutheran, 2-1. It’s the first two goals allowed by the Lutes in 11 games.

Marathon ShootoutSends SPU Forward
November 15, 1986

Jeff Storrs twice saves Seattle Pacific's season before an 11th-round penalty stop sends the Falcons forward to the NCAA Division II quarterfinals. Ninth-ranked SPU outlasts longtime rival Chico State, 0-0 (8-7), in a first-round game at Memorial Stadium. After 110 scoreless minutes Storrs thwarts the Wildcats attempts to win in rounds 5 and 7. Danny Machado converts the clincher.

UPS Edged in Regional by St. Mary's
November 15, 1986

Top-ranked St. Mary's (Ca.) fends off Puget Sound for the Area 1 regional championship, 2-1, in Forest Grove, Or. The 5th-rated Loggers had ousted host Pacific, 3-0, in the semifinals behind goals from Karen Mulkey, Shelly Simmons and Beth Nacrelli while Tresa McIlnay notched the shutout. St. Mary's, who defeated Western Washington by 3-1 in the semifinals, proceed to win the NAIA championship.

Stars Streak Out of the Gate
December 12, 1986

Tacoma wins a record eighth game in a row, 7-6 over Wichita, behind two goals apiece from Steve Zungul and Godfrey Ingram. The Stars avenge their opening-night defeat, the only blemish in their first nine games.

Cozars Book Return to Nationals
June 1, 1986

Seattle Cozars ease their way back to the U.S. Women's Amateur Cup finals for the third year in a row by winning the West Regional final 5-1 over Colorado Comets at Memorial Stadium. Jeanne Oak scores four times and Denise Boyer adds the other.

Zungul Carries Stars to First Playoff Berth
March 25, 1986

On their third attempt, the Tacoma Stars clinch their first-ever MISL playoff berth by trouncing the L.A. Lazers, 9-2, in Inglewood. Steve Zungul scores five goals and adds three assists, giving him 50 and 57 for the season. The Stars had been tied for the league’s worst record before a series of midseason moves resulted in a coaching change and the acquisition of Zungul and other top talent. They go 14-9 down the stretch.

TJ Streak Continues, Goes Overtime
June 1, 1986

Jefferson’s Jimmy Weber connects on a header 8:48 into overtime for the Raiders’ fourth straight Class AAA state championship at Memorial Stadium. The 3-2 win over Mead is Jefferson’s 78th game without a loss. TJ lost 30-goal scorer Ray Hoff to an injury in the 11th minute.

Tacoma Swoops for Zungul
February 5, 1986

Steve Zungul, MISL career leader and five-time scoring leader, is acquired by Tacoma from San Diego. He debuts Feb. 7, receiving a 30-second standing ovation from 9,182, and scores his first goal against the Sockers, his former team, Feb. 9. The Stars pay $200,000 to San Diego and pay Zungul a $150,000 bonus on top of his $200,000 salary.

Hinton Debut Comes on Longest Night
January 31, 1986

Alan Hinton's debut on the Tacoma Stars bench is a long, long night. The Stars blow a 5-3 lead in the fourth quarter and lose at Wichita, 6-5, at 8:14 of the second overtime. In all, the contests lasts 83:14, making it the longest for Tacoma. Preki scores twice to help make it 5-3, but the Wings rally and tie it with 42 seconds left. Frank Rasmussen's shot is deflected into the net by Joey Waters for the winner, send the Stars to their 12th defeat in 16 games.

Tashiro Sends Colorado College to Final
November 22, 1986

Bellevue freshman Kerri Tashiro converts the clinching shootout penalty kick as Colorado College advances to the NCAA championship game over Massachusetts, 0-0 (3-1, in Fairfax, Va. Shoreline's Shelley Separovich gives the Tigers the shootout lead and Tashiro, scorer of a record 21 goals, converts the decisive attempt in the third round.

Finnair Wins Over-30 West Regional
June 1, 1986

Finnair Blue Wings of Seattle secure passage to the U.S. Men's Over-30 semifinals after defeating San Jose Oaks, 3-1, in the regional final at Memorial Stadium. The match pits Finnair, featuring 10 former NASL Sounders, against an Oaks side packed with several ex-Earthquakes.

Goulet Gets Collegiate Record
November 12, 1986

Tacoma native Brent Goulet scores the 107th goal of his career, believed to be a collegiate record, in Warner Pacific College’s 3-0 win over Pacific (Ore.). Goulet surpasses the 106 of Erskine’s Sam McGinty, set in 1970. He finishes with 108.

Goulet Starts for USMNT
February 5, 1986

Tacoma's Brent Goulet, 21, starts in USMNT debut vs Canada (0:0) in Miami. A junior at Warner Pacific College, Goulet has scored 81 goals in his first three collegiate seasons.

Seattle Pacific Becomes First to Repeat
December 6, 1986

Goals by Chris McDonald and Mark Faller in first three minutes help SPU roll to 4-1 victory over Oakland before 4,100 at Memorial Stadium, making Falcons the first Div. II champion to repeat. After the Pioneers pull back a goal before the interval, Matt Smith restores the cushion at 56' and Bob Bruch strokes a late penalty kick. Scott Cairns and Glenn Lurie play in their fourth straight NCAA championship game. McDonald finishes a Cairns header against the crossbar at 2:02, and 52 seconds later Faller doubles it.

Stars' Davis Joins World Cup Broadcasts
April 4, 1986

Tacoma Stars midfielder Ricky Davis is named to the NBC Sports broadcast team for the network’s coverage of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Davis and columnist Paul Gardner will be analysts beside play-caller Charlie Jones for the seven games NBC airs.

Rockets' Red Glare Burns Turf
July 5, 1986

A fireworks rocket shot into Memorial Stadium sparks an early morning (1:40 am) fire that causes $100,000 damage to the playing turf. Consequently, FC Seattle is forced to move its remaining four home games to Renton Stadium.

Coaches Give McCrath Highest Honor
January 23, 1986

Cliff McCrath, Seattle Pacific coach, is presented the NSCAA Honor Award in St. Louis. McCrath is coming off a third NCAA championship at SPU, and he has also served as NCAA Rules Committee Secretary-Editor.

Cozars Denied for Third Time
July 14, 1986

After reaching the women’s national final for the third year in row, Tacoma’s Cozars fall to Virginia’s Wild Fires, 3-1, in overtime in St. Louis. Lisa Boyer put Cozars ahead in the 28th minute. Five members of the Cozars are chosen for the U.S. National Team’s trip to the Mundialito in Jesolo, Italy: Gretchen Gegg, Lori Henry, Joan Dunlap, Cindy Gordon and Michelle Akers.

SPU Topples No. 1 Team on Road
November 22, 1986

Seattle Pacific topples No. 1-ranked Cal State Northridge, 2-1, on the road in an NCAA Division II quarterfinal, snapping the Matadors’ 14-game unbeaten streak. Jeff Storrs makes eight saves and Mark Faller gets the 81st-minute quarterfinal winner before 2,696 Northridge fans. The Falcons never trailed, going in front on Danny Machado's 27' goal. Faller scores his fifth goal in five games.

Big Kick Goes to Duke
December 13, 1986

Big Kick III, the NCAA Division I championship game in the Tacoma Dome, is won by Duke, 1-0, over Akron. Tom Stone scores in the 47th minute. It’s the first NCAA championship for the Blue Devils in any sport. Duke features Everett’s Jason Weighter and Hermann Trophy winner John Kerr. Only 4,652 (8,000 had been projected) attend, and coaches of both teams criticize the artificial turf. NCAA officials, aware of complaints regarding the playing surface and disappointment in attendance, will ask for new host bids in 1987.

Higgins, Henry, Gegg Part of UNC Juggernaut
November 23, 1986

Shoreline freshman Lori Henry plays blanketing defense and Federal Way's Gretchen Gegg gets the shutout as North Carolina (24-0-1) defeats Colorado College, 2-0, for the NCAA championship in Fairfax, Va. Passes from Kent freshman Shannon Higgins led to the first two UNC goals in a 3-2 overtime semifinal win over George Mason. Henry, at right back, holds the Tigers' top scorer, Kerri Tashiro of Bellevue, to a single shot. Colorado's Shelley Separovich, also from Shoreline, makes the all-tournament team.

Simmons, UPS Sink Western
October 25, 1986

Shelly Simmons strikes again, scoring her 19th goal in a 3-1 win over Western Washington to clinch the District 1 championship. Simmons finishes the year with 20 goals.

Sixty Acres Host Regionals
June 20, 1986

U.S. Youth Soccer West regionals begin at Redmond’s Sixty Acres with Gov. Booth Gardner serving as honorary tournament director. Over 1,100 hotel rooms are booked on the Eastside. Over 200 volunteers are enlisted to work event operations. Some $100,000 in costs are covered through vendor exhibit fees and concessions.

Howe, Andeberhan Join U.S. Staff
March 24, 1986

Bobby Howe, coaching director of Washington Youth Soccer, is named the assistant coach to Roy Rees for the U.S. U16 Boys' National Team. As part of sweeping changes by the U.S. Federation, Anson Dorrance is chosen as head coach of the Women's National Team, replacing Mike Ryan. Cozars coach Berhane Andeberhan is named Dorrance's assistant.

Western Shocks Huskies
October 18, 1986

John Polzin’s goal with 15 minutes left lifts Western Washington to a shocking 1-0 home win over Washington. John Reilly posts the shutout. “This is probably the biggest win in the history of our varsity program,” said Bruce Campbell. The Vikings had not beaten the Huskies since their formative club days, in 1974.

Stars Overcome by Sockers
May 7, 1986

San Diego erupts for six fourth-quarter goals to wipe-out a three-goal deficit and beat the Tacoma Stars, 8-5, to win the best-of-five MISL semifinal series, 3-1. A record Tacoma Dome crowd of 19,746 roars when goals by Steve Sharp and Preki put the Stars up, 5-2, going into the final frame. Seattle native Brian Schmetzer, who became a first-time dad a day earlier, scores the tie-breaking for Sockers goal with 10 minutes to go – only his second score of the season.

Zungul, Stars Sweep Sockers
December 27, 1986

Steve Zungul scores the overtime winner, in 6-5 Tacoma Stars victory over San Diego, before 18,441. Zungul finds the game-winner at 6:31 of the second 15-minute overtime period. The Stars battle back from a 5-3 deficit in the fourth quarter on goals by Fran O'Brien and Gary Heale, who scored his 19th on a power play at 11:33. Tacoma completes a weekend sweep of the Sockers, having also beaten them the night before in San Diego, 8-7 in overtime. Without an injured Zungul, Heale scored four goals. The Stars will start 1987 with a 12-2 record.

Gabriel Returns to UK
August 16, 1986

Jimmy Gabriel announces he’s resigning as FC Seattle coach and returning to Britain following Storm’s season-ending, 1-0 win over Edmonton at Renton Stadium. Seattle (6-6-2) finishes second to Hollywood in the Western Soccer Alliance. Shortly after returning to England, Gabriel joins AFC Bournemouth as assistant manager to former Sounder Harry Redknapp.

FC Seattle Nearly Holds Man City
May 27, 1986

FC Seattle hosts former Sounder Nicky Reid and first division Manchester City before 1,561 at Memorial Stadium. City gets a 1-0 win by scoring with 31 seconds remaining. Man City manager Jimmy Grizzell notes Seattle’s sometimes overly physical play. A total of 46 fouls are whistled. The game counts in the Western Soccer Alliance standings, as does the following Storm game vs. Dundee.

FC Seattle Women Defeat Canadian Runners-Up
August 8, 1986

FC Seattle’s women finish a brief summer schedule at 3-1-1 under coach Kerri Hunt, defeating Richmond Cornerkicks, the Canadian national runners-up, 1-0, at Renton Stadium. All four home dates were played as part of doubleheaders with men’s team. The sole loss was to U.S. runners-up Cozars.

Mitre Eagles Dethrone Greeks
May 31, 1986

Avenging a loss a year earlier, Seattle Mitre Eagles end the U.S. Open Cup reign of San Francisco Greek Americans in a penalty-kick tiebreaker. The two sides finish regulation and overtime tied 2-2 in a regional semifinal at Redmond High School. The next day, the Eagles are eliminated by San Pedro Yugoslavs, 4-3, in overtime at Memorial Stadium.

Guise Gets UW Assist Mark
October 7, 1986

Washington’s Eric Guise sets a new team record with assists on all four goals of the Huskies’ 4-0 win over Whitworth at Husky Stadium. After finding Garrett Lordahl for the 11th-minute opener, Guise assists on all three of Craig Beeson’s second-half goals, and UW snaps a three-game winless stretch.

Key Date
February 9, 1986

Highline’s Pepsi Stompers claim an eighth state cup title in 10 years, winning a second consecutive girls U19 championship while Federal Way’s Cheetahs earn a fourth championship in six seasons, this time the girls U15. The Cheetahs have already begun fundraising $50,000 toward becoming the first U.S. youth team to visit China, June 27-July 14. They will play three games and also participate in clinics and cultural exchanges.

Stars Upset Wings, Advance
April 18, 1986

Tacoma clinches its first round series in four games (3-1), by beating the Wichita Wings for the third straight game, 3-2 before 17,094. The Stars get goals from Preki, Gary Heale and Fran O'Brien and score the game's final three goals. Wichita finished the regular season with the second-best record (27-21).

Cozars Chosen for USWNT
July 7, 1986

Seattle’s Joan Dunlap-Seivold scores in her U.S. National Team debut vs. Canada (2:0) at Blaine, Minn. Dunlap-Seivold was named to the team by Anson Dorrance, her collegiate coach at North Carolina, where she had been a 1984 second team All-American. It was Dorrance’s first game as USWNT coach and the first meeting with Canada. Three other Washingtonians play: Sharon McMurtry, Lori Henry and Cindy Gordon.

Jenkins Takes Helm of Storm
October 14, 1986

Tommy Jenkins is elevated to head coach of FC Seattle Storm two months after Jimmy Gabriel announced his resignation. Jenkins, a former Sounder, had been an assistant since the team began play in 1984.

SoCal Dominates Youth Regional
June 22, 1986

Two of the state's most storied teams end their run short of a championship as the southern California sides dominate the USYSA regional at Sixty Acres in Redmond. Cal South accounts for five of the eight champions with Cal North winning another. Highline's Pepsi Stompers win the girls' U19 consolation final, 2-1, behind goals from Sandy Carter and Kerri Tashiro. Goalpost is among three Federal Way third-place teams, the former U16 national champs going out 4-0 victors in the boys' U19 consolation.

Gunnell Goal Binge Beats Portland
July 3, 1986

Dennis Gunnell continues his prolific stretch for FC Seattle with a pair of goals to beat FC Portland, 2-0, at Civic Stadium. Tad Willoughby's crosses lead to headers by Gunnell at 48' and 72', and Jeff Koch makes nine saves as Seattle reaches .500 (3-3-1) and second place in the Western Soccer Alliance. Seventeen of the match starters are from Washington.

Storm Hosts WC-Bound Canadians
April 24, 1986

FC Seattle Storm hosts Canada’s World Cup-bound national team at Shoreline Stadium five weeks before Mexico ’86. A gathering of 660 fans see Canada prevail, 3-2, on Randy Samuel’s 67th-minute winner. Dale Mitchell and Randy Ragan made it 2-0 before Seattle’s Peter Hattrup and Kevin Iverson countered. Jimmy Gabriel played all 18 of his available players.

Amputees Rally in Portland
July 12, 1986

Kevin Wilson scores four times and Linda Pederson has three assists as the Athlete’s Foot amputee team from Seattle wins at Portland, 5-3.

Liberty Ends on Top of Boys' State AA
May 31, 1986

Marty Lackey delivers the decisive goal with just over six minutes remaining to give Liberty the state boys' AA championship, 3-2 over Fife at Memorial Stadium. The Trojans twice tied it up and last pulled level in the 69th minute through J.R. Voshell. Fife had upset defending champion Nathan Hale in the semifinals. Lackey, who scored in a semi win over North Kitsap, scores the Patriots' opener, and Cliff Lewis made it 2-1 at 32'.

Federal Way Girls Win State AAA
November 22, 1986

A scoreless stalemate is finally settled by penalty kicks, with Federal Way taking the girls' AAA championship over Issaquah, 0-0 (4-3), at Renton Stadium. Kerri Coplin and Michelle Dines convert the final two penalties for the Eagles while the Indians see two of their first four attempts sail high and wide. Coplin and Dines had also scored the previous night in a 3-2 comeback semifinal win over Cascade.

Mitre Eagles Advance to Amateur Cup Finals
June 1, 1986

Mike Hiatt and Kit Favorite each bag a brace and Seattle Mitre Eagles beat Tucson Gulf United, 7-0, at Memorial Stadium in the U.S. Amateur Cup regional final at Memorial Stadium. It is the third of four games in 35 hours for the Eagles, who are doubling up in the Open Cup. Peter Hattrup scores one of his four goals across the weekend's matches.

Smith Hat Trick Wins Tacoma Trophy
August 16, 1986

Matt Smith’s hat trick provides all the scoring as Tacoma wins the FC Seattle City League cup final, 3-2, over Eastside at Renton Stadium. In the women’s championship game, Valley Cities Hurricanes edge Federal Way, 1-0. Valley Cities and Snohomish effectively replace Renton and Everett, respectively. Olympic and Bellingham expand the league to eight communities.

Watching the World Cup
May 31, 1986

Mexico's World Cup begins, and Puget Sound area residents are able to watch 42 of 52 games via Group W Cable’s Channel 29, a public access channel. All audio is in Spanish.

Mitre Eagles, Finnair Lose Semifinals
July 12, 1986

Eventual champion Fairfax Spartans beat Seattle Mitre Eagles, 4-1, in the U.S. Amateur Cup semifinals at St. Louis. Finnair falls to hometown favorite Kutis, 2-1, in the over-30 semifinal.

Mitre Eagles Claim Regional IndoorTitle
March 21, 1986

Seattle Mitre Eagles win the Northwest regional championship for the first National Amateur Indoor Soccer tournament, defeating Tacoma Soccer Center, 5-0. Both teams qualify for 16-team nationals, to be held April 12-13 in Dallas. Denver’s Colorado Comets wins the championship, 4-3, over Atlanta’s Datagraphic. The tournament began with 185 teams nationwide.

Stars Begin Making Changes
January 27, 1986

After a stretch in which the Tacoma Stars (11-16) lose 12 of 14 games, they fire coach Bob McNab for a second time, and hire former Sounders coach Alan Hinton. Although Hinton and Stars president John Best have had troubles working together previously, those teams also won. In Vancouver, the Whitecaps had a 24-6 record and their attendance more than doubled from the previous year to 26,000. When Best joined the Sounders as general manager in 1982, the club was 4-9 and Hinton wound up guiding them to the Soccer Bowl.

Grandma Guides Tahoma to Title
November 22, 1986

Betty Ellis, a grandmother and first female to officiate a U.S. professional game in 1980, coaches Tahoma girls to state AA title, 2-0 over Edmonds after upsetting undefeated Mountlake Terrace, 5-1, in the semifinal. Stephanie Johnson scores both Bears goals in the final.

Carter Scores Hat Trick for UCF
September 7, 1986

Sandy Carter, a freshman from Burien, scores a hat trick in just her third collegiate outing in Central Florida's 5-0 win over Florida International in Orlando. Carter adds another hat trick Sept. 27 and finishes her first season with 15 goals.

Stars' World Cup Connection
June 1, 1986

Two members of the Tacoma Stars, Bob Lenarduzzi and David Norman, start for Canada in its World Cup opener, a 1-0 loss to France in Leon, Mexico. Dale Mitchell and Ian Bridge, two other starters, had played for Tacoma in 1984-85. Canada later loses to Hungary (2-0) and the Soviet Union (2-0) in its first-ever finals appearance.

Since there’s no professional outlet for women, the national team program needs to be better organized. That can be a carrot to dangle in front of the college players.
Puget Sound women's coach Mike Jennings on what factors will be key to the development of the U.S. women's game
Federal Way has great youth programs, and the parents and coaches really get into it. I had 10 players last year who played for Goalpost and they won the U16 national title a couple years ago.
Jim Judson, Thomas Jefferson coach, crediting community support for the Raiders’ 78-match (74-0-4) unbeaten streak
Tacoma's a city that's had a poor opinion of itself, but people were hooting and hollering last night. This morning they have a better feeling about themselves...I want to see this town shake and move as well as anybody. But take away the dome and the Stars, you go back to where we were before: Asleep.
Longtime Tacoma pro baseball executive Stan Naccarato after the Stars defeat Wichita to take the lead in their playoff series
I believe there will be a full fledged outdoor professional league by then (2001) and probably before then. I think it will come thru the regional leagues, like the Western Alliance. It will come through slow growth and the development of clubs in major cities.
FC Seattle president and Western Soccer Alliance commissioner Bill Sage, when asked about the growth of pro outdoor soccer by 2001
Friendship has more to do with it than anything. We really like playing together, and when you’re enjoying yourself, you naturally play better.
Mitre Eagles forward Andy Churlin sharing the secret of his team's success
This last betrayal is the worst of all, and it makes me seriously question if the Stars have any future in Tacoma, and whether they deserve any.
Bob McNab after being fired by the Tacoma Stars, the third time John Best has removed him from a head position
Peter Hattrup is the best player to come out of college in the last 10 years, in my opinion. He not only has the ability, but he has that confidence. Some would call it arrogance, but I like that in a player. Most rookies come in here quietly and go off somewhere by themselves. Not Peter Hattrup. He's walked right in there, in the middle with the (Steve) Zunguls, everybody.
Stars coach Alan Hinton after selecting the Seattle Pacific star No. 4 overall in the MISL draft
It's a new challenge for me, to help get this team into the playoffs. This team wants to be a champion. In the future it can become a champion, in the long run. I'm like a missionary. I live for the game. I want to leave something to those future soccer players.
Steve Zungul, after joining the Tacoma Stars in midseason
At least they will all be Americans when they get going. That was a big complaint when I was here last time, about the foreigners and the fact the team was changing year to year. Fans couldn't relate to new teams every year.
Former Sounders sweeper Nicky Reid, after his touring Manchester City team defeat FC Seattle
At times, it looked like a ping pong match, the ball went so fast.
Duke coach John Rennie after Blue Devils win Big Kick on Tacoma Dome's artificial turf
It's not just able-bodied people, it's handicapped people who limit themselves. Our motto is to concentrate on what you can do instead of what you can't.
Amputee soccer founder Don Bennett of Seattle on the freedom the sport provides those missing a limb, including himself
I was kind of caught up into thinking I was dumb, because they said I was...When I started to apply myself, I realized I was kind of smart.
Jeff Storrs, Seattle Pacific goalkeeper, explaining how he was able to overcome dyslexia to attend college and star for the 1986 NCAA champions
If you ask Anson Dorrance, he’ll tell you that Denise (Boyer) is the second best forward in the country. I believe April Heinrichs is the top right now, but Denise is a very skilled player.
Cozars coach Booth Gardner praising his star forward who elected not to try-out for the national team
He has to be the most intimidating creature I've ever had back there. He can stop anything.
Seattle Pacific coach Cliff McCrath on goalkeeper Jeff Storrs's quarterfinal performance at Cal State Northridge
(At least) they will all be Americans when they get going. That was a big complaint when I was here last time, about the foreigners and the fact the team was changing year to year. Fans couldn't relate to new teams every year.
Manchester City manager Jimmy Grizzell on his assessment of F.C. Seattle
Indoor soccer will be very strong in 15 years. Indoor soccer is here to stay but we have to give Americans a greater opportunity to play the game.
Tacoma Stars midfielder and USMNT captain Ricky Davis when asked about where pro indoor soccer will be in 2001
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Michelle Akers (Shoreline) Central Florida (D1/2nd/F)
Shelley Separovich (Seattle) Colorado College (D1/3rd/D)
Jeff Storrs (Seattle) Seattle Pacific (D2/2nd/G)
Debbie Carter (Burien) Western Washington (NAIA/1st/F)
Brent Goulet (Tacoma) Warner Pacific (NAIA/1st/F)
Shelly Simmons (Des Moines) Puget Sound (NAIA/1st/F)
Collegiate Men's Records
Central Washington (club) 4-6-3
Evergreen 8-9-1
Gonzaga 2-17-0
Pacific Lutheran 13-9-0
Puget Sound 12-7-2
Seattle University 1-10-0
Seattle Pacific 17-4-2
Washington 9-5-6
Western Washington 7-9-1
Whitman 9-8-1
Whitworth 13-11-2
Collegiate Women's Records
Evergreen 4-11-0
Pacific Lutheran 12-4-2
Puget Sound 8-6-2
Seattle University 0-14-0
Seattle Pacific (club) n/a
Washington (club) n/a
Washington State (club) 5-2-1
Western Washington 13-4-2
Whitman 11-4-1
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Steve Zungul (F) Stars (MISL-1st)
Dennis Gunnell (D) Storm (WSA-1st)
John Hamel (M) Storm (WSA-2nd)
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Team United (CYSF)Express (CYSA)
U12 Seagulls (KPYSA)Team Score (SYSA)
U13 Totem Thunderbirds (FWSA)Her-ricanes (CYSF)
U14 Mazda Pride (SYSA)Rockets (KPYSA)
U15 LW United (LWYSA)Knockouts (CYSA)
U16 Totem Cobras (FWSA)RPAA Angels (GRJSA)
U17 Indians (CYSF)Net Drillers (TCYSA)
U19 Crusaders (TPCJSA)Banditos (KYSA)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U11 Scorpions (GRJSA)Totem Animals (FWSA)
U12 Lakers (SSCJSA)WC Wildcats (NCYSA)
U13 Lynx (EYSA)Nitro (EYSA)
U14 Xpress (FWSA)Spirit (FWSA)
U15 Tempo (EYSA)Cheetahs (FWSA)
U16 Lions (FWSA)Doll-Fins (SYSA)
U17 Aztecs (LWYSA)Albion Reds (HAS)
U19 Goalpost (FWSA)HSA Stompers (HAS)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 3A Thomas Jefferson 3Mead 2 OT
Boys 2A Liberty 3Fife 2
Girls 3A Federal Way 0 (4-3)Issaquah 0
Girls 2A Tahoma 2Edmonds 0
Boys 1A (non WIAA) Seattle Christian 1Bellevue Christian 0
1986 Seattle Pacific v Davis & Elkins NCAA Final Highlights

VIDEO: 1986 Seattle Pacific v Davis & Elkins NCAA Final Highlights

On this Day in History
July 16, 1967
The Tacoma Wanderers depart for a three-week tour of England, where they train under English FA coaches, play several schoolboy teams and meet the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews, now manager of Port Vale. Frank Hall's U16 team of 14 players raised nearly $7,000 through raffles and donations. The Wanderers, proclaimed the first American youth team to play in England, goes 0-2-2 versus teams from Staffordshire, Stockport, Oxford and Woking.
More from 1967 ›
April 29, 2022
Hope Solo announces she will defer induction to the National Soccer Hall of Fame until 2023. She posts on Instagram: "I will be voluntarily entering an in-patient alcohol treatment program to address my challenges with alcohol. At this time, my energies and focus are totally directed to my health, healing and taking care of my family." In July, she pleads guilty to a charge of driving while impaired, receiving a suspended sentence of 24 months and an active sentence of 30 days for which she was credited for time spent at an in-patient rehabilitation facility.
More from 2022 ›
July 3, 1981
George "Whitey" Craggs, the ubiquitous referee and longtime officials administrator, is inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in his hometown of Seattle. Craggs, five days shy of 52, joins his father, Edmund, in the Hall. He becomes the state's fourth inductee. The ceremony is held in conjunction with the U.S.Soccer Federation's 65th AGM.
More from 1981 ›
September 30, 2009
Cor van der Meer, founder and former longtime coach of men’s and women’s soccer at Community Colleges of Spokane, dies after a lengthy battle with lung cancer at age 74. Van der Meer was regarded as Spokane’s Mr. Soccer. He was CCS men’s coach for 20 years and 11 for the women. He also founded a five-a-side tournament now marking 25 years.
More from 2009 ›