Seattle U Finishes Unbeaten

2004 – Around the World and Close to Home

NATO admits seven new countries previously aligned with Soviet bloc, the U.S. hands over power to Iraqi interim government, and an Indian Ocean earthquake generates a tsunami that devastates coastal areas of south Asia on Dec. 26, killing over 200,000. In Washington, Christine Gregoire wins the nation’s closest-ever governor’s race by 129 votes after a second recount, the Allen Institute for Brain Science launches, and the Seattle Storm wins its first WNBA championship.

Seattle U Finishes Unbeaten

So many twists and turns factor into Seattle University’s sensational run to a championship. The program has yo-yoed among affiliations and the Redhawks’ protagonist and some of his cohorts have been in and out of the game up until this crowning achievement of becoming the state’s first men’s varsity to finish undefeated.

Consider that Seattle U is its fourth iteration, having begun as NCAA Division I, dropped to NAIA – where it won its first national title, in 1997 – and then non-scholarship Division III before rebounding to Division II beginning in 2002.

In fact, SU was in state of NAIA/D3 purgatory and in no position to recruit Bobby McAlister when as a highly-touted graduate of Kennedy High he accepted Washington’s offer in 2000. By the start of 2003, because of knee injuries McAlister had missed more games than he’d played. He even contemplated ending his career. The, however, comes 2004.

Coming off a seven-goal campaign, McAlister reaches that total by the fourth outing. By the end of September, he’s scored 14 goals.

The Redhawks are much more than McAlister. Jeremiah Doyle, the goalkeeper who left Seattle U in 2001 only to return, posts his team’s ninth straight shutout at Simon Fraser. Alex Chursky and Cam Weaver, coming off the bench, are excellent attacking options, and converted midfielder Santa Maria Rivera has slipped seamlessly into the sweeper role.

By mid-October is ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time at any level and proceed to win the Great Northwest Athletic Conference by completing a sweep of crosstown rival Seattle Pacific, 2-1, thanks to goals from McAlister (his 18th) and Weaver. That ranking also serves as a target on the Redhawks’ backs entering the postseason. No matter.

A McAlister brace sends Seattle U past Cal State Bakersfield, and Chursky’s goal with 3 seconds remaining beats Incarnate Word for a trip to the final four. In the semifinal versus Dowling, SU trails for only the second time this season, and if there’s any wonder whether a halo hovers over the Redhawks, this is it. Adam Jensen nets an 87th-minute equalizer, and McAlister delivers the overtime winner. At that point, says Rivera, “We knew it was destiny.”

Two days later, Seattle University gets a Jensen opener and McAlister closer, taking advantage of a keeper error, to defeat Southern Illinois-Edwardsville, 2-1. Like their NAIA championship seven years before, this is won by a predominantly Washington-grown squad, topped by McAlister, the son of a Sounders legend. McAlister, on the strength of his school- and GNAC-record 22 goals, is voted national player of the year.

Peter Fewing, who is named D2 coach of the year, graciously accepts the award while praising the state’s youth coaches who developed much of his cast. But the championship is far more lasting than any award. “When you win a national championship,” says Fewing, “you have that for the rest of your life."

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
13-11-4, 9th A-League regular season, runner-up
Coach
Brian Schmetzer (3rd year)
Top Scorer
Welton Melo (10 goals)
ADULT AMATEUR
U.S. Amateur Cup
Hibernian & Caledonian Saints O30, champion
Women's Amateur Cup
Northwest Connection O40, Shear Power O50, Cascade Avalanche O55 champions
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Champions
Seattle University, NCAA Division II
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Evergreen, NAIA quarterfinal Seattle U., D2 champion Washington, D1 1st rnd Whitworth, D3 2nd rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Puget Sound, D3 runner-up Seattle U., D2 quarterfinals Seattle Pacific, D2 2nd rnd Washington, D1 quarterfinals
Men's Conference Champions
Seattle University (GNAC), Whitworth (NWC)
Women's Conference Champions
Eastern Washington (T-RS, Big Sky), Puget Sound (NWC), Seattle Pacific (GNAC)
NWAC Men's Champion
Highline d South Puget Sound, 2-0
NWAC Women's Champion
Clackamas d Tacoma, 6-0
YOUTH
Boys Regional Champion
FC United 87 (U16)
Girls Regional Champion
Crossfire Premier 91 (U15)
Largest Attendance
30,504, Chelsea v Celtic
Largest Amateur Attendance
2,873, Washington v UCLA (m)

2004: Seattle U Finishes Unbeaten

Unranked to start the season, the Redhawks go 22-0-1 to win their second men's national championship.

Late Seattle U Rally Eclipses Western
November 3, 2004

Seattle University strikes late, scoring two in the final five minutes to rally for a 2-1 comeback victory over Western Washington at Championship Field. Tafara Pulse’s shot is redirected into the net by Maureen Wishkoski in the 86th minute for the equalizer. Ashley Porter then caps a run from midfield for the winner just 2 minutes, 19 seconds later. Western had held the lead since Amanda Font’s 35th minute opener. Pulse’s assist was the record 37th of her career.

Akers Inducted into National Hall of Fame
October 9, 2004

Shoreline's Michelle Akers headlines the inductees to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, N.Y. Akers, who received a near-unanimous 70 of 73 votes in her first year of eligibility, becomes the fourth female among 110 members. She led the USWNT to World Cup victories in 1991 and 1999 and the first women's Olympic gold in 1996. Akers retired in 2000 as the program's No. 2 scorer (105 goals) in 153 appearances since 1985. In 2002 she was named FIFA Co-Player of the Century. Also inducted are Eric Wynalda, Mike Windischmann and Paul Caligiuri.

Frimpong Repeats as Pac-10 Player of Year
November 12, 2004

On the same day Tina Frimpong scores twice in a Washington postseason win over Birmingham Southern, she is named Pac-10 Player of the Year for the second consecutive season. Frimpong, a senior from Vancouver, is the first player to achieve the latter. She and Nikki Gamble each score a brace in the NCAA tournament opening 5-0 win.

A-League Becomes USL 1st Division
November 10, 2004

United Soccer Leagues announces changes that will affect the Seattle Sounders in 2005, including renaming the A-League and moving from a two-conference system to a single-table format. The two tiers of the USL will be called the USL First Division and USL Second Division. The Sounders, A-League members since 1994, will be one of 12 teams in the First Division.

Sounders Vanquish Vancouver Away
September 12, 2004

Seattle's unlikely postseason run continues as Jason Farrell, in the penultimate match of his career, strikes for the deciding aggregate goal in the Western Conference finals. The Sounders draw 1-1 at Swangard Stadium after winning the first leg, 1-0, two nights earlier at home. They now advance to the A-League final against Montreal. Farrell's goal, only his third of the season, comes just before halftime. Whitecaps keeper Mike Franks's attempted clearance of Ben Somoza's cross falls to the feet of Farrell. The Sounders play the final 19 minutes a man down after Welton is ejected for drawing a second yellow card in three minutes.

UW Women Keep Beating Ranked Foes
September 4, 2004

Kelley Schweighart nets the game-winner 14 minutes into the second half as No. 15 Washington topples the third straight nationally-ranked opponent, 2-1 over No. 8 Tennessee, at Husky Soccer Field. It's a first-time feat for the Huskies (3-0-0), who opened the season a week earlier by defeating No. 8 Penn State and No. 18 Ohio State. Tina Frimpong races down the sideline and sends a pass into the center of the box, finding Schweighart, who lofts a 12-yard shot into the upper right corner at 59:02.

No. 5 Huskies Beat No. 17 Stanford
October 29, 2004

Washington remains atop the Pac-10 standings after Jeff Hoover's goal in the 89th minute beats Stanford away, 1-0. The Huskies enter the week ranked No. 5 nationally while the Cardinal are No. 17. Hoover's goal, his first of the season, comes at 88:12 . Defender Will Flanagan sends a cross from the right side to Hoover, who shoots past goalkeeper Andrew Kartunen. UW, now 4-01 in conference play, is unbeaten (5-0-1) is six games with all five wins being shutouts by Chris Eylander.

Puget Sound Denied Title in Penalties
November 27, 2004

Puget Sound's bid for an NCAA Division III women's championship goes all the way to penalty kicks, where the Loggers are denied by Wheaton. The Thunder make all five penalty attempts to prevail, 1-1 (5-4), at Greensboro, N.C. Elizabeth Pitman puts UPS (22-2) ahead by scoring her sixth goal of the season on a header from Cortney Kjar in the 36th minute. Wheaton, which had never trailed in regulation this season, ties it with in the 61st minute. It is Kjar's record 14th assist of the season.

Sounders Onward Timbers Exit
September 5, 2004

Welton Melo's overtime goal pushes the Sounders on to the Western Conference finals with an aggregate goals victory over Portland. The Timbers entered the postseason as the A-League's top seed and had won four of the five previous meetings, including a 2-1 first-leg win at PGE Park. Welton scores in the 10th minute of overtime at Qwest Field after his 5th-minute opener had leveled the series score, 2-2. Extra time substitute Darren Sawatzky puts Welton behind the defense, and the Brazilian beats Josh Saunders with a shot off the underside of the crossbar and into the right corner. It's his 12th goal in all competitions.

Decatur, Tahoma Split Title After Officials No-Show
May 12, 2004

No officials show for the South Puget Sound League boys championship match at Curtis Stadium. So, after players fill time by kicking balls amongst themselves and off walls, the two coaches - Decatur's Jim McAlister and Tahoma's Lance Fischbach - decide the teams will split the title, and that the Bears would assume the league's No. 1 seed to the West Central District.

Vancouver Ousts Sounders Women
July 31, 2004

Sounders Women fall short of reaching the W-League final four for the second year in a row, bowing out in the Western Conference title game at Burnaby, B.C. The Whitecaps Women win at home, 1-0, snapping Seattle's five-game win streak but not without a scare. Rachel Rodrick fires a 22-yard blast off goalkeeper Erin McLeod's hands and the crossbar in the 75th minute. Top scorer (10 goals) Brenda Mueller has another chance in the 77th minute but hits the post. Vancouver proceeds to win the W-League championship.

Holocher Leads Slugs to D3 Final
November 26, 2004

Seattle's Paul Holocher guides UC Santa Cruz into the NCAA Division III championship game with a 3-1 semifinal win over Geneseo State in Greensboro, N.C. Holocher took the Banana Slugs' reins after retiring from MLS play in 1999. They win 14 straight to reach the D3 final, where they fall to Messiah, 4-0.

Quick Start Paves Way for UPS Semi Victory
November 26, 2004

University of Puget Sound senior defender Bridget Stolee scores two goals, the first coming during the first minute of play, and the Loggers proceed to beat Messiah College (Pa.), 3-0, in the NCAA Division III semifinal at Greensboro, N.C. Stolee first strikes at 41 seconds, heading in Katie Wullbrandt's long free kick into the box. Freshman Adrienne Folsom gets her 12th goal of the season in the 26th minute, and another Stolee header makes it 3-nil at 30:46. Erin Williams notches her record 15th shutout of the year.

Early Schweighart Strike Sends Huskies to 3rd Round
November 14, 2004

Kelley Schweighart scores early in the first half, lifting 15th-ranked Washington to a 1-0 second-round victory over host and No. 22 Auburn in the NCAA tournament. The Huskies had routed Birmingham Southern, 5-0, in the first round. Tina Frimpong sets-up the UW scoring play, getting open in the right corner before feeding a pass to the top of the box. There, Schweighart calmly controls the pass and scores to the upper-left corner at 7:04. Auburn's most dangerous opportunity comes with 12 minutes left, when Courtney Crandall's 20-yard free kick glances off the crossbar. Frimpong and Nikki Gamble each each scored two goals versus Birmingham-Southern.

McAlister Goal Lifts Seattle U to Title
December 5, 2004

Bobby McAlister’s goal in the 70th minute lifts Seattle University to the NCAA Division II championship, 2-1 over Southern Illinois-Edwardsville at Wichita Falls, Texas. McAlister scores his second game-winning goal in three days, taking Jeff Fishbaugher's cross into a congested box and shooting home. It's his record 22nd goal and fourth of the postseason. Jeremiah Doyle withstands a series of shots and makes a leaping save off John Matthews from the top of the box, deflecting it off the crossbar. The Redhawks take advantage of a restart in the 43rd minute to to go in front initially. Santa Maria Rivera's free kick into the box is flicked on by Cameron Weaver to Adam Jensen for his third tournament goal. SIUE's Victor Pacheco nets the equalizer in the 49th minute. Seattle U wins its 15th straight and finishes unbeaten (22-0-1). It's the second national title after taking the NAIA in 1997.

Salt Lake Gets to MLS Ahead of Seattle
July 14, 2004

Salt Lake City lands the next MLS expansion franchise, with Seattle among the unsuccessful bidders for a team to begin play in 2005. Salt Lake and Chivas USA of Los Angeles will give the league 12 teams, and two more are expected to be added by 2006. A-League Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer's investor group expects to compete against Cleveland, Houston and Philadelphia in that round.

Huskies' Klaas Shares Pac-10 Award
November 18, 2004

Washington senior midfielder C.J. Klaas shares Pac-10 Player of the Year, becoming the first Husky to do so. Klaas, who has five goals and six assists, is also a Hermann trophy semifinalist. He shares the Pac-10 award with UCLA's Patrick Ianni. Dean Wurzberger of UW and the Bruins' Hugo Salcedo share coach of the year honors.

Bellarmine Boys Win 4A Trophy
May 29, 2004

Bellarmine Prep completes an undefeated season by winning the state 4A trophy, 2-1 versus Juanita, at Camas. The Lions (20-0-2), ranked No. 4 nationally, get goals from Chase Tangney in the 37th minute and Adam West in the 69th. Juanita cuts into the lead on Scott Rychard's goal with nine minutes to go. It's Bellarmine's first crown after twice falling in past championship games.

Frimpong Goal Sweeps Bay Area
November 7, 2004

Tina Frimpong, with her back to the goal, scores on a header in the 28th minute, giving No. 17 Washington a 1-0 victory over No. 13 California in the regular-season finale at Husky Soccer Field. A crowd of 1,551 watches as the Huskies complete a sweep of the Bay Area schools. Frimpong assisted Kim Taylor when UW defeated Stanford, 1-0, in overtime two nights earlier. Washington reaches the NCAA tournament for the fourth time in five seasons. It's the sixth win in seven tries against top-20 opponents.

Welton Late Goal Again Rescues Sounders
June 6, 2004

Welton Melo scores out of an overtime goalmouth scramble as the Sounders avert a costly home loss to the lowly Calgary Mustangs, 2-1 at Qwest Field. It's the fourth goal for Welton, the Brazilian signed two months earlier, in the last five games. Seattle finally gets above .500 (4-3-1) after starting the year 0-2-1. A Kyle Smith header finds Welton waiting at the far post in the 101st minute. Smith's penalty in the 74th minute had drawn Seattle even.

Issaquah Earns 3A Girls Title in OT
November 20, 2004

A header from Lauren Maris two minutes into overtime secures Issaquah's first 3A girls' title, 1-0 over Yakima's previously undefeated West Valley at Harry E. Lang Stadium. Issaquah dominates, (25-7 in shots), and has five close scoring opportunities in the final 15 minutes of regulation and before Kate Deines finds Maris running in behind the Rams’ defense for the score. Strong goalkeeping keeps it scoreless through regulation. Amanda Tshauner holds the Eagles at bay while Lauren Davis tips a drive by Amanda Brusic over the bar.

Redhawks Consolidate Regional Ranking
October 4, 2004

Alex Chursky scores one goal and assists on another by Adam Jensen as Seattle University consolidates its top ranking in the Division II Far West by winning at Cal State Bakersfield, 2-0. It's the fifth straight shutout for the Redhawks, who remain undefeated (12-0-1). It's only the fourth Roadrunners home loss in three years. Jensen's goal opens the scoring in the 25th minute and Chursky supplies an insurance score in the 67th minute off from Pat Doran.

Levesque, Burpo Send Sounders Past Portland
July 24, 2004

Preston Burpo makes three impressive saves and assists on Roger Levesque's clinching second goal for the Sounders' 2-0 victory at Portland. Seattle earns only its second win in seven matches and avenges a home defeat to the Timbers a week earlier. Levesque puts the visitors on the board in the 42nd minute, following a corner kick from Jonathan Bolanos. Burpo's long distribution in the 80th minute catches Portland keeper Josh Saunders out of position, and Levesque calmly chips over his head and into the empty net.

Whitworth Rally Falls Short
November 13, 2004

Whitworth goes out of the NCAA Division III men's tournament but not before the Pirates mount a second-half rally. In the end, St. Norbert College jumps out to a 3-0 lead and hold on to post a 3-2 win in the second-round match at De Pere, Wis. The Bucs pull a goal back at 54:30 through Austin Washington. In the final 10 minutes they pour it on. Skye Henderson scores at 82:06 and Whitworth seems on the verge of tying when time expires. At 16-3-1, Sean Bushey's squad has the most wins since 1989. Nicolas Varlamos, a sophomore from Edmonds, earns third-team All-America after scoring 13 goals.

Whitworth Men Return to D3 Tournament
October 31, 2004

Todd Sabrowski’s goal in the 83rd minute clinches the Northwest Conference crown for Whitworth with a 2-1 decision at Puget Sound. The Bucs' Chris Johnson and Loggers' Tyler Niemack score to make it 1-1 entering the final 10 minutes. Whitworth goes on win its final two regular season games, finishing with the highest win total (16) since 1993. The Pirates return to the NCAA Division II tournament for the first time in three years.

Henderson Voted MLS Humanitarian of the Year
November 11, 2004

Everett's Chris Henderson is named MLS Humanitarian of the Year, an award given out to the MLS player who makes the most positive contributions to his local community over the course of the season. Henderson is selected the winner as a result of his extensive charitable work with the Colorado Rapids and his own new Chris Henderson Foundation, a charitable organization that grants to aid underprivileged kids. He serves as the club's spokesperson for Rapids Car Seat Safety, Special Olympics, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Pro Active Pro Athletes against Domestic Violence.

Lambrecht Brace Wins for Whitworth
November 10, 2004

Sean Lambrecht scores both goals in Whitworth’s 2-1 NCAA Division III tournament victory over Colorado College in Spokane. Lambrecht's winner comes in the 73rd minute. Tied at 1-1, the Bucs' Todd Sabrowski serves a cross that is misjudged by the Colorado keeper. The ball scoots through to Lambrecht, who heads it cleanly into the net. Lambrecht's first goal comes seconds after a missed CC penalty kick, with Skye Henderson finding him on the counterattack for a far-post header. CC’s Patrick McGinnis scores his Div. III-record 39th goal of the season to bring the visitors level.

Youth Regionals Come to Spokane
June 21, 2004

The USYSA Region IV Championships come to Spokane and begin with 7,350 attending the opening ceremonies at Joe Albi Stadium. The event matches 240 youth teams in eight age categories, U12-U19, from 14 Western states, including Alaska and Hawaii.

Kneeshaw's Record Performance wins It for TESC
September 12, 2004

Tom Kneeshaw saves 17 Chico State shots as Evergreen wins, 2-1, at Olympia. Joe Gjertsen put the Geoducks in front in the 27th minute. Four minutes after Chris Wondolowski ties it, Greg Preciado restores the lead and Kneeshaw's record performance preserves it.

Ethiopians Celebrate Soccer at Qwest Field
June 27, 2004

Some 600 players from 25 teams begin play during the weeklong Ethiopian Sports Federation in North America tournament at Qwest Field. Teams are primarily are composed of Ethiopian-American players representing cities and states across the United States. The tournament is a fund-raiser for Ethiopian education and famine relief projects. "There are so many problems back home," said Tameriat Mamo, the tournament coordinator. "We try to help those people." Seattle also hosted the festival in 1991.

Seattle Survives, Beats Vancouver
October 18, 2004

Less than a minute after the Sounders' goalpost saves them, Chad Brown beats Vancouver with the first goal of his professional career, 2-1 at Qwest Field. It's Seattle's fourth consecutive win and all but ensures a playoff berth. Brown, a rookie midfielder from Spokane, perfectly times his run to meet Darren Sawatzky's cross and buries his header in the net with 54 seconds left in double-overtime. Both Brown and Sawatzky are second-half substitutes by Brian Schmetzer. The Whitecaps tie with a penalty in the 90th minute after Welton's opener. Moments before Brown's winner, the visitors' Jason Jordan beat Preston Burpo only to hit the left post.

Redhawks Clinch Conference vs. Falcons
October 30, 2004

Cameron Weaver's goal 7:13 into overtime enables No. 1 Seattle University to down arch-rival and No. 18 Seattle Pacific, 2-1, as well as repeat as GNAC champion at Championship Field. SPU, which only lost to SU since August, snaps the Redhawks' string of eight consecutive shutouts, when Nick Letts ties the game in the 60th minute. Weaver collects a pass from Pat Doran to register his fourth goal in four games. Five of the past six meetings between the Redhawks and Falcons have gone to overtime. Bobby McAlister initiates the scoring with his record-breaking 18th goal SU captain Nick McClusky sustains a fractured right leg in the 39th minute and will miss the remainder of the year.

Solo Named Olympic Team Alternate
August 10, 2004

Richland native and Washington alum Hope Solo, 23, is named an alternate on the U.S. Women's National Team for the Athens Summer Games. Solo, now playing in Sweden, will train with the team in Greece and serve as the third goalkeeper. She is the starter for Kopparsbergs/Goteborg FC, where she has six shutouts to lead the league. Spokane native Amy LePeilbet is trimmed from the Olympic squad in the next-to-last cut. LePeilbet broke into the USWNT this year four starts and six appearances.

Karl Grosch Field Dedicated
November 16, 2004

Federal Way's Karl Grosch Field is dedicated during ceremonies attended by Grosch and his wife Helga. The new turf field at Steel Lake Park celebrates the former state youth association president and co-author, along with Don Greer, of the USYSA bylaws and rules.

Spokane Mom Struck by Lightning
August 6, 2004

Lightning strikes a mother at a Spokane Valley soccer tournament in Plantes Ferry Park, less than an hour after she questioned tournament officials about the safety of playing during an electrical storm. Monica Phillipy was standing beneath some power lines when the strike occurred at 10 a.m. The lines apparently took the brunt of the bolt, but a bright flash jumped from the wires, hitting the Phllipy in the head. She survives and spends the next six hours at Spokane Valley Hospital. To the mother’s dismay, the soccer teams continue playing through the storm after she was hit.

FC United Boys, Crossfire Girls Win Regionals
June 26, 2004

Two Washington teams emerge as winners from 16 Region IV championship matches at Spokane's Plantes Ferry Park. For U-12 girls, Kathryn Bennett scores in the 32nd minute, leading Crossfire Premier McCormick past Cal South’s Blues, 1-0. FC United claims the boys U16 title as Nikolas Besagno scores in the 53rd minute against Arizona's Sereno White, 2-1. All regional winners advance to the USYSA Championships July 20-25 near Orlando.

State Threatens to Expel LWYSA
November 12, 2004

Washington Youth Soccer Association suspends and will expel Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association, effective Dec. 7, leaving the future of 6,500 young player from Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish in question. The move by the state association comes after Crossfire Premier president Jim Harnasch questioned LWYSA finances and the LWYSA board retaliated by suspending Harnasch’s 15-year-old son. WSYSA seeks to assure parents that "every one of our members will continue to play on their teams as we replace the previous association with a new one."

SPU Hall of Fame Inducts Covell
January 23, 2004

Ken Covell becomes the first soccer representative in Seattle Pacific's Falcon Legends Hall of Fame, inducted with the second of three charter classes. The Falcons had won just one soccer game when Covell arrived from Denver. By the time he left, they had made four straight NCAA West Regional appearances and earned a berth in the national championship game during his senior season of 1974. Covell scored a record 21 goals as a junior. and graduated as career leader in goals (57) and assists (26).

UW rides Frimpong Goal to Elite Eight
November 20, 2004

Tina Frimpong converts a teammate's shot that caromed off the Maryland goalkeeper, scoring the lone goal in the 19th minute of Washington's 1-0 victory in the third-round of the NCAA tournament at Husky Soccer Field. The 15th-seeded Huskies advance to the Elite Eight for the first time in their 14-year history. They will visit No. 7 seed Princeton. Freshman Colby Branham created the scoring situation with a 20-yard blast from the left side that deflected off keeper Nikki Resnick. Frimpong controls the rebound and scores from five yards at 18:48. Kelsey Rasmussen notches her school-record 10th shutout of the season while making just one save. Princeton would prevail in the quarterfinal, 3-1, with Frimpong completing her season with a 16th goal and record 43 for her career.

Chelsea Tops Celtic in Blistering Heat
July 24, 2004

Under blistering hot midday sun, Chelsea tops Celtic, 4-2, before a Qwest Field crowd of 30,504. It's the first match for the Blues under new manager Jose Mourinho, who comes to the Premier League from Porto. Another key piece in Russian oil billionaire Roman Abramovich's makeover is Serbian striker Mateja Kezman, who scores twice during his second-half shift. His first goal comes in the 59th minute, making it 3-1. After Craig Beattie answer for the Bhoys, Kezman unleashes a 18-yard rocket in the 87th minute. Temperatures reach 88 degrees on the temporary grass surface.

Hibernian Saints Among 4 Vet Cup Victors
August 8, 2004

John Hall scores twice and Erik Storkson adds a goal and two assists as the Hibernian Saints win the USASA over-30 national title, 3-1 over Chicago United, in Orlando. It's the fourth adult amateur championship brought back to Washington over the summer. The other National Veterans Cup trophies were taken in June 26-27 in Honolulu. Shear Power beat Vaiete (Hawaii), 2-1 in overtime, in the women's over-50 final. Northwest Connection rout Imua Wahine, 5-0, in the women's over-40 division, and Cascade Avalanche edge Seattle Sounders Select, 1-0, in the women's over-55s.

Americans, Keller Advance to Hexagonal
October 13, 2004

United States secures passage to the Concacaf Hexagonal as Kasey Keller posts his 36th career shutout in 74 appearances in 6-0 rout of Panama in Washington, D.C. Four days earlier in San Salvador, Keller and the USMNT blanked El Salvador, 2-0.

World Vision Draws Kids & Balls
July 10, 2004

World Vision’s third annual soccer camp at Decatur High School draws over 125 kids ages 6-14 whose families are economically challenged. All of the youth attend on scholarships and lodging provided by Run to Win Outreach and several local Federal Way area sponsors. In addition, throughout July World Vision and partner Washington Recreation and Park Association collect balls and small hand pumps for shipment you youth in Africa. Since July 2002 "Get a Kick Out of Sharing" has collected about 70,000 balls from corporate and private donors.

Eastern Earns Share of Big Sky
October 31, 2004

Eastern Washington, getting goals from four different players, earns a share of the Big Sky women's championship with a 4-0 win at Sacramento State. The Eagles, who had never finished higher than fourth in their six previous seasons, tie for the title with Portland State (4-1-1) despite being 7-8-2 overall. Beth Russell, Jennie Summers, Traci Jellison and Emily Mues all score.

Bellarmine Takes Its Fifth Girls Crown
November 20, 2004

Bellarmine overwhelms Narrows League rival Stadium, 5-1, with four goals in the second half for the 4A state girls’ championship at Lakewood. Megan Sweeney scores in the 234th and 44th minutes to put the Lions in front for good. It’s Bellarmine’s third win over Stadium and 11th straight going back to 1999. It’s the Lions fifth state crown. Stadium scores first on Lauren Robertson’s ball that bounces over the keeper in the 30th minute.

Huskies Succumb to Portland
November 19, 2004

A once-promising season for Washington ends abruptly as Portland rallies from behind for a 5-3 win in the NCAA tournament's first round at Husky Soccer Field. The Huskies build a 2-0 lead 27 minutes into the game and control the game's tempo. Portland only manages nine shots but pulls even by halftime, then Alejandro Salazar gives the visitors the lead at 53:03. In the 62nd minute Sean Babcock skips a low line drive free kick from 28 yards out. Kevin Forrest scores both UW goals, in the 17th and 26th minutes. Washington, which launched 24 shots, loses its final four games after starting 11-3-2.

Keller Becomes USMNT Wins Leader
June 13, 2004

Kasey Keller registers his 38th international victory as the United States defeats Grenada, 3-0, in a World Cup qualifying match at Columbus. Keller surpasses Tony Meola for the all-time lead among U.S. goalkeepers. The USMNT dominates, finishes with advantages of 34-6 in shots and 17-1 in corner kicks.

Tacoma Legend John Duggan Passes
January 6, 2004

John Duggan, who helped start the youth soccer movement in Tacoma and greater Pierce County, dies at age 76. Duggan founded the area's first select soccer program in 1969 - the Norpoint Royals, a boys team comprised of several players who would eventually play at the college and professional levels. Duggan was also the men's soccer coach at the University of Puget Sound from 1979-87. But the Irish immigrant was best known for his work with youth soccer. He didn't have much soccer or coaching experience when he started the Royals in 1967 yet that team, which included Stadium High graduates Jeff Durgan and Jeff Stock and Wilson's Mark Peterson, stayed together for 10 years and won numerous state and regional tournaments.

Road Warrior Huskies Get Rare Portland Win
September 26, 2004

Fourth-ranked Washington tallies two put-back goals to defeat the No. 6 Portland, 2-0, in front of 2,130 fans at Merlo Field. It's only the Huskies' second win over the Pilots in 18 meetings (2-15-1). Backstopping the UW shutout is goalkeeper, Kelsey Rasmussen, who finishes with 10 saves. The Huskies' first goal comes just 4:43 into the contest when Kelley Schweighart collects her own rebound and drills it into the net from 11 yards. Adding insurance at 70:43 is Dani Bridges, whose first shot is deflected back to her to finish from 12 yards. Washington has started the season 8-0-1 and is four games into 10 straight on the road.

Fewing Reaches Victory Milestone
October 16, 2004

Seattle University coach Peter Fewing earns his 200th career win as the undefeated Redhawks (15-0-1) beat Simon Fraser, 1-0, in Burnaby, B.C. Jeremiah Doyle gets his eighth straight shutout for Seattle U, ranked No. 1 in Division II. Alex Chursky's goal in the 71st minute decides it. Fewing is 200-119-26 since taking the helm in 1988.

Shear Power Wins Third Straight Adult Cup
June 27, 2004

Seattle's Shear Power wins its third straight U.S. Veterans Cup women's over-50 championship, beating Vaiete of Hawai'i, 2-1, in overtime. Two other Washington women's teams – Northwest Connection (O40) and Cascade Avalanche (O55) – also win U.S. adult titles in Honolulu.

Cougars Get 3 Quick Goals, Upset Huskies
October 29, 2004

Washington State scores three times in the first 16 minutes and goes on to upset No. 6 Washington, 3-2, at Pullman. Cailan McCutchan gets a goal and an assist for the Cougars, who have denied their rivals a win in the last four visits (0-3-1) to the Palouse. Alix Rustrum opened the scoring just 96 seconds into the game. Less than six minutes later when McCutchan makes it 2-nil on a header, and at 15:44 WSU is in front, 3-0, following a goal by Haley Miller from McCutchan. The Huskies trim the deficit to 3-2 on a pair of first-half goals by Tina Frimpong.

Seattle U Women Shock SPU at Interbay
November 13, 2004

In the biggest game in either program's history, Seattle University sends shockwaves through the NCAA Division II tournament by upsetting unbeaten and No. 1-rated top-ranked Seattle Pacific, 2-0, to claim the NCAA Division II Far West Regional championship at Interbay Stadium. GNAC Freshman of the Year Leah Wymer accounts for both goals. Wymer strikes in the 4th and 60th minutes for the 15th-ranked Redhawks. It's the first SPU home loss in 27 games. The Falcons, who out-shot their rivals, 17-9, gave up just four goals in the regular season but allow four in their two tournament games.

French Named to W-League Best XI
August 6, 2004

Six months since returning to her home state, Michelle French is named to the W-League Best XI after leading the Sounders Women back to the playoffs. A former U.S. international, French led the league with 13 assists. She took an instructor role at Starfire Sports in February and trains five girls' and boys' teams. The Kent native had played professionally for three seasons in WUSA before that league's demise. French will also serve as a color analyst for NBC Olympic soccer broadcasts from Athens.

Goulet Elevated to Head Coach in Germany
April 12, 2004

Tacoma native Brent Goulet is promoted to manager of Germany's SV Elversberg, becoming the first American-born coach at this level in German professional soccer. Goulet, who played from 1998-2000 for Elversberg, replaces Gerd Schwickert after serving three years as his assistant. Goulet, who played for both FC Seattle and the Stars, moved to Germany in 1991 and played for a number of clubs. He goes on to He went on to acquire the German Fusball Lehrer License (UEFA-Pro).

Geoducks Stun Defending National Champs
November 18, 2004

Evergreen upsets No. 2 seed and defending NAIA champion Rio Grande, ending its 63-game winning streak, 2-1, in the final pool play match at Olathe, Kansas. Nate Ford finishes from 18 yards out in the seventh minute of overtime to advance No. 18 Geoducks to the quarterfinal round. Evergreen strikes first through Jason Gjertsen's free kick just before halftime. Ohio's Rio Grande answers in the 70th minute. Two days later Evergreen is eliminated by Georgia's Berry, 4-2.

Meadowdale Digs Deep, Rallies in 3A Final
May 29, 2004

Meadowdale rallies from a two-goal deficit to take the 3A boys state title, 3-2 over Mount Rainier at Doc Harris Stadium in Camas. Aaron Roberts's golden goal with 10.9 seconds left in the first overtime leaves the Rams stunned. The Mavericks (20-2-1) battle back to tie on two goals from Solly Gold, who also assists on the Roberts winner from 12 yards. Mount Rainier's Steve Pirotte tallies his team-high 17th goal of the season on a 54th-minute penalty kick for a 1-0 lead. Jordan Duke doubled that lead on a rebound in the 56th minute.

Solo Signs in Sweden
January 2, 2004

Following WUSA's folding, Hope Solo signs with Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC of Sweden's Damallsvenskan. Solo posts three shutouts in her first four games and finishes the spring season with six shutouts.

Seattle U Moves into Final Four
November 21, 2004

With just three seconds remaining in regulation, Alex Chursky scores to send Seattle University through to the NCAA Division II semifinals with a 1-0 victory over Incarnate Word before a record crowd of 953 at Championship Field. Seemingly heading for overtime, Andy Stromberg makes a quick throw to Bobby McAlister, who then beats his man on the right. McAlister crosses to a diving Chursky who rockets his header inside the near post. at 89:57. Jeremiah Doyle makes five saves for his record-tying 13th shutout.

Seattle Meets Its Match in Montreal
September 18, 2004

Without their top scorer, the Sounders cannot must much of an attack and fall to Montreal, 2-0, in the A-League final before 13,648 at Claude Robillard Sports Complex. Welton Melo serves his suspension after being sent off in the semifinal second leg at Vancouver. He had scored 12 goals, inclduing five as the sounders went 7-2-1 since August 2. Seattle manages just seven shots and is held scoreless for the first time in 11 matches. Mauricio Vincello put the Impact in front in the 33rd minute, but substitute Craig Tomlinson nearly equalizes in the 74th. Tomlinson tries loft softly over Greg Sutton but the Montreal keeper deflects it off the bar. Frederick Commodore seals the verdict with a goal four minutes later. It marks the final match for Jason Farrell (career assist leader with 30) and Darren Sawatzky. Both are retiring after lengthy careers with the Sounders and MLS.

Behold: The Insta-Bench
May 4, 2004

Two well-known Eastside youth coaches are marketing a new product, Insta-Bench, a lightweight, collapsible, fold-out bench made mainly of aluminum that seats up to six people on the sidelines. It's the creation of Chance Fry, former Sounder and FC Seattle forward and now coaching director at Eastside FC, and Tom Bunnell, who coaches at both Eastside FC and Issaquah High School. A third partner, Rob Green, joins later in the year to help build the business plan. At the 2005 USYSA Convention, Insta-Bench is recognized as the best new product.

Golden Goals Puts Seattle U in Final
December 3, 2004

A golden goal from Bobby McAlister in the 95th minute defeats Dowling (N.Y.), 2-1, and sends top-ranked and undefeated Seattle University to the NCAA Division II final at Wichita Falls, Texas. Alex Chursky finds McAlister fires successfully to the far post. Dowling's Chris Kenney scores less than five minutes into the game and SU trails for the first time in 20 games. The Redhawks could not find the tying goal until the 87th minute when Cameron Weaver's pass is misplayed by Dowling keeper Neal Kitson, allowing Adam Jensen to score.

Evergreen Reaches NAIA Nationals
November 6, 2004

A pair of late goals from Joe Gjertsen delivers Evergreen State College to the NAIA national tournament for the first time following a 2-0 victory over Warner Pacific at Portland's Delta Park. In the 75th minute of a scoreless stalemate, Gjertsen is taken down in the box and scores on the resulting penalty kick. He then seals a trip to the finals in the 88th minute. Geoducks goalkeeper Tommy Kneeshaw get the shutout.

She used to complain to me that I did not have enough criticism for her. The only criticism I had was that she took too many risks. We always rose with her and we fell when she was hurt. Michelle was a great, great player.
Anson Dorrance on Michelle Akers during her hall of fame induction
It's funny because when I first came here, I wasn't even going to try out for the team. Now, soccer is all I ever think about. That's something I never wanted before. He (coach Randy Hanson) did that for me.
Bridget Stolee, Puget Sound's two-time Northwest Conference player of the year
I was coming off a year of basically not playing soccer. I needed games. So I jumped on the first flight and got myself to Sweden. It was the best decision I ever made. I helped make a difference with that team. It instilled confidence in me. I started trusting my instincts. I started reading the game better.
Hope Solo reflecting signing with Sweden's Kopparbergs/Goteborg
When I arrived here in 1970, there were 2,000 registered youth players across the state of Washington. Now, we moved to the sixth-largest youth-soccer state in the nation in 34 years. We're at 106,000.
SPU coach Cliff McCrath noting the state's explosive growth
I played basically every minute of every game for two years for Tottenham and, in my opinion, I really wasn't given a chance to carry on. If I played poorly and then I have to wait for my opportunity, I can take that. It didn't matter what I did, they weren't going to play me.
Kasey Keller on new Tottenham management's decision to acquire and start England keeper Paul Robinson
In our minds, we've done something historic for a small public school in an NAIA that is filled with private schools.
Tom Boatright, Evergreen State College coach on his program making the national tournament for the first time
There were some little girls asking for my autograph who probably never even saw me play and were wearing my jersey. It was very flattering.
Michelle Akers, following her National Soccer Hall of Fame induction ceremony
I've done everything I wanted to do as far as playing. I've been fortunate to win a championship, play in MLS for four years and play at home in front of my family. I've been extremely lucky.
Seattle native Jason Farrell on his decision to retire with the Sounders
I was just really irritated because they should not have been playing soccer with lightning around. I love soccer, but safety comes first.
Monica Phillipy of Spokane, after urging tournament officials to stop play during a storm, then being struck by lightning herself
It's disappointing not to win the championship, but that doesn't diminish the season we had. This was the single-best season of Puget Sound soccer. We broke just about every school record, and we'll have great memories from the experience.
Randy Hanson, UPS women's coach, after going 22-2 and reaching the Logeers' first NCAA final
Most programs are made up of 65-75 percent of players from the state of Washington, so you've got to give credit to youth programs. It comes down to quality youth coaching. Many former players who played at high levels are now giving back to the community and coaching youth teams.
Seattle University coach Peter Fewing characterizing the collegiate rosters across the state
We are a melting pot where soccer is our common ground. The players learn from each other, blend their different styles to create a team chemistry. And it's working. A couple weeks ago we had two consecutive Greater Spokane League wins for the first time in my career here. It's rewarding to see them come together.
Chris Sande, boys coach at Spokane's Rogers High School where players come from 11 foreign ancestries
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Tina Frimpong (Vancouver) Washington (D1/2nd/F)
C.J. Klaas (Cherry Valley, Il.) Washington (D1/1st/M)
Jennifer Hull (Eugene, Or.) Seattle Pacific (D2/2nd/G)
Shannon Lovejoy (Seattle) Seattle Pacific (D2/1st/M)
Bobby McAlister (Federal Way) Seattle University (D2/1st/F)
Michelle Everson (Tacoma) Seattle Pacific (D2/3rd/D)
Anthony Fioretti (Auburn) Puget Sound (D3/1st/M)
Courtney Kjar (Sandy, Ut.) Puget Sound (D3/1st/M)
Todd Sabrowski (Oregon City, Or.) Whitworth (D3/2nd/D)
Bridget Stolee (Palo Alto, Ca.) Puget Sound (D3/2nd/D)
Nicolas Varlamos (Edmonds) Whitworth (D3/3rd/F)
Joe Gjertsen (Tacoma) Evergreen (NAIA/3rd/F)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 14-6-0
Gonzaga 6-14-0
Northwest 5-12-0
Pacific Lutheran 7-12-1
Puget Sound 11-2-3
Seattle University 22-0-1
Seattle Pacific 13-3-2
Washington 11-7-2
Western Washington 13-7-0
Whitman 4-13-1
Whitworth 16-3-1
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 6-14-0
Eastern Washington 7-9-2
Evergreen 8-9-2
Gonzaga 11-9-0
Pacific Lutheran 9-8-2
Puget Sound 22-2-0
Seattle University 16-4-3
Seattle Pacific 19-1-2
Washington 17-5-1
Washington State 8-7-4
Western Washington 12-7-1
Whitman 11-8-1
Whitworth 13-5-1
Commissioners Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Columbia Timbers 93 (CYSF)Emerald City FC 92 White (SYSA)
U12 Revolution (WCYSA)MV Marauders 91 Besagno (MpVJSA)
U13 CW Hurricanes (ECYSA)NC El Divas (CYSF)
U14 SHSC Revolution 89 (TPCJSA)Crossfire Premier Williams (LWYSA)
U15 CW Flyers (ECYSA)Sharks (ECYSA)
U16 EVSC Fusion (CYSF)Skagit Storm 87 (SkVYSA)
U17 ISC Select (EYSA)Eagles Excel 86 (HSA)
U18 Ballard Storm (SYSA)T-Town Storm (NarYSA)
U19 Americans (SYSA)not awarded
PDL, W-League Records
Seattle Sounders Women 11-2-1, 2nd Div.
Spokane Shadow 11-4-1, 2nd Div.
Yakima Reds 3-11-2, 4th Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Michelle French (M) Sounders Women (WL-1st)
John Palladino (M) Shadow (PDL-NW)
Brett Hite (F) Shadow (PDL-NW)
Michelle French (M) Sounders Women (WL-NW)
Brenda Mueller (F) Sounders Women (WL-NW)
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Lions (NYSA)WS Huskies (CYSF)
U12 Lake Hills Titans (EYSA)Union Hill Dragon Flies (LWYSA)
U13 Titans (LWYSA)Shooting Stars (TPCJSA)
U14 Hurricanes (SSCYSA)Apollos (FWSA)
U15 All-Stars (WVYSA)Sudden Impact (TPCJSA)
U16 Blackhawks (LCYSA)Blackhawks (LWYSA)
U17 Lakewood Magic (TPCJSA)Sno-King Fusion (SSCYSA)
U18 Eagles (LWYSA)Dragons (NarYSA)
U18 Jagermeister (FYSA)Eisenhower Fins (CYSF)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Crossfire James (LWYSA)Crossfire 91 McCormick (LWYSA)
U13 Eastside FC 90 Red (EYSA)Crossfire Premier 90 Lombard (LWYSA)
U14 Crossfire 89 James (LWYSA)Snohomish United Clash (NCYSA)
U15 Crossfire 88 James (LWYSA)Dosveedanya 88 (KYSA)
U16 FC United 87 (TPCJSA)Marauders 87 Fishbach (MpVSA)
U17 FC United 86 (TPCJSA)Crossfire 96 McCormick (LWYSA)
U18 Emerald City FC 85 (SYSA)Parrots (SYSA)
U19 Heat 85 (HSA)Eastside FC 84 Red (EYSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Bellarmine 2Juanita 1
Boys 3A Meadowdale 3Mount Rainier 2 OT
Boys 2A Wahluke 1Ridgefield 0
Boys 1A University Prep 6St. George's 0
Girls 4A Bellarmine 5Stadium 1
Girls 3A Issaquah 1West Valley 0 OT
Girls 2A Naches Valley 3Archbishop Murphy 1
Girls 1A University Prep 2Seattle Christian 1
On this Day in History
October 5, 2019
Rylee Rassier is involved in every goal, scoring four and assisting on the fifth, in Northwest's 5-0 defeat of Northwest Christian at Kirkland. Rassier got the Eagles started in the sixth minute and doubled it in the 17th. She added two second-half goals, including a penalty to achieve the single game record, as NU won its ninth in a row. A week later Rassier adds another hat trick, versus Multnomah.
More from 2019 ›
October 17, 2020
Sofia Huerta stakes OL Reign to an early lead and Leah Pruitt adds second-half insurance in a season-ending 2-0 closed-door, home win over the Utah Royals at Cheney Stadium. Shirley Cruz assists on both goals. The Reign finishes the NWSL Fall Series 1-2-1 and 2-3-4 altogether. They played the final four games without regulars Megan Rapinoe (opted out) Jodie Taylor (sold to Lyon), Lauren Barnes, Nicole Momiki, Rebecca Quinn, Jess Fishlock and Darian Jenkins. The latter five were loaned to clubs overseas. Utah relocates to Kansas City seven weeks later, following the club's sale.
More from 2020 ›
December 22, 2005
Kasey Keller is named U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year for an unprecedented third time after posting nine shutouts, including five in the final round of World Cup qualifying. Earlier in the month, Keller picked up his second Honda Player of the Year.
More from 2005 ›
August 12, 2013
More than 600 people attend the Northwest Communities of Burma’s annual soccer tournament at the Wilson Playfields in Kent. A total of 14 teams hailing from all over the Pacific Northwest, are comprised of immigrant refugees from the different ethnic groups of Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma. They make headway toward breaking barriers of religion, politics and generations of tribal dispute through one universal language: soccer.
More from 2013 ›