When Seattle Stood Atop America

1995 – Around the World and Close to Home

America’s first astronauts are welcomed board Russia’s Mir space station, Oklahoma City’s federal building is truck by a deadly terrorist car-bomb, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg is appointed to the Supreme Court. In Washington, voters reject Paul Allen’s Seattle Commons initiative for development of a 61-acre park in South Lake Union, Shoreline incorporates as a city, and the Seattle Mariners win a one-game playoff to claim their first divisional title and playoff berth, reaching the ALCS.

When Seattle Stood Atop America

This is the autumn when the Sounders stand tall as the best futbol team in all the land. American professional soccer is in transition in 1995. In between the 1994 World Cup and the dawn of MLS in ’96, the A-League is the de facto pinnacle.

“Ninety-five was remarkable for the amount of talent that was in the league,” says Neil Megson, Seattle’s captain. Of the 1995 A-League best XI, within two years seven would make the jump to MLS, and two would be amongst the first MLS Best XI.

“We didn’t see ourselves as minor league in ’94 and ’95 there was no MLS,” says Wade Webber, who along with Megson anchored the central defense. “The foundation of the ’95 championship team was laid with Barry Watling and John Rowlands and the side from the early Seventies. I see that as a culmination 20 years of hard work bringing Seattle a championship.”

The bond between the original Sounders to the resurrected version is more than symbolic. Three starters–Megson, Chance Fry and Bill Crook–played in Sounders’ final NASL game 12 years earlier, and Alan Hinton is back for his second stint as head coach.

There is quality, and it largely sourced from nearby neighborhoods. Eight of the 13 players appearing in the A-League final versus Atlanta are raised in Washington. No player proves more prominent and MLS-ready than Peter Hattrup. He’s flourished as a stylish, attacking midfielder at every stop, winning championships at Seattle Pacific (twice), FC Seattle and indoors with Kansas City. Hattrup is also hungry, having been admittedly off-form the year before when the Sounders were ousted in the semifinal via shootout.

Hattrup not only won a starting spot but at times put the Sounders on his shoulders. Figuring in more than half of the team’s goals, Hattrup led the A-League in both goals (11) and assists (8). “It was the best season of any player I’ve ever played with,” claims Webber. “You give him the ball with three guys on him, and they wouldn’t be able to take it from him. He was that strong and quick and confident. Pete is all about confidence. If he feels he’s got the best of you, he’s going to beat you.”

After going out in the Open Cup semifinals, Seattle is fortified by the addition of Dominic Kinnear and Brian Haynes in August. During the final six weeks Seattle goes 6-0-3 (one draw going as a loss to Atlanta in the first game of the finals). A late equalizer from Jason Farrell, Hattrup’s shootout conversion and a save by Marcus Hahnemann proved the finishing strokes to the ’95 masterpiece before over 5,000 at Memorial Stadium.

More than talented, the ’95 Sounders play together. Hinton is proud of the fact that his team not only won but has fun and entertains crowds along the way. “We had a great team, great camaraderie,” Hattrup says. “It was a group of guys that got along really well and enjoyed going out there and playing together.”

Hoisting a trophy toward the heavens is every player’s dream. Doing so while playing alongside friends in your hometown is priceless.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
18-6 (13-4-7), 2nd regular season, A-League Champion
Coach
Alan Hinton
Best XI
Peter Hattrup (MVP), Marcus Hahnemann
Top Scorer
Peter Hattrup (11 goals)
SEATTLE SEADOGS
Season Record
12-16, 4th West
Coach
Fernando Clavijo
Top Scorer
Jean Harbor (40 goals)
U.S. Open Cup
Seattle Sounders, semifinal
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington (D1, 2nd rnd), Seattle Pacific (D2, 1st rnd)
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Washington (D1, 2nd rnd)
NWAC Men's Champion
Bellevue d Spokane, 4-1
NWAC Women's Champion
Highline d Columbia Basin, 3-0
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Pam Copple
Member Associations
35
Players
102,692 (73,938 boys 28,754 girls)
Largest Attendance
7,634, Sounders v Vancouver, Memorial Stadium

1995: When Seattle Stood Atop America

A year prior to the launch of Major League Soccer, the A-League represents the top level of U.S. pro soccer, and the Sounders stand atop the A-League.

Sub Scores Twice for Cascade Clincher
May 27, 1995

Laethe Al-Rashid comes off the bench to score two goals in the final eight minutes of the first half, and Cascade proceeds to roll over Gonzaga Prep, 4-0, in the state 3A championship game at Veradale. An Nuon gives the Bruins a lead in the eighth minute before Al-Rashid blows it open. Nick Parker adds a second-half goal for Cascade (15-1-4), which secures its third state title and first since 1989.

Akers, USA treat Sellout Crowd to Win
May 12, 1995

A capacity crowd of 3,291 sees hometown favorite Michelle Akers and the U.S. Women's National Team shrug-off a physical display by Brazil for a 3-0 win at Tacoma's Franklin Pierce High School. Mia Hamm scores two goals and Tisha Venturini adds another. It's the first USWNT appearance in Washington and comes just three weeks before the Americans defend the World Cup championship in Sweden. Tickets had been sold-out for weeks, even after adding more temporary seats, priced $15 for adults and $8 for youths under 19.

Huskies Roll On, Beat SPU
November 3, 1995

A 7th-minute strike from Scott Jenkins from a Jason Boyce corner kick sets the tone in Washington's 2-0 win over Seattle Pacific. The Huskies score again in the 59th minute when Bryan McNiel takes a Boyce throw-in and blasts past SPU goalkeeper Johann Noetzel. The victory at Husky Soccer Field extends the UW unbeaten streak to 11 games (8-0-3) and cinches a return to the NCAA tournament after a two-year absence.

Hahnemann Stuffs Colorado in Shootout
August 9, 1995

Marcus Hahnemann makes four stops in the shootout as the Sounders extend their win streak to seven A-League matches on the road before 10,705 at Colorado, the largest crowd of the season. Seattle gets shootout goals from Neil Megson, Shawn Medved and Jason Farrell to prevail (0-0, 3-1). Regulation and overtime end scoreless as Peter Hattrup twice hits the post and David Hoggan also draws iron.

Strange USISL Rules On Display
March 5, 1995

With three USISL Pro Division teams starting-up in Washington, rules experimentation will be on display in Everett, Spokane and Yakima. Games are 60 minutes, with an official clock used for all stoppages. Shootouts are awarded for every seventh foul or a professional (breakaway) foul. For all free kicks inside 35 yards, walls must be 15 yards away. Team may elect to use kick-ins instead of throw-ins. FIFA approves of all changes.

Falling Concrete at Memorial Stadium
April 7, 1995

One month before the Sounders' A-League season begins, Memorial Stadium is cleared for spectator use after being closed for several weeks. A January 5.0 earthquake damaged the 48-year-old facility, causing cracks in the roof and pieces of concrete to fall into the grandstands. The seating areas were then closed March 10 during Metro League boys' games. Seattle School District will string a system of nets under the grandstand roofs, costing $140,000 and paid for by users, including the Sounders, Seattle Center, and concert promoters. The Sounders, who move two preseason games to Renton, host Colorado May 6.

UW Goes OT to Clinch Tourney Title
October 8, 1995

Emily Thompson scores two goals, including the game winner seven minutes into overtime, leading Washington to a 5-3 victory over Michigan State. The victory clinches the second straight Husky/Umbro Invitational tournament title. UW had blanked Penn State, 5-0, to start the tournament. Angie Crivello scored two goals three minutes apart and the Huskies had four scores in a total of eight minutes.

Akers Scores Again to Beat Aussies
August 3, 1995

Michelle Akers easily scores as the USWNT defeats Australia, 4-2, in the U.S. Women's Cup at New Brunswick, N.J. It's Akers's third goal since returning from a concussion sustained at the World Cup. The win set-up a rematch with World Cup winner Norway in the tournament final, which the Americans win, 2-1. Akers finishes the year with 15 goals in 18 appearances.

SeaDogs' Eliminated from Contention
September 28, 1995

The expansion SeaDogs are eliminated from CISL playoff contention with a 5-4 overtime loss at division champion Sacramento. Knights midfielder Paul Wright scores the winner unassisted. It's Seattle's fourth straight road loss. The SeaDogs had won three of four to stay in contention for the West's third postseason slot, clinched by Las Vegas.

UW Women Get Past UCLA
November 11, 1995

Carolyn Jenkins squeezes a shot just inside the post with 12 minutes remaining, and Washington moves past UCLA, 2-1, on the road in an NCAA first-round game. Tara Bilanski assists on both goals, including Erin Pochman's opener, for the Huskies, winners for the eighth time in nine games.

Sounders Advance to Finals
September 17, 1995

Bill Crook converts his first career shootout attempt to send the Sounders through to the A-League finals after sweeping Vancouver. Seattle won the first leg away, 1-0, and Crook is the difference in the second leg's draw (0-0, 3-2). After Marcus Hahnemann saves the final three 86ers attempts, Crook drills low past Paul Dolan. Gary Heale, who scored the winner in the first leg, scores in the fourth round to avert defeat. Seattle loses Wade Webber for the remainder of the playoffs to a knee injury in first half.

NCIC Votes to Go Division III
June 3, 1995

Presidents from the eight Northwest Conference of Independent Colleges members vote to apply for membership in NCAA Division III. There is a three-year waiting period under NCAA regulations, meaning the earliest the NCIC could be eligible to play in the NCAA postseason is 1998-99. During the waiting period, NCIC schools would carry dual membership, continuing to play in the NAIA for postseason.

Akers Hat Trick Downs Denmark
February 24, 1995

Michelle Akers, playing a full 90 minutes for the first time in nearly two years, scores three goals and adds an assist in a 7-0 USWNT romp over Denmark in Orlando. It's the the first hat trick since the 1991 World Cup for Akers, who has been recuperating from a bout with Epstein-Barr Syndrome. She has six hat tricks altogether.

WA Women Lead Portland to Final Four
November 25, 1995

Unbeaten Portland (19-0-2) reaches its second straight NCAA final four by beating Maryland, 1-0, as Lacey's Jody Dutra sets-up Shannon MacMillan for the only score at Merlo Field. Dutra returning from an injury that had kept her out the previous three games, comes off bench in 34th minute and the goal happens three minutes later. Dutra and Spokane’s Kim Stiles also fired near-misses for the Pilots.

Reds Spoil Shadow Home Opener
June 10, 1995

Michael Rundquist scores his second goal of the match with a little less than 3 minutes remaining to give the Yakima Reds a 3-2 victory over Spokane in the Shadow's home opener before 2,000 fans. Dave Berto and Chris Stiles score for Spokane. Yakima's opener was a header from Eric Reesman.

Sounders Succumb to Open Cup Heat
July 31, 1995

Heavily favored Seattle Sounders, leaders of the A-League, are stunned by the USISL El Paso Patriots in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. Gabino Amparan's header in the 17th minute wins it in heat reaching 103 degrees. Seattle is without star forward Jason Dunn, who suffered a broken nose in the quarterfinal 10 days earlier vs Chico Rooks. "The heat was a big-time factor, and I doubt if any of our guys have ever played in this type of weather,'' says Sounders coach Alan Hinton. "We are not going to use the heat as an excuse. I put together the best lineup I had available to me and sometimes these results happen in the game of soccer."

Keeper Shines in Highline Championship Win
May 27, 1995

Johann Noetzel makes five saves during a scoreless regulation and two overtime periods, then another in the decisive fifth round of penalties as Highline takes the 2A state crown at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. Prior to Noetzel's save, Tony Pyle converted. The Pirates (18-3-0) claim their first state championship since 1981 by beating Mount Rainier (19-2-1) 0-0 5-4.

Shorecrest Denies Bellarmine Repeat
November 19, 1995

Pam Ruark's fifth-round penalty gives Shorecrest the slimmest of margins in the state 3A girls final at Shoreline Stadium. The Scots (21-0-0) earn their fifth state championship, including three in 2A, by tying defending champion Bellarmine (20-1-0), 2-2, after two overtimes and prevailing 5-4 in the shootout. It snaps a 40-game winning streak by the Lions, ranked No. 3 in the nation. Mary Boerner scored both goals for Bellarmine, including the game-tying goal midway through the second half. Shorecrest scored twice in the final 15 minutes of the first half, each time taking advantage of a Bellarmine foul. Sierra Marsh and Natalie Campbell hit for the Scots.

Roberto Baggio Makes Special Visit
June 16, 1995

Italian superstar Roberto Baggio performs the ceremonial first kick for the Sounders-Montreal match as part of his visit to Seattle. Baggio recently signed with sportswear brand Diadora, whose American headquarters is in Kent. Baggio is greeted by youth players at SeaTac Airport earlier in the day. Baggio scored five goals and became an international sensation during Italy's run to the World Cup final a year earlier.

Washington-Fueled Portland Reaches NCAA Final
December 1, 1995

Seattle's Wynne McIntosh scores in the second minute and fellow Washingtonians Jody Dutra (Lacey) and Justi Baumgardt (Federal Way) also score in the University of Portland's 4-2 NCAA semifinal win over SMU at Fetzer Field in Chapel Hill, N.C. The Pilots, who got an assist from Kent's Michelle French, reach the first national championship game in school history. Notre Dame defeats UP, 1-0.

Sounders Win Seattle's First Pro Title
October 12, 1995

Seattle celebrates its first professional soccer national championship as the Sounders rally to tie Atlanta and then win the series-deciding shootout, 1-1 2-1. The Ruckus specialized in tiebreakers, winning 11 of 12 during the regular season and playoffs, including a shootout vs. Seattle in Game 1 of the A-League series. The Sounders go down a goal early, and with 5,115 fans urging them on, do not equalize until Jason Farrell, a 68th minute substitute, scores in the 82nd minute. David Hoggan and Peter Hattrup convert the first two shootout attempts and Marcus Hahnemann stops Lenin Steenkamp in the fourth round to clinch the trophy and trigger a friendly pitch invasion. Hahnemann is voted series MVP and is one of 13 players raised in Washington.

Keller, Millwall Reach FA Cup Fifth Round
February 8, 1995

Kasey Keller saves John Spencer's fifth-round penalty kick, allowing Millwall to upset Chelsea in a replay at Stamford Bridge. Keller comfortably stopped Spencer with a dive to his left. The teams have drawn their first time around and finish 1-1 after regulation in the replay, forcing a penalty tiebreaker which the Lions win, 5-4. Angry Chelsea fans invade the pitch after Keller's save, tearing down the goal.

BigFoot Sighting in Everett
February 1, 1995

Everett gets a USISL Pro Division franchise, the 60-team, five- division third tier of the U.S pyramid. Bill Hurme, former director for the Sounders, buys the team, named BigFoot, and hires Pat Henderson as coach. Vija Hurme will serve as GM and the team will play at Memorial Stadium.

Soccer Stadium Coming to Midway?
January 5, 1995

A vacant lot between SeaTac and Kent is identified a the potential site of a $20 million, 20,000-seat soccer stadium. In December, the City of SeaTac filed papers to annex the land near Orillia Road and South 200th Street, adjacent to Interstate 5. Vince Coluccio, former NASL Sounders owner, owns the land.

Sounders Square Championship Series
October 8, 1995

Chance Fry's two goals, one in each half, enable the Sounders to stay alive in their A-League championship series with a 3-0 win over Atlanta before 4,626 at Memorial Stadium. Seattle lost the series opener in a shootout but dominated throughout Game 2. Fry's opener in the 25th minute from Peter Hattrup's header proves to be the winner. The Ruckus play with 10 men after a 41st minute red card. Fry and Jason Dunn seal it with goals in the 84th and 86th minutes.

Pro Soccer Arrives in Spokane
February 4, 1995

Spokane secures a USISL Pro Division franchise for the coming season. The Shadow will play their home games at Spokane Falls Community College and will be coached by Einar Thorarinsson. Jeff Heimbigner, president of the Skyhawks Sports Academy, is general manager. Although there are veterans Chris Stiles and Dave Berto, many players will come from the local colleges and will receive no pay.

Keller, U.S. Stun Argentina at Copa America
July 14, 1995

Kasey Keller makes several key saves as the United States stuns Argentina, 3-0, to win its Copa America group in Paysandu, Uruguay. Keller notches his second shutout in three matches since his return to the USMNT. Goals by Frank Klopas, Alexi Lalas and Eric Wynalda hand Argentina its first loss of the tournament. Keller had also started in the 2-1 win over Chile six days earlier.

SeaDogs Win Home Debut in Overtime
June 23, 1995

Michael Collins's free kick 3:19 into overtime gives the Seattle SeaDogs a victory, 6-5 over San Jose, in their inaugural CISL game before 3,529 at the Center Arena. Vasco Rubio ties the score with two minutes left in regulation after Seattle pulled its goalkeeper for a sixth attacker. Wearing their purple and green uniforms, the SeaDogs players enter the Arena through a 27-foot inflatable mascot bulldog, spotlights and artificial fog.

Playoff-Bound SPU Wins at Air Force
October 28, 1995

Nate Daligcon scores twice, including the go-ahead goal with 35 minutes left, as No. 7 Seattle Pacific University wins its fourth straight game, 3-2 over Air Force at Colorado Springs. SPU never trails, going in front twice in the first half on goals by Daligcon and Ricci Greenwood, who scores for the fourth straight match. The Falcons finish the regular season by winning eight of their final 10 games to finish 13-6 and make the playoffs for a NCAA Division II record 22nd time in 24 years.

Bettinger Named Prep Player of the Year
January 27, 1995

Bellevue Christian's Rees Bettinger, who scored 24 goals as a junior, is named Gatorade State Player of the Year. Bettinger later scores in the state 1A/B final victory over Seattle Christian, 2-0. It's Bellevue Christian's third title in five years.

Sounders Win Top-Two Battle Soundly
July 4, 1995

Top-of-the-table Seattle extends over second-place Atlanta just before the all-star break, routing the Ruckus, 4-0, on the road. Shawn Medved, who hadn't scored a goal this season in 11 games, drills a 24-yard shot over Bill Andracki in the 12th minute. three minutes later all-Star defender John Doyle is sent off for tackling Dick McCormick on a breakaway. Later, McCormick suffers torn knee ligaments after his studs stick when he tries to change direction. Peter Hattrup scores a pair of second-half goals and Chance Fry gets a goal in his third straight match.

Swan Song for Some as Sounders Host Kobe
November 19, 1995

A benefit match for earthquake relief versus Vissel Kobe of the J-League also serves as a swan song for outgoing Sounders stars. Over 7,000 attend the friendly, won by Seattle, 3-2, at Memorial Stadium. Neil Megson gets the winner in the 80th minute. Peter Hattrup, Brian Haynes and Shawn Medved takes their bows before leaving to join MLS clubs. Seattle sister city Kobe, Japan had been rocked in January by a tremor that killed 4,600. Proceeds from the game raise $20,000.

Hattrup Voted A-League MVP
September 22, 1995

Seattle Sounders midfielder Peter Hattrup is named A-League MVP and teammate Marcus Hahnemann is named goalkeeper of the year. Hattrup, 31, led the league with 11 goals and eight assists. Hahnemann, 23, had a 1.00 goals-against average to earn his second straight award. Both are former Seattle Pacific University stars.

Fry's Bang-Bang Brace Wins Away
September 5, 1995

Seattle's Chance Fry comes off the bench to score goals 90 seconds apart to win at Vancouver, 2-1. Down 1-nil, Fry enters the match in the 63rd minute and equalizes eight minutes later. The Sounders go in front when Wade Webber overlaps and finds Fry for his ninth goal in the 72nd minute.

MLS Officially Bypasses Seattle
June 6, 1995

Major League Soccer targets March 31, 1996, for its inaugural kickoff of the 10-team Division I league. Dallas, Denver and Kansas City are named as the final three homes for MLS, which will also have franchises in Boston, Columbus, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, San Jose, Tampa Bay and Washington. Initially a viable candidate, Seattle is bypassed due to the lack of a suitable grass playing facility.

French Named 2-Time Prep All-America
February 28, 1995

Michelle French of Kennedy High School becomes a two-time Parade Magazine All-America. French, bound for the University of Portland, scored 22 goals and 28 assists as a senior for the Lancers to win the 1994-95 state 2A title. She also earned the honor as a sophomore.

Western's Hall Is PNWAC Player of the Year
October 31, 1995

Western Washington's Shonna Hall is named Pacific Northwest Athletic Conference player of the year after leading her team with 18 goals and two assists. Hall, a senior from Renton, accounted for nearly half of the Vikings' 37 goals in a 10-5-1 season. Her 52 career goals are No. 2 all-time.

4-Goal Harbor Paces SeaDogs
August 18, 1995

Jean Harbor becomes the Seattle SeaDogs' first four-goal scorer in an 8-5 win at Detroit. Harbor, returning from a one-game suspension, scores just 31 seconds into the game off a feed from Michael Collins, who extended his league-leading assist streak to 14 straight games. The win snaps a three-game win streak while extending the Neon's woes to 12 consecutive losses.

Sprague Sends Evergreen Past PSU
October 11, 1995

Amy Sprague lifts Evergreen over Portland State by scoring five goals in a 7-4 win in Olympia. Behind the 1-2 punch of Sprague (24 goals) and Camille Morgan (23), the Geoducks go 12-8-0, an improvement of nine wins over the previous season.

SeaDogs Beat Pride to Wrap Season
September 29, 1995

Dion Earl scores a hat trick and Marcelo Fontana and Vasco Rubio each net two goals to lead the SeaDogs to an 8-4 victory at Portland to wrap-up Seattle's first season. Seattle (12-16) finishes fourth in the Western Division, a game ahead of the Pride (11-17). The two teams split their four-game series.

Sounders, BigFoot Meet in Open Cup
June 14, 1995

Ushering in a new era of U.S. Open Cup play, the A-League-leading Seattle Sounders host third-division Everett BigFoot in the U.S. Open Cup first round at Kirkland's Lake Washington High School. Seattle erupts for five goals – three by Shawn Medved – during the first half and goes on to win, 9-2. Both BigFoot goals, by Danny Machado, after the Sounders pull a player off in the final few minutes.

New Ownership for Spokane Shadow
November 20, 1995

Bobby Brett, head of the minor league Spokane Chiefs (hockey) and Indians (baseball) ownership groups, buys out 34 investors for majority ownership of the USISL Spokane Shadow. Despite finishing 4-8 in its inaugural season, the Shadow made some promising inroads at the gate with an average attendance of more than 1,800.

Lakeside Girls Go Overtimes For Title
November 19, 1995

Freshman Jenny Skinner's goal 59 seconds into overtime carries Lakeside to a 1-0 win over Olympia (17-2-1) in the state Class AA/A girls' title game at Shoreline Stadium. Goalie Sarah Peterson earns the shutout without making a save. It's the first state championship for Lakeside (17-1-1).

LWYSA to Expand Play at 60 Acres
January 30, 1995

King County Executive Gary Locke signs a 30-year contract allowing the Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association to operate and upgrade soccer fields at 60 Acres Park in Redmond. The association had leased 16 soccer fields at the park for 10 years but wanted a longer-term agreement to go forward on plans to upgrade the fields. More than 11,000 young people ages 6 to 18 participated last year in soccer programs offered by LWYSA and Northshore Youth Soccer Association, which also uses the 60 Acres fields.

Medved Brace Breaks Skid
September 1, 1995

Shawn Medved's two goals help end the Sounders five-game winless skid by winning, 3-1, at first-place Montreal. It's the third win (one by shootout) over the Impact. Peter Hattrup gives the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 27th minute on his 10th goal of the year. Medved doubles the advantage from 23 yards in the 62nd minute and tacks-on his second in 90th. The victory assures Seattle of at least sole possession of second place and improves the Sounders' record to 15-6 (42 points).

Competition is everything and experience from the competition is everything. You can have the tools, the skills you learned growing up. But it really takes the competition to give you the experience.
Kasey Keller upon rejoining the USMNT after three seasons as Millwall's starter
We've been quite surprised at the response. We've had a steady following of 1,500 and up to 2,500 at our home games. We were thinking maybe 400 or 500.
Spokane Shadow GM Jeff Heimbigner on the first-year team's attendance
People who want to see a show will come here, and people who want to see pure soccer will go see the Sounders. Hopefully there's enough to go around.
John Dresel, president of Full House Sports and Entertainment, owners of the SeaDogs and NBA SuperSonics
I think that's the problem with local soccer right there: There's no facility for it. Most of the players in the area are not given the respect that they deserve. They don't have the Kingdome to play in. It's mostly just crappy fields for soccer.
Sounders fan Roy Kuroiwa lamenting the lack of suitable soccer venues in Puget Sound
When I'm in the mood for a fast pace, I come here (to see the SeaDogs). When I'm in the mood to relax, I go there (to watch the Sounders). It's about opportunity cost. People only have a certain amount of money to spend on a sport. Soccer is going to lose out, period, in Seattle.
Kerry Wade of Des Moines, who attends both SeaDogs and Sounders games
They're skillful and creative. And they like to tackle. It was rough. It was world championship intensity between two very proud teams.
USWNT coach Tony DiCicco on Brazil's aggressive play in match played at Tacoma's Franklin Pierce High School
Everybody's playing and nobody's watching.
Peter Fewing, Everett Big Foot player, on why both attendance the Sounders and SeaDogs fail to meet expectations
I'm excited. A large portion of my family hasn't seen me play. My stepmom bought 60 tickets, so I know she's in debt.
Michelle Akers on news that the U.S. Women's National Team will play in her home state, hosting Brazil at Tacoma's Franklin Pierce High School
They did take one guy (off the field) and then a second guy off, but then we scored (twice) right after that. I got the sense that there was some wanting to maybe rub it in a bit.
Pat Henderson, former Sounder and Everett coach after his BigFoot are beaten 9-2 by Seattle in the U.S. Open Cup
In a cheerier world, the football lines could be erased and the plastic would be magically transformed into grass, new paint would be slapped onto the well-worn wooden benches, and Memorial Stadium would be one of the best places to watch soccer in the United States.
Soccer America senior editor Ridge Mahoney
It may have looked easy, but it wasn't - I'm exhausted. I'm just glad to have played 90 minutes. I'm just trying to improve my consistency and get my speed back up to where it should be.
Michelle Akers after playing her first full USWNT match in two years and scoring a hat trick vs. Denmark
With all the teams in the area now, Seattle is rapidly becoming the soccer capital of America.
Alan Hinton, Sounders president and coach, on the four teams – Sounders, SeaDogs, Everett BigFoot and FC Seattle Storm – now playing in Puget Sound
We need an eight-team league and we need more fans to come to the games. We fully intended to lose money last year, which we did. We intended to come close to breaking even this year. That will not happen. I'm hoping that the loss will be less than half a million dollars.
Scott Oki, Sounders majority owner, after disappointing attendance numbers
I'm struggling a little bit, particularly on my recovery time. If we have a hard game and I don't get enough water, if we're traveling and I don't eat right...whatever, everything adds up.
Michelle Akers explaining the effects of Epstein-Barr during preparation for the World Cup
Our budget was for 1,000 (fans) per game average. We got just over 600, with 2,411 at our last game, which is a respectable showing...We are absolutely confident we can do much better next year in all ways.
Bill Hurme, president of the first-year Everett BigFoot
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Justi Baumgardt (Federal Way) Portland (D1/3rd/M)
Francisco Blanch (Hauseca, Spain) Whitman (NAIA/2nd/G)
Nate Daligcon (Burien) Seattle Pacific (D2/1st/M)
Cree DeWitt (Maple Valley) Pacific Lutheran (NAIA/1st/M)
Ricci Greenwood (Federal Way) Seattle Pacific (D2/1st/F)
Matt Kinder (Spokane) Whitworth (NAIA/3rd/D)
Darcy Neill (Auburn) Central Washington (NAIA/2nd/D)
Jen Tissue (Spokane) Whitworth (NAIA/1st/F)
Michelle French (Kent) Kennedy (M)
Collegiate Men's Records
Central Washington 6-11-3
Evergreen 10-6-2
Gonzaga 3-10-2
Pacific Lutheran 11-9-2
Puget Sound 8-10-2
Seattle University 14-7-3
Seattle Pacific 13-7-0
Washington 12-5-4
Western Washington 4-11-1
Whitman 4-10-1
Whitworth 9-8-1
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 8-5-4
Evergreen 12-8-0
Gonzaga 2-18-0
Pacific Lutheran 12-7-1
Puget Sound 4-12-3
Seattle University 9-11-1
Washington 12-8-0
Washington State 4-13-1
Western Washington 10-5-1
Whitman 6-11-1
Whitworth 13-6-2
Commissioners Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Thunder (FWSA)Shooting Stars (TPCJSA)
U12 TriCity Suns (TCJSA)TriCity Blaze (TCJSA)
U13 Flames (SpVJSA)Thunder (CYSF)
U14 Spectre 81 (NYSA)Peninsula Select (TPCJSA)
U15 FC Quicksilver (WVJSA)FC Rangers (WCYSA)
U16 FWU Cobras (FWSA)Emerald City Oz (SYSA)
U17 Shadows (TCJSA)Aanvallen (MRSA)
U18 Storm (LWYSA)not awarded
U19 Hooligans (SkVJSA)UP Stompers (TPCJSA)
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Marcus Hahnemann (G) Sounders (AL-1st)
Peter Hattrup (F) Sounders (AL-1st)
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Blaze (D6)Eagles (D6)
U12 Pepsi (D6)Strikers (D6)
U13 Rebels (D4)Undertow (D4)
U14 Sting (D2)Wildcats (D2)
U15 Strikers (D4)Gazelles (D2)
U16 Tsunami (D4)Jaguars
U17 Gators (D4)Foxes (D5)
U18 Azteca (D6)Classic Touch (D2)
U19 Asteroids (D2)Classic Touch (D2)
USISL/PDL Records
Everett BigFoot, D3 12-8, 3rd Div.
Puget Sound Hammers, PDL 10-8, 5th Div.
Yakima Reds, D3 4-16, 5th Div.
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Columbia Sting (CYSF)FC Royals 82 (TPCJSA)
U13 Solaris 81 (FWSA)FC Blaze (EYSA)
U14 FC Strikers (EYSA)FC Royals 80 (TPCJSA)
U15 ECS Storm (SYSA)Thunder (LWYSA)
U16 Crossfire Sounders (LWYSA)FC 78 Eclipse (SYSA)
U17 United (LWYSA)FC Royals 77 (TPCJSA)
U18 noneFC Royals (TPCJSA)
U19 Heat 77 (HAS)Eagles Stars (HSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Cascade 4Gonzaga Prep 0
Boys 3A Highline 0 (5-4)Mount Rainier 0
Boys 1A Bellevue Christian 2Seattle Christian 0
Girls 4A Shorecrest 2 (5-4)Bellarmine 2
Girls 3A Lakeside 1Olympia 0 OT
Girls 1A Seattle Christian 1University Prep 0
On this Day in History
December 2, 1983
Finally, following six straight defeats, some of agonizingly close, the Tacoma Stars earn their first victory, 4-2 at St. Louis. Newly-signed Jimmy McAlister scores, and Dale Mitchell delivers the club's first hat trick.
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November 24, 1991
Michelle Akers scores a record five goals in the first 47 minutes and the U.S. routs Chinese Taipei, 7-0, in the quarterfinals in Foshan. Akers’s masterpiece features two rebounds, a free kick, a penalty and a header. She scores the first three U.S. goals as the Americans took a 4-0 halftime lead. Akers is now the tournament scoring leader with eight goals.
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July 9, 2015
Logan Miller's early goal is sufficient for Kitsap Pumas to earn a point and thereby clinch a second straight PDL Northwest Division championship. Kitsap draws, 1-1, with Portland Timbers U23s at Bremerton's Gordon Field. Jake Bond charges down the right flank and crosses for Miller to score his fifth goal in three matches. Portland equalizes early in the second half but then goes a man down due to a red card.
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September 29, 2018
At 15, Danny Leyva becomes the youngest player in Sounders 2 history to start a USL match, topping the record set by his teammate, Ray Serrano, earlier in the season. A member of the Sounders Academy, Leyva is also the second-youngest player in USL history to start a match, behind Los Dos player Efrain Alvarez. He goes the full 90 in a 3-1 loss to San Antonio. Leyva is among six teenagers starting that night. The next youngest is Alec Diaz, 16. Azriel Gonzalez, who scores the S2 goal, is 17.
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