Here Comes the Reign (Again)

2013 – Around the World and Close to Home

Benedict XVI becomes the first Pope since in nearly 600 years to retire the Supreme Court strikes down federal law defining marriage as between a man and woman and multiple bombs explode near the Boston Marathon finish line, killing three and injuring 170.In Washington, the Interstate-5 Skagit River Bridge collapses after an oversized track hits part of truss the tunnel-boring machine named Bertha begins digging a new State Route 99 under Seattle and The Boys in the Boat, a book detailing the University of Washington’s 1936 Olympic gold medal-winning crew, reaches No. 5 on The New York Times best-seller list almost instantly.

Here Comes the Reign (Again)

It’s about time. Opportunities for girls and women in soccer have always lagged. Six years for state youth cups, seven years for high school championships and 16 years for college varsity play. Still, the wait for Washington’s first professional women’s club is far longer than all those combined.

Some 39 years after young lads pictured themselves as future Sounders, the girls get role models of their own. The Pacific Northwest, passed over during the first two women’s leagues despite a well-known penchant for producing player as well as passionate support, finally can plant its flag with the arrival of Seattle Reign FC.

Just five months after creation of the National Women’s Soccer League and awarding Bill and Teresa Predmore one of eight charter franchises, Reign FC take their first kicks, and although there are plenty of early growing pains, a footing is in place for future achievement in developing accomplished players, diehard fans and a club capable of winning trophies every season.

The inspiration for the Predmores name the club is rooted in Seattle’s very first professional women’s team, the American Basketball League’s Seattle Reign played from 1996-98. The key piece the club’s formation is Laura Harvey, the young manager hired away from England’s Arsenal Ladies.

Roster building begins when U.S. Soccer allocates national team players, including the homecoming of Richland native Hope Solo. In the 10 years since completing her collegiate career on Montlake, Solo has played in four leagues and locations including Sweden, France, Philadelphia, St. Louis, Atlanta and Boca Raton, Florida. After Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) abruptly folds in 2012, just a few months before the 2012 Olympic Games, Solo was among the USWNT stars playing a half-season or so for the amateur Sounders Women of the USL W-League.

In theory, allocation headliners Solo, Megan Rapinoe and Amy Rodriguez, along with two internationals each from Canada and Mexico and Welsh midfielder Jess Fishlock will provide the nucleus of a strong Seattle side. In reality, the band never gets back together. Rodriguez soon reveals she is pregnant and takes medical leave. Rapinoe is playing with France’s Lyon through May, and Solo is out until June while recovering from wrist surgery. Consequently, it’s a rough start for Reign FC.

Following a draw at Chicago, they lose nine consecutive matches. Only when Solo and Rapinoe join the fold do fortunes rise and crowds begins to grow at Starfire. “They (Solo and Rapinoe) bring belief, they bring professionalism and they bring experience,” says Harvey. “They understand what it takes to win, and sometimes that’s the hardest thing to get into a player when they haven’t been in those situations before.”

Seattle turns it around, going unbeaten (4-0-2) over six matches and attracting capacity crowds to two of the final three home dates. It’s too late to contend for the playoffs, but Harvey ends the season with a firm sense of which pieces are in place for the second season and beyond.

Harvey makes 15 separate roster moves – nine by trade – in the first 10 weeks of the offseason. Most notably, she signs Scottish international Kim Little, one of her key players at Arsenal, and acquires Sydney Leroux of the USWNT and another 2012 member of Sounders Women.

It took a long time to bring a pro women’s club to the state. It just took a little bit longer to create the kind of Reign team that will capture trophies as well as fans’ imagination.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
15-12-7, 4th MLS West, quarterfinals
Coach
Sigi Schmid (5th year)
Top Scorer
Eddie Johnson (9 goals)
REIGN FC
Season Record
5-14-3, 7th NWSL
Coach
Laura Harvey (1st year)
All-League
Jess Fishlock
Top Scorer
Megan Rapinoe (5 goals)
U.S. Open Cup
Seattle Sounders, 3rd round
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle U., D1 2nd rnd Washington, D1 quarterfinals Seattle Pacific, D2 1st rnd Puget Sound, D3 2nd rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle U., D1 1st rnd Washington State, D1 1st rnd Seattle Pacific, D2 2nd rnd Western Washington, D2 semifinals Puget Sound, D3 3rd rnd
Men's Conference Champions
Puget Sound (NWC), Seattle U. (WAC), Washington (Pac-12)
Women's Conference Champions
Puget Sound (NWC), Seattle Pacific (GNAC), Seattle U. (WAC), Western Washington (GNAC reg season)
NWAC Men's Champion
Peninsula d Clark, 1-0
NWAC Women's Champion
Peninsula d Edmonds, 2-1
YOUTH
Girls National Champion
Eastside FC 98 Red (U14)
Girls Regional Champion
Eastside FC 98 Red (U14)
Largest Attendance
67,385, Sounders v Portland
Largest Amateur Attendance
3,100, Washington v Seattle U. (m)

2013: Here Comes the Reign (Again)

Women's professional soccer arrives for the first time in the Pacific Northwest with the NWSL granting a charter club to Seattle.

Reign Unbeaten Run Reaches Five
July 14, 2013

A capacity Starfire Sports crowd of 3,855 is treated to a Jessica McDonald first-half brace as Seattle Reign FC extends its unbeaten run to five games by beating Washington, 2-1. McDonald, acquired just two weeks earlier, scores in the 30th and 33rd minutes to go in front after the Spirit had scored an 11th-minute penalty. Christine Nairn, who assists on the tying goal, has a goal or assist in all five games during the run of four wins and a draw.

Cougars Lose McAlpine to USC
December 16, 2013

Keidane McAlpine leaves the Palouse for Hollywood after two successful seasons at Washington State. McAlpine, who led WSU to two NCAA tournament appearances in as many seasons as head coach, is lured by Pac-12 rival Southern California. He led the Cougars to a program-best second-place finish and 14-3-4 mark in 2013, earning conference and region coach of the year honors.

Sounders Reserves Vacate Cellar
October 14, 2013

Sounders FC Reserves complete the season in strong fashion by beating Portland, 4-1, at JELD-WEN Field behind David Estrada's goal and assist. With the victory, Seattle vacates the basement of the MLS Western Conference on points per game, finishing 4-6-2. The reserves go 3-1-1 over the final five matches.

Tragedy Takes Seattle Man on Charitable Mission
May 15, 2013

A Seattle man attempting to dribble a soccer ball 10,000 miles to Brazil in time for the 2014 World Cup dies after being hit by a pickup truck on the Oregon Coast. Richard Swanson, 42, is killed while walking south along Highway 101 in broad daylight. Swanson set out May 1 on the trek to promote the One World Futbol Project, which donates durable soccer balls to people in developing countries. An avid runner, he picked up soccer just five years ago and played on club teams and rooted for the Seattle Sounders.

Sounders Overhaul Roster in Week
December 12, 2013

Former MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall comes to Seattle and two fan favorites exit amidst a flurry of activity to close the calendar year. Marshall, 29, comes from Columbus for allocation money and a third-round draft pick. two days earlier, goalkeeper Stefan Frei was acquired from Toronto for a 2015 conditional first-round draft pick. The Sounders also get forwards Kenny Cooper from Dallas and Chad Barrett from New England. Outbound are Mauro Rosales, Eddie Johnson and Steve Zakuani. Rosales, to club's co-assist king (34) goes to Chivas USA. Johnson heads to D.C. United after scoring 29 goals in two seasons across all competitions. Zakuani was the MLS No. 1 SuperDraft pick in 2009 but had seen limited action since a broken leg in 2011.

Huge Crowd Sees Sounders Rally
June 8, 2013

A Cascadia derby crowd of 53,679 roars and Sounders FC responds with a rallying 3-2 home win over Vancouver. Trailing since the 26th minute, Seattle finally draws level when Lamar Neagle is dragged down for a penalty and Servando Carrasco scores on the resulting spot kick in the 69th minute. Neagle gets the winner with nine minutes remaining off a short cross from Obafemi Martins. It's the fifth win in six games.

Sounders Scoring King Montero Leaves
January 21, 2013

Sounders scoring king Fredy Montero departs after 60 goals in four seasons. Montero, 25, goes to Colombia's Millonarios on a loan agreement, and he moves along to Sporting Lisbon during the summer transfer window.

Mexico, Panama Win Gold Cup Games
July 11, 2013

A predominantly green-clad crowd of 28,354 backs Mexico in its 2-0 win over Canada in as part of a Concacaf Gold Cup doubleheader at CenturyLink Field. Raul Jimenez's diving header and Marco Fabian's penalty account for the scoring. In the first match, Panama defeats Martinique, 1-0, on a Gabriel Torres penalty.

UPS Men Wrap-Up NWC Title
November 2, 2013

An early Olimpico from Eneko Bereziartua paves the way to Puget Sound's Northwest Conference-clinching victory, 2-0, over George Fox at Peyton Field. On a blustery day, Bereziartua bends his corner kick directly into the net after 96 seconds of play. Carson Swope buries a 27th-minute penalty, his conference-leading 12th goal of the season. It's the first NWC title since 2006 and comes with two regular season games remaining.

Liberty Claims First Girls' 3A Title
November 23, 2013

Sami Harrell breaks the tie in the 53rd minute to send Liberty past Kamiakin, 2-1, for the girls' 3A state title in Puyallup. It's the Patriots' first WIAA championship. Harrell also sets-up Sydney Abel for the game's first goal after just 37 seconds. Alicia Nguyen scores from the penalty spot in the 16th minute to tie it. Liberty had been runner-up two years earlier and reached the semifinal stage on four other occasions.

Loggers Win 13th Straight
November 9, 2013

Puget Sound closes out the regular season by winning its 13th straight game, 2-0 at Lewis & Clark. The Northwest Conference champion Loggers break open a scoreless stalemate early in the second half when Kylie Beeson and Annie Jonsson score 96 seconds apart. Casey Thayer makes one save to complete the fourth straight UPS shutout and ninth in 10 games. Puget Sound had started the season just 2-2-2 after six outings.

Cougars Eliminated on PKs, Again
November 17, 2013

Washington State and Illinois battle through 110 scoreless minutes at Pullman, and for the second year in a row the 21st-ranked Cougars go out of the NCAA Division I women's tournament on penalties. Three inches of snow are shoveled off the field beforehand. WSU had won five straight, four by shutout, but Illini keeper Claire Wheatley makes 11 saves, plus another two to start the shootout, and the visitors advance, 0-0 (3-1). Top scorer Micaela Castain launched four of the Cougars' 29 shots

Dempsey Becomes Milestone Signing
August 3, 2013

In the club's biggest signing to date, Clint Dempsey, captain and star of the U.S. National Team, comes home to America to sign for Sounders FC. Dempsey, 30, returns from England after a U.S.-record 57 goals with Fulham and Tottenham of the Premiership. His 35 goals for the USMNT ranks No. 2 all-time. Majority owner Joe Roth introduces Deuce to the crowd before a 3-0 win over Dallas, and he debuts a week later at Toronto.

Reign Earns Away Draw in Inaugural Match
April 8, 2013

Christine Nairn scores the historic first goal that earns Seattle Reign FC a 1-1 road draw against Chicago in both clubs' inaugural NWSL match at Lisle, Ill. Nairn, a rookie from Penn State, puts the Reign ahead in the 10th minute, and the Red Stars' Lori Chalupny knots it 15 minutes later. Michelle Betos, starting in place of the injured Hope Solo, makes eight saves to preserve the result. Seattle proceeds to go winless (0-9-2) in the first 11 matches.

Vikings Take Charge in Opener
September 7, 2013

In a rematch of the 2012 Division II women's West Regional championship, Western Washington scores late to upset NCAA runner-up and No. 3 UC San Diego, 1-0, at La Jolla, Calif. Jessica Bertucci takes a through ball scores in the 89th minute, and Alyssa Beauchamp gets the shutout while making four saves.

Rowe Delivers Revs Playoff Win
November 2, 2013

Federal Way's Kelyn Rowe scores the game-winner in his first career MLS playoff match for New England, a 2-1 victory over Sporting Kansas City at Gillette Stadium. It's Rowe's 12th goal in his second season with the Revolution.

Seattle Signs Obafemi Martins
March 16, 2013

Seattle secures a striker of true pedigree, signing Nigerian international and 12-year European veteran Obafemi Martins, 28. Martins comes to MLS from Levante in La Liga. In all, he scored 103 goals for Newcastle, Inter Milan and Levante, plus another 18 for Nigeria, including two during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. To make room for the new Designated Player, Sounders FC shed German midfielder Christian Tiffert.

Eastside FC Win U14 Girls' National Championship
July 23, 2013

Eastside FC produces the state's first USYSA championship in 15 years, winning the girls' U14 title, 2-1 over Pennsylvania's YMS Xplosion at Overland Park, Kan. Joanna Harber and Ellie Bryant score for Eastside. It's Harber's fourth goal of the finals, earning her the Golden Ball. She and Kaylene Pang make the all-tournament team. The last Washington side to win a USYSA trophy was FC United U18 boys in 1999.

UPS Women Work Overtime, Twice
November 17, 2013

For the second time in as many nights Puget Sound works overtime to advance in the NCAA Division III soccer tournament, beating Hardin-Simmons, 1-0, at Thousand Oaks, Calif. Amalia Acorda-Fey nets the winner at 101:47, collecting her own rebound and finding the far post. It's the 15th win in a row for the Loggers and sixth consecutive shutout. They had upset host Cal Lutheran the night before, 1-0, on Jill Shimabuku's golden goal in the 102nd minute. Washington (Mo.) knocks-out UPS in the third round, 3-0.

Eastern Hires Bodnar
December 23, 2013

Chad Bodnar, following a successful 10 years at Walla Walla Community College, is hired as women's head coach at Eastern Washington. Bodnar, 36, was 210-15-11 at Walla Walla, winning an unprecedented three straight NWAC championships from 2009-11. He replaces George Hageage.

Seattle U Reaches D1 Tournament
November 17, 2013

Two second-half goals put Seattle University in the promised land of the NCAA Division I men's tournament for the first time as the Redhawks come from behind to defeat San Jose State, 2-1, for the WAC tournament title and automatic berth. Down 1-nil, SU ties it in the 57th minute on a Miguel Gonzalez header from Ian Hines-Ike free kick. A Hines-Ike feed finds Hamza Haddadi for the winner in the 71st minute. Tournament MVP Jake Feener makes a late save to preserve the outcome.

Thomas Jefferson Back Atop 4A Boys
May 25, 2013

Thomas Jefferson wins its record eighth state 4A boys' championship, 3-0 over Union at Puyallup's Sparks Stadium. Matthew Cruz gets things started for the Raiders in the 20th minute. TJ out-shoots Union 34-2 but does not get comfortable until Brandon Madsen doubles the lead in the 56th, knocking in the rebound of Alvaro Osornio's shot. Osorino adds the final tally in the 76th. It is Jefferson's first title since 2005.

Western Edges Rival SPU Away
October 12, 2013

No. 2-ranked Western Washington takes a big step toward women's conference and regional supremacy with a 2-1 road victory over Seattle Pacific. Caitlyn Jobanek's right-wing cross caroms off a defender's head for the deciding goal in the 37th minute. The Vikings, now 11-0-0, go ahead at 2:01 on Catherine Miles's goal before Ali Martin responded for SPU.

Solo Earns Shutout of Australia
February 13, 2013

Hope Solo makes three big saves in the first half, moving closer to the USWNT career record in a 4-0 friendly win over Australia at San Antonio. Solo finishes with five saves and her 67 shutouts is second only to Brianna Scurry's 71. She earns eight caps in 2013 despite missing three months after undergoing surgery to repair an injury to her left wrist.

Reign Registers First Win at Boston
June 26, 2013

Seattle Reign FC finally finds the winning combination, registering their first NWSL victory, 2-1, at Boston. With USWNT stars Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe together in the lineup for just the second time, Seattle snaps an 11-match winless start. Reign FC get both goals late. Jess Fishlock ties it in the 78th minute and Christine Nairn takes the cross from Liz Bogus and beats Breakers keeper Alyssa Naeher in the 86th. Solo stops eight shots, including a diving save off Heather O’Reilly from 18 yards.

Huskies Jump On Redhawks, Win Playoff
November 24, 2013

Josh Heard ignites an early second-half surge by Washington and the Huskies proceed to dispatch crosstown rival Seattle University, 4-2, before a standing room-only crowd in the second round of the NCAA Division I tournament. After Darwin Jones sends UW to intermission with a lead, Heard doubles it on a rebound in the 48th minute. He then combines with James Moberg to free Cristian Roldan for a 3-nil lead in the 66th. The crowd of 3,100 is the largest in 13 years on Montlake.

Loggers Log First NCAA Win in 11 Years
November 16, 2013

For the first time in 11 years Puget Sound is moving beyond the first round of the NCAA Division III men's tournament, 2-1 victors over Hardin-Simmons in San Antonio. Vincent McCluskey scores the decisive goal 5:31 into overtime, connecting with a cross from Eneko Bereziartua. Moments earlier in overtime Nathan King makes two saves for UPS. The Loggers' Sam Zisette opens the scoring in the 16th minute, but the Cowboys answer in the 37th. Host Trinity (Tx.) sends UPS home, 4-0, the following night.

Sounders Clinch Home Field for Playoff Opener
October 27, 2013

Although they miss an opportunity to further improve their seeding, the Sounders secure home-field advantage for their knockout playoff opener versus Colorado with a 1-1 draw against the LA Galaxy. A huge crowd of 66,216 sees Clint Dempsey score from point-blank range. Robbie Keane replies for the Galaxy with 12 minutes to go. The MLS season attendance record falls for the fifth year in a row, with a CenturyLink Field average of 44,038.

Sounders Oust Mexico's Tigres from CCL
March 12, 2013

Sounders FC becomes the first MLS club to oust a Mexican team from the Concacaf Champions League, coming from two goals down to win, 3-2, on aggregate, behind a pair of long-distance drives at CenturyLink Field. Tigres UANL had won the first leg, 1-0, and adds another goal in the 23rd minute of the second leg before Seattle catches fire. DeAndre Yedlin, 19, blasts his first career goal in the 53rd minute on a 30-yard volley through a crowd. Djimi Traore then cracks a vicious shot from well outside the box, off the crossbar, at the hour mark. Eddie Johnson caps the comeback at 75' and Tigres, down to 10 men for the second half, succumbs.

Before 55,000 Seattle Wins Fifth Straight
September 13, 2013

Seattle rises to poll position in the Supporters' Shield race by virtue of its fifth straight victory, 2-0 over Real Salt Lake before a throng of 55,107 at CenturyLink Field. Obafemi Martins gets Sounders FC off to a flying start in third minute and Lamar Neagle scores in his third consecutive match in the 38th. With wins in eight of the last nine, Seattle is averaging 1.81 points per game.

Traore's Late, Late Show Stopper
May 8, 2013

Djimi Traore scores the latest regulation goal in Sounders FC history to bring home a 1-0 victory from Sporting Kansas City. The goal, scored in the fourth minute of stoppage time, gives Seattle seven points on a three-match road trip. A mishit clearance attempt from a long throw falls to Traore to slot home. Michael Gspurning saves three shots, all in the first half.

SPU Upsets No. 1 Simon Fraser
October 3, 2013

Danny Olivas strikes with 12 minutes left, lifting Seattle Pacific to a 2-1 upset of top-ranked Simon Fraser at Interbay Stadium. Olivas fires far post from 17 yards. He assists on the Falcons' first score, by David Karaica, in the 12th minute. It's the first SPU win over the Clan, a 2012 NCAA Division semifinalist, in five tries.

Bonney Lake Boys Grab First Trophy
May 25, 2013

An own goal proves to be the difference in Bonney Lake's first WIAA boys 3A title. A free kick by Zach Jones from midfield skips off the head of a Shorecrest defender and into the net in the 78th minute at Puyallup. It's an unlikely finish to a season that started 3-3, with all three losses to 4A schools in non-league games. Moxie Oseland stops three Scots shots to record his 14th shutout of the year.

Solo, Rapinoe Assigned to Reign
January 11, 2013

Richland native Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe are among the seven national team players assigned to the Seattle Reign FC for its inaugural NWSL season. Solo and Rapinoe are accompanied by USWNT teammate Amy Rodriguez. Seattle gets Canadian internationals Kaylyn Kyle and Emily Zurrer, plus Mexico's Jenny Ruiz and Teresa Noyla.

Santos Eliminates Seattle in CCL Semi
April 9, 2013

Despite an away goal from Lamar Neagle, Sounders FC goes out of the Concacaf Champions League at the semifinal stage, 2-1, on aggregate at Santos Laguna of Mexico. Seattle became just the third MLS club to reach this stage of the tournament. the visitors face a tall order when Santos, winners at CenturyLink, go up 2-nil in a 21st-minute free kick. Neagle bangs home a rebound in the 73rd minute and his potential series winner slides just wide of the post moments before the final whistle.

Bushey Exits Whitworth After 17 Years
March 13, 2013

Sean Bushey, one of the most successful men's coaches in Northwest Conference history, exits Whitworth following 17 stellar seasons. Bushey takes over as coaching director for Colorado Rush. In 2012, he took the Pirates to a seventh NWC championship in nine years and finished with a record of 209-86-35. In addition to his duties coaching the men, Bushey also served 12 concurrent seasons as the Whitworth women's coach from 1997-2008, compiling a record of 123-90-16.

Central Valley Rally for 4A Girls' Crown
November 23, 2013

Central Valley rallies for the late equalizer, then prevails in the shootout to become the first Spokane school in 20 years to raise the girls' 4A trophy at Puyallup. Jessie Kunz-Pfeiffer saves two tiebreaker penalties, and Madison Kinsolving delivers the decisive third conversion for the Bears to defeat Issaquah, 2-2 (3-2), for their first state championship. Juliana da Cruz puts the Eagles in the lead after 70 minutes, but with a minute left in regulation CV's Hailey Spooner strikes back, forcing overtime and eventually the shootout.

Seattle's Monge Drafted 18th
January 18, 2013

Fernando Monge of Seattle is chosen 18th by Montreal in the MLS Super Draft. Monge was all-Pac-12 as a UCLA senior. He played for Eastside Catholic, Crossfire Premier and, later, Sounders U23. In 2011 Monge was a member of U.S. Beach Soccer National Team.

Seattle Hosts First WCQ Since 1976
June 11, 2013

A raucous CenturyLink Field crowd of 40,847 helps energize the U.S. National Team to a 2-0 victory over Panama in Seattle's first World Cup qualifier since 1976. Jozy Altidore scores in his third straight match and Sounders forward Eddie Johnson adds another in the 53rd minute. The Yanks take over first place in the qualifying group . It's the seventh-largest crowd for a home qualifier in U.S. soccer history, and much of the huge pro-American crowd stands the entire match, played on a temporary grass surface costing $100,000.

Gonzalez-Fueled Redhawks Shock Creighton
November 21, 2013

A brace from Miguel Gonzalez earns Seattle University a 2-1 upset of Creighton in the first round of the NCAA tournament amidst snow flurries in Omaha. Seven minutes after a missed Creighton penalty, Gonzalez scores his 15th goal of the season in the 71st minute to snap the tie. He had pulled SU even in the 31st minute. Jake Feener makes eight saves for the Redhawks, who advance to face crosstown rival Washington. It's the first SU Div. I postseason victory in any sport since men's basketball in 1964.

Soccer Brings Together Burmese Ethnicities
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.

WWU Reaches D2 Women's Semifinal
November 24, 2013

Scoring just six minutes into the quarterfinal, Catherine Miles starts Western Washington through to the NCAA Division II semifinals for the first time with a 2-0 win over No. 10 St. Edward's at Orca Field. The 9th-ranked Vikings' 20th win is sealed by an own goal shortly before halftime. They will fall to defending national champion West Florida, 2-1, in overtime Dec. 5 in Evans, Ga.

Sounders Make Yedlin First Homegrown Signing
January 13, 2013

Seattle's DeAndre Yedlin, 19, becomes the first Sounders FC Homegrown signing, joining the senior team after two seasons at the University of Akron. Yedlin had attended O'Dea High School and played for Emerald City, Northwest Nationals and Crossfire Premier before joining the Sounders Academy in 2010. He was all-MAC right back each season at Akron.

Sounders Reserves Test Tacoma Market
May 12, 2013

The Tacoma Rainiers and Cheney Stadium host the Sounders FC reserves and Orlando City before 2,174. Orlando City prevails, 2-0, while the Rainiers and Sounders evaluate the prospect of perhaps bringing a USL franchise to Pierce County someday.

Rapinoe Goal Helps U.S. Tie Germany
April 5, 2013

Still two months shy of joining Seattle Reign FC, Megan Rapinoe scores for the USMNT in a 3-3 draw with Germany at Offenbach. The friendly, played on the 100th anniversary of U.S. Soccer's founding, features the top-ranked U.S. and No. 2 Germany. Rapinoe, who joins the USWNT late due to commitments with Olympique Lyonnais, puts the visitors up 2-nil in the 58th minute. She scores four goals and three assists in seven 2019 appearances.

Sounders Knock-Out Colorado
October 30, 2013

Brad Evans scores the all-important first-half opener and Eddie Johnson delivers the fina blow as Sounders FC beats Colorado Rapids, 2-0, in the Knockout Round of the MLS Cup Playoffs at CenturyLink Field. With the win, Seattle advances to the conference semifinals against Portland. Evans connects in 28th minute, bringing down a rebound and firing inside the far post. Johnson's insurance tally comes in stoppage time on a feed from Clint Dempsey. The Rave Green get their ninth win in 13 all-time meetings with the Rapids. However, the Timbers sweep the next round, scoring a 5-3 aggregate win.

No. 2 Seed Washington Stuns Stanford
December 1, 2013

A trademark Michael Harris flip-throw leads to Ian Lange's winner as No. 2 seed Washington advances to its first NCAA Elite Eight, 1-0 over Stanford before 2,690 at a windy Husky Soccer Stadium. Harris launches the ball deep into the Cardinal box and Lange heads it home in the 84th minute. Lange had missed eight games with a knee injury. The Huskies' run ends six nights later on a frozen, 25-degree pitch. They manage just eight shots in a 1-0 loss to New Mexico. UW's two losses is the fewest since 1982.

Johnson Brace Beats Dallas, Extends Run
May 18, 2013

Eddie Johnson's second goal enables Seattle to pull away from Dallas, 4-2, and extend an unbeaten run to six matches at CenturyLink Field. After Michel ties it, 2-2, on an Olimpico, Johnson responds a minute later, juking a defender and ramming his shot into the roof of the net. Obafemi Martins adds the final goal. Sounders FC, which beat San Jose, 4-0, in its last outing, scores four goals in consecutive matches for the first time.

It’s great they’ve come to the Northwest. It’s something our fans up here in this part of the country deserve.
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid on U.S. Soccer bringing a World Cup qualifier to Seattle
Today was about coming out as a team, as a new club and proving what we're about. We proved tonight that we've got a lot of potential, and I think longterm that this franchise can be something pretty exciting and I want to be involved in that.
Reign FC coach Laura Harvey assessing her team's inaugural match performance
It’s really culture-changing work. Seeing this integration of students with disabilities and without disabilities building these genuine friendships. These are relationships that they otherwise might not have had the opportunity to form.
Alex LaRosa, Special Olympics coach, on the extended benefits of Unified Soccer play
I think we're interested at a high level, regardless, whether that was at Cheney or whether that was figuring out some kind of model to do a soccer-specific stadium somewhere in the area. We think the world of the way (the Sounders) operate from a business and fan perspective, and to partner with them I think would always be something we would have an open mind about.
Rainiers president Aaron Artman regarding the prospect of bringing pro soccer to Tacoma
I felt destined that I should go on this trip. It will be a trip of a lifetime where I will push myself further than I ever thought possible.
Richard Swanson, before embarking on ill-fated trek to Brazil while dribbling a ball
Being able to experience this kind of crowd in American soccer is pretty incredible. This type of crowd anywhere in the world would be incredible. My first year in the league to have this type of support is pretty amazing.
Sounders FC homegrown rookie DeAndre on playing before huge crowds at CenturyLink Field
I think (Seattle U president) Father (Stephen) Sundborg wanted us to go D-I for nights like tonight. Crosstown rivals, packed stands. He had a vision it could be like it was, and I think it’s great for the community. It was fun.
Redhawks coach Peter Fewing remarking on the festive atmosphere for NCAA playoff at Washington
One year ago, I didn’t even know if I was going to play college soccer. And here I am.
Washington's Cristian Roldan after being named Pac-12 Freshman of the Year
If you’re talking about numbers and competitive success and a little more history, it seems to me that Seattle is ‘Soccer City USA.'
Sounders FC owner/GM Adrian Hanauer
Every day is a great day. It’s a dream come true. It’s what I’ve wanted to do since I was 10 years old. I’m just happy to play the game that I love.
Kelyn Rowe while back in Federal Way to have his high school jersey retired, on playing professional soccer
It's pretty astonishing every time you see the ball fly 60 yards.
Ian Lange on Washington Huskies teammate Michael Harris's ever-dangerous long flip-throws
The biggest compliment I could pay to the Seattle fans is that the atmosphere was comparable to the most raucous English game you could get in the English Premier League. I think they proved they should play a lot more than they do in your city.
Veteran English broadcaster Ian Darke after calling the USA-Panama World Cup qualifier
It makes a huge statement for the league (having) the ability to bring back a player like Clint when he's still in his prime. I think the statement is we're ready to step up to that next level. For our club, it's a tremendous commitment that ownership has made, and it's also a fantastic reward for our fans.
Sigi Schmid, Sounders coach, on the signing of Clint Dempsey
Going to Seattle for a World Cup qualifier was really high on our list because of the fantastic atmosphere in Seattle. It was a no-brainer. We knew we had to go to Seattle, and the sooner the better. It will give us, hopefully, a real advantage in our game.
U.S. National Team coach Jurgen Klinsmann on reason to play Panama at CenturyLink Field
I want to bring this city a championship, and I want to bring notoriety to the game. I want to give back to this city and show them the beautiful game. Most of the time, they get to see that high level of play on TV, during the World Cups, during the Olympics now we're bringing it here to the city.
Hope Solo upon joining the Seattle Reign for the NWSL's inaugural season
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Micaela Castain (Castro Valley, Ca.) Washington State (D1/2nd/F)
Taylor Peay (Salt Lake City, Ut.) Washington (D1/1st/D)
Kristin Maris (Issaquah) Western Washington (D2/2nd/F)
Andrew Weishaar (Puyallup) Western Washington (D2/3rd/F)
Amelia Acorda-Fey (Seattle) Puget Sound (D3/2nd/M)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 7-8-3
Gonzaga 9-6-3
Northwest 13-6-0
Pacific Lutheran 10-7-2
Puget Sound 15-6-0
Saint Martin's 5-11-2
Seattle University 11-9-4
Seattle Pacific 12-4-3
Washington 16-2-4
Western Washington 11-4-3
Whitman 9-9-2
Whitworth 12-3-3
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 11-6-1
Eastern Washington 3-15-0
Evergreen 3-13-0
Gonzaga 7-11-1
Northwest 10-8-2
Pacific Lutheran 11-4-5
Puget Sound 17-3-2
Saint Martin's 4-12-1
Seattle University 17-3-2
Seattle Pacific 15-6-1
Washington 7-9-4
Washington State 14-3-4
Western Washington 20-2-1
Whitman 11-9-0
Whitworth 7-7-6
Founders Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Seattle United South 01 Black (SYSA)Pacific FC 01 Blue
U12 BYSC Select B00 CochranVancouver Timbers G00 Rojo
U13 Impact FC 99 BlackCrossfire Select G99 Mallalieu
U14 Kent United B98 GreenFC Edmonds Strikers
U15 Kent United B97 GreenSeattle United Shoreline G97 Blue (SYSA)
U16 Vancouver Timbers B96 Rojo (SWYSA)Newport FC Red U17
U17 Crossfire Select B95 Reynolds (LWYSA)(see U16)
U18 Crossfire Select B94 Johnson (LWYSA)Velocity FC 94
PCL, PDL, W-League Records
Bellingham United 9-4-1, 2nd
Kitsap Pumas 3-4-7, 5th Div.
Puget Sound Gunners 2-10-2, 7th Div.
Seattle Sounders U23s 4-5-5, 4th Div.
Seattle Sounders Women 7-3-2, 3rd Div.
Washington Crossfire 4-7-3, 6th Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Jessica Fishlock (M) Reign (NWSL-1st)
Megan Rapinoe (F) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Chris Brundage (D) Sounders U23 (PDL-NW)
Erin McNulty (G) Sounders Women (WL-NW)
Melissa Busque (M) Sounders Women (WL-NW)
State Youth Challenge Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U10 Crossfire Premier 02 Black ACrossfire Premier 02 Tolstolutsky
U11 Washington Premier 01 BlackSeattle United 01 Copa
U12 Seattle United 00 TangoNW Nationals 00 Blue
U13 Spokane SC Shadow 99 AFCSC Nemesis 99
U14 West Sound FC Red 98VUSA Timbers 98 Red
U15 Highline Premier FC 97 BlueEastside FC 97 White
U16 WSA ArsenalWashington Premier 96 Black
U17 Eastside FC 95 WhiteEastside FC 95 White
U19 ISC Arsenal 93 Red ShaneBlackhills FC 94 Black
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 FWMSC LionsKirkland Cheetahs
U12 BYSC Invisible FlashSLSC Blueberries
U13 United Goal Rush (NYSA)Tracyton Havoc
U14 Vancouver West FC UnitedMontesano Renegades
U15 Harbor SoundersDaredevils
U16 Frostbite FCVortex
U17 Altrec FCE96 Cheetahs
U18-19 Vancouver West MillenniumNorth Bend Fusion
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Crossfire Premier (LWYSA)NW Nationals 00 Red (SSCYSA)
U13 Washington Premier 99 Black (TPCJSA)Crossfire Premier 99 Tolstolutsky (LWYSA)
U14 Washington Premier 98 Black (TPCJSA)Washington Rush 98 Nike (NCYSA)
U15 Crossfire Premier 97 James (LWYSA)PacNW 97 Maroon (GRJSA)
U16 Washington Premier 96 Black (TPCJSA)Shadow 96A (SpVSA)
U17 Crossfire Premier 95 Collings (LWYSA)Eastside FC 94 Reece (EYSA)
U18 Eastside FC 94 Red (EYSA)Crossfire Premier 94 Reece (LWYSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Thomas Jefferson 3Union 0
Boys 3A Bonney Lake 1Shorecrest 0
Boys 2A Cheney 2Tyee 1
Boys 1A Chelan 3Seattle Christian 1
Boys 1B-2B Beer Creek 2Grace Academy 0
Girls 4A Central Valley 1 (3-2)Issaquah 2
Girls 3A Liberty 2Kamiakin 1
Girls 2A Sumner 2Bellingham 0
Girls 1A University Prep 3King's 2
Girls 1B-2B Crosspoint 1Bear Creek 0
Reign Inaugural Match

VIDEO: Reign Inaugural Match

Reign v. Chicago

VIDEO: Reign v. Chicago

Reign defeat WNY

VIDEO: Reign defeat WNY

Sounders vs Tigres

VIDEO: Sounders vs Tigres

Sounders vs Dallas

VIDEO: Sounders vs Dallas

Traore Winner vs SKC

VIDEO: Traore Winner vs SKC

Sounders v. Vancouver

VIDEO: Sounders v. Vancouver

Sounders vs Colorado

VIDEO: Sounders vs Colorado

USA vs Panama in Seattle

VIDEO: USA vs Panama in Seattle

USA vs Australia

VIDEO: USA vs Australia

Kelyn Rowe First MLS Goal

VIDEO: Kelyn Rowe First MLS Goal

UW Men vs Cal

VIDEO: UW Men vs Cal

On this Day in History
November 20, 2016
A brace from Liv Larson and Emily Webster's two assists advances undefeated (22-0-1) Western Washington back to the NCAA semifinals for the third time in four season with a 5-1 win at Colorado Mines. It's coach Travis Connell's 200th win with the Vikings women.
More from 2016 ›
December 20, 1978
South Snohomish County Youth Soccer leaders allow Marc Forsythe, 15, of the Mountlake Terrace Grizzlies to wear a soft foam rubber helmet. Forsythe, who suffered a fractured skull as a toddler, had first worn a hard-shell bicycle helmet. Rules prohibit players to wear “casts, splints and hard guards, jewelry, watches or any hard object. Goalkeeper Alan Mayer wears a soft helmet for San Diego in the NASL.
More from 1978 ›
May 26, 2001
Monroe goalkeeper Ben Dragavon stops two Mercer Island shootout attempts and scores one of his own, leading the Bearcats to the first state championship for any Monroe sports team since 1953. Following a scoreless regulation and overtime, Dragavon scores the Bearcats' first penalty, then saves off Ross Miller in the sixth round to end it, 0-0 (5-4). In the final two minutes of regulation, Dragavon denies the Islanders' Colin Rigby a game-winner. He also saved two penalties in a semifinal advancement over Lakeside.
More from 2001 ›
May 1, 1991
Seattle is among 27 cities submitting bids to host 1994 World Cup matches. The bid committee, headed by Gov. Booth Gardner, proposes games at Husky Stadium, where a raised platform is under consideration for the temporary natural grass surface. Local venue groups must pay for any such renovations. Eight to 12 hosts cities are expected to be named by December. Meanwhile a bill is before the state legislature for $3 million in funding for a 5,000-seat stadium which could also serve as a training center.
More from 1991 ›