A December to Savor

2016 – Around the World and Close to Home

Hilary Clinton becomes the first major party female candidate for the U.S. Presidency and wins the popular vote but ultimately loses the Electoral College to Donald Trump. The United Kingdom votes to quit the European Union. Music legend Prince dies at age 57. Mother Teresa is sainted. Locally, former Mariners star Ken Griffey Jr. is voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame with highest vote total in history. Sound Transit begins light-rail service to Seattle’s Capitol Hill and the University of Washington. And the Washington Huskies, behind Kelsey Plum, become the state’s first NCAA Women’s Final Four team.

A December to Savor

There is more than one way to reach the top, and 2016 was a glorious example of just that. Within a span of seven December days, Western Washington and Seattle Sounders FC won championships in distinctly different fashion.

Culminating a season-long march, Western confirmed its No. 1 billing by ending the reign of a three-time champion. Conversely, for much of the season the Sounders scarcely considered to have postseason potential, let alone become a championship contender.

Seattle's quest for its first MLS Cup was not without its casualties. Sigi Schmid, who had guided the franchise from its infancy to seven straight playoff appearances, not to mention five major trophies, was removed as head coach after 20 games. The Sounders had slumped six games below .500 for the first time and stood ninth out of 10 teams in the West.

Replacing Schmid, initially on an interim basis, was his top assistant, Brian Schmetzer. In the USL era, Schmetzer's Sounders won two championships. Still, it would be a huge task to reach the postseason.

Coinciding with Schmetzer's ascension was the arrival of Nicolas Lodeiro, an inventive and industrious export from Boca Juniors and Uruguayan international. Lodeiro proved to be a catalytic ingredient in midfield, scoring four times and assisting on eight goals in the final 13 matches. His connection to Clint Dempsey was prosperous but unfortunately short-lived. Dempsey, after a hat trick at Orlando and brace versus Portland, experienced an irregular heartbeat and pulled from the lineup with 10 games to go.

Shouldering the offensive load down the stretch would be veteran Paraguayan Nelson Valdez and homegrown rookie sensation Jordan Morris. During four straight wins Morris scored three goals, including two during a vital road victory at L.A. that put Seattle squarely in the playoff race.

After clinching a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season Valdez and Lodeiro figured prominently in wins over Kansas City and Supporters' Shield winner FC Dallas. In the Western Conference finals versus No. 2 overall seed Colorado, Morris struck twice in the 3-1 aggregate series.

Finally, in the MLS Cup Final, played in sub-freezing temperatures against a red-hot, high-powered Toronto FC, defense won the day. Stefan Frei stopped all seven shots on frame, most notably an outstretched leaping save off Jozy Altidore in extra time. Frei saved another try during the penalty phase and centerback Roman Torres struck the decisive blow to earn the trophy (0-0, 5-4). Under Schmetzer and facing seemingly a slew of must-win matches, the Sounders won 12 and drew five of their final 20 games, including postseason.

“They’ve been resilient for a very long time,” Schmetzer said of his team. “But I think at the beginning of this year, when we started off in preseason, we knew we had a good team, a veteran team. The reasons for the slow start we can pick apart. But I think the base was always there. They found a way to win and persevere in tough situations.”

A week earlier in Kansas City, the Western Washington women applied the finishing touches to a near-perfect masterpiece. Following a one-goal, losing decision in the 2015 national final, the Vikings had spent 12 months focused on getting back to that point–and then reaching the summit.

After an opening day draw, Western won out the rest of the way. Twenty-four consecutive victories, 16 of them by multiple goals, 16 by shutout. By mid-October, the Vikings earned the No. 1 ranking in NCAA Division II. They would not relinquish it.

Once in the NCAA tournament, rather than become conservative they were explosive, scoring 15 goals via 10 different players. In their long-awaited rematch with Michigan's Grand Valley State, Western struck from long-range three times – two from Caitlyn Jobanek and the 76th-minute winner from Emily Webster – to oust the Lakers from their D2 throne, 3-2.

"They have so much belief in themselves and the person next to them, and it showed up many times this season," coach Travis Connell said. "That's inside, that's who you are as a person and that's what showed up. The players just said, `we're going to go and win this thing no matter what gets in our way.'"

Western completed its quest by winning 24 straight following an opening day draw. The Vikings joined Seattle Pacific as the only two NCAA women's championship programs in the state. Pacific Lutheran won three NAIA crowns.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
14-14-6, MLS Cup Champion
Coach
Sigi Schmid/Brian Schmetzer
Top Scorer
Jordan Morris (12 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington D1, 3rd rnd Eastern Wash. D1, 1st rnd Western Wash. D2, 2nd rnd Whitworth D3, 1st rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle U. D1, 1st rnd Western Wash. D2, champion Central Wash. D2, 2nd rnd Seattle Pacific D2, 1st rnd Pacific Lutheran D3, 1st rnd
NWAC Men's Champion
Tacoma
NWAC Women's Champion
Peninsula
YOUTH
Boys Regional Champion
Seattle United 98 Copa (U17)
Girls Regional Champion
Eastside 98 Red (U17)
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
Member Associations
41
Largest Attendance
53,302, Sounders v Portland, CenturyLink Field

2016: A December to Savor

Western Washington brings home an NCAA championship, and a week later the Sounders culminate the most unlikely of title-winning tales by lifting the MLS Cup.

Wenatchee Overcomes Lots to Win 4A
May 28, 2016

Wenatchee overcomes one final hurdle of adversity to win its first boys' state championship, 1-0 over Tahoma in the 4A final at Puyallup. Without top scorer Luis Navarette (broken leg in semifinal), the Panthers get a 34' goal from Miguel Viramontes and stiff second -half defense. Viramontes, coming off a three-game suspension, flicks home a header from Salvador Chavez's free kick.

Reign, Crossfire Among Founders of Girls' USDA
June 30, 2016

Reign Academy and Crossfire Premier are selected as two of the 25 founding members of the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy. They will begin play in the fall of 2017 in age groups for U14/U15, U16/U17, and U18/U19.

Seattle U Marks 50 Years of Play
September 30, 2016

Seattle University welcomes back players from 50 seasons of varsity play before a packed Championship Field and treats the alumni to a 2-0 win over 21st-ranked Utah Valley. Sergio Rivas and Sam Langston score 86 seconds apart. Among those recognized at halftime are several members of the first SU team, fielded in 1967.

Langsdorf Sends Stanford Back to College Cup
December 7, 2017

Defending NCAA champion Stanford books a place in the College Cup by beating Louisville away, 2-0. Foster Langsdorf heads the Cardinal in front in the 64th minute. Langsdorf, who also scored in NCAA tournament wins over Pacific and Virginia, takes over the national lead with his eighth game-winner of the season.

Midfield Shot Lands NWC Title for Pirates
October 30, 2016

Whitworth seizes its third straight Northwest Conference men's crown on an overtime winner launched from midfield, beating Willamette, 1-0, in Salem. Center back Kyle Morris takes a restart from Tony Watters and sends a long ball that bounces over the head of the advancing Bearcats keeper and into the goal. It's the Pirates' fourth consecutive win during a nine-game unbeaten (8-0-1) run. The Bucs, who finish 10-0-3 in league, with a seven-point cushion, had started the season 5-3-1.

Sounders Face Tough Opening Act
February 23, 2016

An untested, revamped Seattle Sounders have the unenviable task of facing Concacaf Champions League holder Club America in their season opener at CenturyLink Field. Realistically needing a win in the first leg, they must settle for a 2-2 draw after twice taking the lead through Clint Dempsey. Still 12 days away from an MLS match, the Sounders have not played a competitive game in over three months America has played seven in the Liga MX Clausura. Seattle also grabs a lead in the Mar. 2 return leg in Mexico City before falling, 3-1 (5-3 aggregate).

Vashon's Abi Kim Stars for U.S. U18s
March 7, 2016

Abi Kim of Vashon Island scores her second-game winner for the U.S. Women's Under-18 Team in tournament match vs. Norway. Two days earlier, Kim notched a winner vs. England at the competition in La Manga, Spain. She is a senior at Seattle Christian High School, which she led to a state 1A title in the fall.

Seattle U Wins 16th Straight at Home
October 27, 2016

Alex Roldan scores the go-ahead goal late in the first half and Seattle University rolls to its 16th home win in a row, 4-1 over UNLV at Championship Field. It's the longest current home win streak in Division I. Roldan nods home Sam Langston's cross with 64 seconds left in the half for a 2-1 lead. Nathan Aune increases the gap to 3-1 at 52'. The Redhawks go 7-0-0 at home, out-scoring visitors 22-3.

Sounders Win MLS Cup in Shocker
December 10, 2016

Stefan Frei pulls off the save of the season in extra time and Roman Torres applies the finishing touch in penalty kicks for Sounders FC to cap the unlikeliest of comebacks to claim a first MLS Cup in sub-freezing temperatures in Toronto. Frei extends his frame to bat away Jozy Altidore's header in 108th minute of a 0-0 draw. Seattle is out-shot 19-3 with Frei saving seven, plus another in the shootout. Brad Evans, Andreas Ivanschitz, Joevin Jones and Nico Lodeiro score their shootout attempts over the first five rounds. After Justin Morrow hits the crossbar, Torres rams his decisive penalty down the middle for a 5-4 margin. Since a midseason coaching change, the Sounders go a combined 12-3-5 in league and playoffs.

Seattle Soccer Icon Denzil Dies
October 26, 2016

For generations his name was synonymous with deals on soccer gear in Seattle, but on this day comes news of the untimely passing of Denzil Miskell. For 33 years Denzil was proprietor of Sports Specialties, Puget Sound's original soccer shop, located in Belltown. But he was much, much more than that, sharing stories and sound advice to parents and players alike. Throughout the 70s and 80s, the shop was the hub, the barbershop of the local soccer community.

Sounders Tailspin Continues in KC
July 24, 2016

Following a 3-0 drubbing in Kansas City, the Sounders find themselves in uncharted waters. They are six games under .500 for the first time in the MLS era (6-12-2), having collected just seven points in the last 11 matches, including three multi-goal losses. On a steamy, 96-degree afternoon Sporting out-shoots the listless visitors 19-1. Seattle is 10 points out of the final West playoff position, with just 14 games remaining in the regular season.

Opportunistic SPU Again Reaches NCAAs
November 3, 2016

Although greatly out-shot (15-3), Seattle Pacific twice finds the mark to defeat Central Washington, 2-0, in the GNAC semifinals at Burnaby, B.C. Marksmanship from Maddie Krauss (53') and Hannah Huesers (82') and a scoreless defensive streak reaching 296 minutes put SPU over the line. The Falcons then earn an at-large NCAA berth, their 14th straight.

Seattle United, Eastside U17s Win Regionals
June 24, 2016

Seattle United 98 Copa beats LA Premier FC, 2-0, on goals by Brannon Jong and Vincente Aquino Contreras in Boise. Meanwhile, JoJo Harber and Alex Kirton tally for Eastside 98 Red in 2-0 win over Utah's Celtic 99 Premier. Seattle United goes on to take fourth place in U17 USYSA Nationals in Frisco, Texas. FC Salmon Creek Nemesis, representing Oregon, wins the U15 girls regional, 3-1 over Rebel SC Elite of San Diego. They are knocked out in nationals group play.

Vikings Rally to Win West
November 18, 2016

Gabriela Pelogi strikes early in overtime to complete top-ranked Western Washington's comeback to repeat as West Region champion in Division II with a 2-1 win over UC San Diego in Golden, Co. Pelogi equalizes in the 53rd minute and runs onto Taylor Hallquist's ball over the top to win it 2:03 into the first overtime. The Vikings proceed to vanquish quarterfinal host Colorado School of Mines, 5-1, and Kutztown (Pa.), 3-0, to reach their first championship final.

Reign Rallies to Win But Misses Playoffs
September 25, 2016

The Seattle Reign completes its first two-goal comeback win and gets their first road victory in five months, 3-2 at Houston. Still, they miss the NWSL playoffs, finishing two points behind Western New York, which won at Boston the night before. The rally from 2-nil down begins with a half-hour remaining with Manon Melis's seventh goal. Kim Little ties it at 76' and Bev Yanez delivers the winner six minutes later.

Reign Attack Parked in Neutral
June 25, 2016

Following two seasons of shields and glorious goals, the Seattle Reign can only grind away in hopes that their attack will re-ignite. The Reign earns a fourth straight shutout, 0-0 in sweltering heat at Kansas City. Yet they have only scored a single goal in those four games and four goals in the last eight. Help, however, is on the way. Japanese international forward Naho Kawasumi, who flourished for Seattle in 2014, signed on June 16 and will become available in July.

Interlake Repeats in 3A Boys
May 28, 2016

Bellevue's Interlake become the first repeat state 3A titleist in 17 years behind Sam Dawson's seven saves and an early goal from Austin Ball to pip Mercer Island, 1-0, at Puyallup's Sparks Stadium. Ball's score is a solo effort in the 16th minute. The Saints go 10-2 in their final 12 games. The Islanders had beaten Interlake three times and out-shot Interlake, 19-3 in the final. It's their third runner-up finish in five years.

Uruguayan Orchestrator Arrives
July 27, 2016

Sounders FC signs Uruguay international and Boca Juniors star midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro, 27, to a DP contract. He arrives at Starfire offices to complete the signing mere minutes after announcement of Sigi Schmid's dismissal. Lodeiro helped Boca reach the Copa Libertadores semifinal earlier in the year. Seattle also signs former DP Alvaro Fernandez, Lodeiro's close friend and former teammate. Fernandez played for the Sounders from 2010-12.

Solo, Rapinoe Among WNT Members Filing EEOC Complaint
March 31, 2016

Five players from the World Cup-winning U.S. Women's National Team accuse the U.S. Soccer Federation of wage discrimination in an action filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Reign players Hope Solo and Megan Rapinoe joined Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd and Becky Sauerbrunn in the filing, stating they were paid nearly four times less than their male counterparts on the U.S. men’s national team.

Fall City School Field Begins Renovation
June 8, 2016

Fall City's Chief Kanim Middle School begins renovations on its playing field, in large part thanks to the Snoqualmie Valley Youth Soccer Association. The new artificial turf surface will be lighted, enabling year-round play. SVYS contributed $1 million to the $2.1M project that replaces a sod surface which has deteriorated significantly since opening in 1991.

Walla Walla Goes Winless, Again
October 30, 2016

Walla Walla becomes the second collegiate four-year program to finish winless in back-to-back seasons, losing to Carroll College, 4-0, in Helena, Mt. the Wolves (0-13-0), who were 0-15-0 in 2015, did not manage to score a single goal and allowed 10 or more in four games. Their losing streak has reached 32 games, dating back to 2014.

Megson Becomes Second-Generation Star
October 6, 2016

Alex Megson, like the MASL club itself, becomes a second-generation Star. Megson, 30, is the son of former MISL Tacoma Stars captain Neil Megson and grew up in Gig Harbor. He has played indoor in Chicago, Syracuse and was a teammate of current Tacoma teammate Danny Waltman with Kansas City in 2014.

Vikings Win NCAA D2 Women's Title
December 3, 2016

Three long-range blasts lift Western Washington to a 3-2 victory over three-time defending champion Grand Valley State (Mich.) at Kansas City. Caitlyn Jobanek scores twice for the Vikings, who finished the season with 24 consecutive wins. But it's Emily Webster's 76th-minute free kick that proved the difference. Western becomes the state's second NCAA women's champion Seattle Pacific won in 2008.

Dam Breaks, Reign Hit Fiver
July 23, 2016

The attacking pieces finally are falling into place for the Seattle Reign, as evidenced in a record-tying 5-2 beating of Orlando. With injuries healing and Naho Kawasumi in form, the goals are flowing again. Kim Killte (penalty), Jessica Fishlock and Manon Melis put Seattle up 3-nil after 47 minutes. The Reign, now with 10 goals in the last four outings, leapfrog the Pride into sixth place and playoff contention.

Valdez Ignites Sounders' Playoff Run
October 27, 2016

Never mind that Nelson Valdez hadn't scored in a year, the Paraguayan veteran striker comes off the bench to score in the 88th minute for the Sounders to beat Sporting Kansas City, 1-0, in a first-round playoff knockout match at CenturyLink Field. Sporting KC is the stronger side for much of the match, forcing Stefan Frei to make seven saves. Seattle's sole shot on-target comes when a driven Joevin Jones cross is head home by Valdez. His last (and only) Sounders goal in league play came 364 days earlier, in a knockout win over LA.

Sounders Eliminate Stubborn Pumas
June 15, 2016

The Seattle Sounders finally find a goal in the final 19 minutes and proceed to finish off the Kitsap Pumas in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup at Starfire. Cristian Roldan breaks the scoreless stalemate from short range – his first career goal – but the Sounders cannot exhale until Joevin Jones connects a minute into stoppage time. Sigi Schmid is not on the bench while serving a suspension carryover from 2015. He returns for the fifth-round advancement at Real Salt Lake, 1-1 (4-1).

Early Stars Coach Goodwin Passes
February 19, 2016

Freddie Goodwin, a Manchester United legend and onetime Tacoma Stars executive and coach, dies of cancer in Gig Harbor. He was 82. Goodwin came to Puget Sound in 1983 as VP of the original MISL Tacoma Stars. He took over as coach between 1983-85 before transitioning out of soccer to become a Vashon Island travel agent. Goodwin was one of the Busby Babes who helped Man United win English championships in 1956 and '57. In America, he was one of the NASL's top 10 winningest coaches with Minnesota (1976-81).

Seattle's MLS Playoff Streak Intact
October 23, 2016

It's a sprint to the finish line, but the Sounders punch their ticket to the playoffs on Decision Day with a 2-1 home win over Real Salt Lake before 50,022. The sides swap goal in the opening four minutes, but Cristian Roldan buries the 31' rebound off a Roman Torres header that was saved. Since Nicolás Lodeiro's arrival and Brian Schmetzer's elevation to interim coach, Seattle is 8-2-4. It vaults over RSL and Kansas City to the No. 4 seed.

Morris Clinches MLS Cup Berth
November 27, 2016

Behind Stefan Frei's shutout and a second-half strike from Jordan Morris, the Sounders clinch the first berth in an MLS Cup final with 1-0 Leg 2 win in Colorado (3-1 aggregate). Seattle, which fell short of the final in seven previous playoff runs, gets the vital goal in the 56th minute. Postseason hero Nelson Valdez springs an in-stride Morris to race into the box and find the far post. Morris had also scored in the 2-1 first leg win in Seattle, with Nico Lodeiro also getting his fourth playoff goal.

Central Earns Record 13th Win
October 29, 2016

Central Washington proceeds to the postseason on the heels of a program record 13th win, 1-0 at Saint Martin's, to cap the regular season. The Wildcats bounce back from two consecutive losses on Mackenzie Nolte's seventh goal, coming in the 15th minute. Central goes on to receive its first national tournament berth in 30 seasons.

Messi, Argentina Stop in Seattle
June 14, 2016

Five-time FIFA world player of the year Lionel Messi and Argentina pull 47,753 to Seattle's CenturyLink Field for a Copa America Centenario group stage match with Bolivia. Messi, coming back from a back injury, plays only the second half in the 3-0 win. The crowd greets him with chants of "Messi, Messi, Messi," and he nearly scores on a curling 25-yard free kick that slides just wide. It's Messi's first Seattle appearance since accompanying Barcelona for a Sounders friendly in 2009.

Rapinoe Voted Seattle Sports Star
February 10, 2016

Seattle Reign's Megan Rapinoe is voted Seattle Female Sports Star of the Year for 2015. Rapinoe beats out a field that includes the Seattle Storm’s Jewell Loyd and Washington Huskies hoops star Kelsey Plum. In 2015, Rapinoe starred for both the Reign, who again won the NWSL Shield and reached the playoff final, and the USWNT, which won the FIFA World Cup. She becomes soccer's fourth female star of the year .

Morris Wins MLS Rookie of Year
November 10, 2016

After setting an American rookie record for goals (12), Seattle Sounders homegrown forward Jordan Morris is named MLS Rookie of the Year.

Surging Sounders Win Fourth Straight
October 2, 2016

Despite going a goal down early, the shorthanded Sounders catch and pass Vancouver, 2-1, at BC Place for their season-best fourth straight win. Seattle plays without Clint Dempsey, Nico Lodeiro and Andreas Ivanschitz and loses Alvaro Fernandez to injury after 10 minutes. Pedro Morales hits a 25' penalty for the Whitecaps but – after Osvaldo Alonso ties it late in the first half – is then sent off early in the second half. Brad Evans decides the outcome at 81', with the ninth straight penalty conversion of his career.

Camas Cruises Past West Valley in 4A
November 19, 2016

Camas completes an unbeaten (22-0-1) season by cruising past West Valley, 3-0, in the girls’ 4A title match at Puyallup. The Papermakers go on top almost immediately through Maddie Kemp’s record 31st goal in the seventh minute. Shots from distance by Sabine Postma and Morgan Winston create some distance in the second half, despite 13 saves from Rams keeper Jada Stevenson. In winning its first crown Camas outscored opponents 88-2.

Angela Huber Named USYSA Rec Coach of the Year
January 16, 2016

Rochester resident and Tumwater Soccer Club coach Angela Huber is named U.S. Youth Soccer's Girls Recreational Coach of the Year in Baltimore. Huber, who guides a TSC U15 team, emphasizes having fun and her players respond by growing more competitive. She mixes in drills she knows the girls will love, and she has an ability to relate to each individual on her team by understanding how to motivate each player.

Sounders Women Advance to West Final
July 23, 2016

Cassie Miller makes a series of outstanding saves, and Kate Bennett gets the deciding goal in the Sounders Women's 2-1 victory over Beach Futbol Club in a first-round WPSL playoff at Sacramento. Brianna Hooks puts Seattle up early, and Bennett hits the net from outside the box for a 2-nil lead. Miller then saves a penalty kick. The Sounders Women also go in front the following day in stifling, 100-degree heat vs. the San Diego Sea Lions. Kaycie Tillman scores on a solo effort to go ahead, 2-1. But San Diego scores twice in the final 10 minutes to win, 3-2.

Sounders U-23s Stopped by Calgary
July 19, 2016

After reaching the PDL playoffs for the second year in a row, the Seattle Sounders U-23s exit at the first stage, 3-1 in overtime at Calgary Foothills. Tied at 1-1, Seattle has two prime go-ahead opportunities with 20 minutes to go. Andrew Wheeler-Ominu has his penalty kick saved, and his rebound attempt misses high. The hosts proceeded to dominate extra time and advance. Calgary proceeds to win the West and finish national runner-up to the Michigan Bucks.

Vikings Stage Upset in NCAA Debut
November 11, 2016

Stephen Jinneman scores to lift Western Washington over 19th-ranked Dixie State (Ut.), 3-2, in the Vikings' first-ever NCAA tournament game at La Jolla, Ca. Brady Ulen scores a pair of penalty kicks in regulation. Dixie State ties it in the 89th minute. In the 98th, Ulen's long throw is flicked on by Jeremiah Lee to Jinneman for a 7-yard, game-winning header.

Morris Gets First MLS Goal
April 16, 2016

Homegrown rookie forward Jordan Morris scores his first professional goal to help defeat Philadelphia, 2-1. In his seventh start, Morris outraces the Union backline to reach Andreas Ivanschitz's ball and poke it past Andre Blake in the 71st minute. When substituted later, Morris receives a standing ovation and is happily greeted by his father, team physician Dr. Michael Morris. It starts a four-game span in which Morris scores second-half goals in each, with Seattle winning three.

Seattle United '00s Win Again
February 21, 2016

Seattle United boys 00 Copa win their third straight Washington State Youth Championship, this time at the U15 level, beating Eastside FC 00 Red, 1-0, at Starfire.

Tacoma Playoff Comeback Halted
March 2, 2016

A late surge by Tacoma forces overtime, but San Diego stifles the Stars in overtime of the Pacific Division semifinals, 8-7, at ShoWare Center. Tacoma trails from the opening minute and by 6-3 entering the fourth period. Vince McCluskey, Steve Mohn, Michael Ramos and Raphael Cox level it at 7-7 with less than a minute remaining. In the second extra period, Kraig Chiles scores his fourth goal of the night. The Sockers coast, 11-3, in the second game Mar. 6 to advance.

USOC: Kitsap Knocks Out Sacramento
June 1, 2016

The Kitsap Pumas pull off the biggest upset of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup's third round, defeating USL Sacramento Republic, 3-1, on the road. All the scoring occurs in a six-minute phase midway through the second half. Michael Ramos answers the Sacramento equalizer on a rebound of a save of his initial shot. Javier Castro, who tallied the game's first goal, provides a two-goal cushion in the 65th minute. It's the firs time the Pumas have reached the fourth round. The Republic go on to finish atop the USL Western Division.

Stars Make Playoffs
February 26, 2016

Joey Gjertsen scores twice and Michael Ramos nails the deciding goal as Stars clinch a MASL playoff berth in their first full season by beating Ontario, 5-4, before 3,500 at ShoWare Center. Tacoma's finishes 13-7 and goes on to play San Diego in the first round.

Reign's Winters Retires
September 10, 2016

Reign captain and midfield stalwart Keelin Winters announces her retirement, effective at the end of the season. Winters, 27, has anchored Seattle's defensive midfield for four seasons and, before that, the Sounders Women.

Depleted Reign's Slow Start Continues
May 22, 2016

Missing several of the major cogs in their machine, the Seattle Reign lose just their third home game in three seasons, 2-1 to Chicago, to continue a sluggish start. Megan Rapinoe (torn knee ligament) and Jessica Fishlock (fractured tibia) and Manon Melis (tibia fracture) remain out, and Hope Solo misses the match while at her grandmother's funeral. The Red Stars' Jen Hoy gets free for second-half goals 11 minutes apart. Kim Little's 89' penalty is the only solace as Seattle sags to 2-3-1.

Redhawks Earn NCAA Berth
November 6, 2016

Overcoming an early setback, Seattle University gets a late goal from freshman Jessie Ray to defeat host UM Kansas City, 2-1, in the WAC tournament final. With it comes the Redhawks' third NCAA berth in four years. They enter the national tournament on a 10-game win streak. The Kangaroos take a brief 1-nil lead after seven minutes. Karli White needs 76 seconds to cancel that out with her sixth goal. Tournament MVP Natasha Howe finds Ray for the winner in the 72nd minute.

Sounders Reverse Score on Timbers
August 21, 2016

Getting another big-time performance from Clint Dempsey, Seattle turns the tables on Portland with a 3-1 home victory before 53,302. The Sounders, who during their doldrums fell to the Timbers five weeks earlier by the same score, grab all their goals in the final half-hour. After Cristian Roldan is knocked down in the box, Dempsey converts the 61' penalty. He scores again at 80', and Roldan makes it 3-nil at 83'. Now just two points out of a playoff spot, it's Seattle's third straight win under interim coach Brian Schmetzer.

Copa America Centenario Arrives in Seattle
June 4, 2016

The first of three Copa America Centenario matches on the temporary grass at CenturyLink Field pits Peru against Haiti. While not necessarily a marquee match-up and with tickets starting at $50, the crowd of 20,190 is encouraging. A large Peruvian following cheers their side on to a 1-0 group victory.

Scott Honored for Service
October 23, 2016

Prior to his final regular season game, retiring Sounders defender Zach Scott, 36, is presented the Golden Scarf. Scott, who will go onto make 353 appearances in all competitions since 2002, is also depicted in 20,000 bobbleheads distributed to fans.

Empowering Players, Serving Community
December 16, 2016

Woodinville's Joe Matthews is named 2016 USYSA Girls Recreational Coach of the Year. Matthews stresses player safety, having fun and developing soccer skills while empowering players to make decisions and communicate among themselves during a match. In addition, Matthews and his team volunteer at the local community kitchen.

S2 Beats the Heat in Road Comeback
July 16, 2016

Darwin Jones scores two goals as the Sounders FC2 overcome a deficit and oppressive heat for a 3-2 victory over Arizona United on the road. The kickoff temperature is 109 degrees at the Peoria Sports Complex. Down 2-1 late in the first half, Jordan Schweitzer pulls S2 into a halftime tie. Jones then nets his second goal and the game-winner in the 56th minute. It's the second win in a row of a four-game win streak.

Sweden Frustrates Solo, U.S. at Olympics
August 12, 2016

Defensively postured, Sweden extends the U.S. to penalty kick before prevailing, 1-1 (4-3) in a quarterfinal Olympic match at Brasilia. “I thought we played a courageous game,” Solo says afterward. “I also think we played a bunch of cowards. The best team did not win today. I strongly and firmly believe that.”

Reign Lock Arms, Stay Alive
September 11, 2016

Goals from Beverly Yanez and Keelin Winters, playing her final home game, keep the Reign playoff hopes alive with a 2-0 win over Washington before 4,711. On the 15th anniversary of 9/11, Seattle players stand and lock arms during the national anthem. At Chicago on Sept. 4, Megan Rapinoe took a knee in support of Colin Kaepernick's kneeling to call attention to issue of racial inequality and police brutality. At Washington on Sept. 7, the Spirit moved up the pregame anthem to avoid having any players on-field. Winters is presented a firefighter’s uniform from members of the Kirkland Fire Department, which she will join after completing her season.

Western Asserts It's Best in West
September 14, 2016

Coming off an NCAA semifinal advancement nine months prior, Western Washington makes it case for remaining the best women's Division II program in the West. The No. 17 Vikings get first-half goals from Gabriela Pelogi, Erin Russell and Jordyn Bartelson and ease to a 3-2 home win over No. 6 UC San Diego. The outcome instantly vault WWU to seventh in the nation.

Solo Stones France at Olympics
August 6, 2016

Hope Solo stands tall against France as the United States advances to the Olympic Games quarterfinals by blanking France, 1-0, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Solo makes three strong saves in the first half, including a 26' stop on Marie-Laure Delie in a 1-on-1, point-blank situation. She denies Delie again in a similar plot just before halftime. Carli Lloyd scores in the second half and Solo earns her second shutout of the tournament and record 102nd of her USWMNT career.

Western's Shugarts Is Player of Year
December 7, 2016

Western Washington's Sierra Shugarts, a junior from Federal Way, is named NSCAA National Player of the Year, becoming only the second defender to claim the award.

Western Takes Down No. 3 Simon Fraser
November 3, 2016

Western Washington's resolute defense holds strong, and freshman Christian Rotter delivers the icing to a 1-0 upset of No. 3-ranked Simon Fraser at Harrington Field. The Vikings' fourth straight shutout win raises their postseason chances. Rotter, who hit the crossbar midway throug the second half, hits the winner in the 82nd minute on a cross from Elezar Galvan. Western goes 5-0-1 down the stretch to earn an at-large NCAA berth, its first.

Lodeiro Leads Way in Upset
October 30, 2016

Nico Lodeiro scores two of the Sounders' three goals in an 8-minute, second-half outburst and Seattle takes command of the West semifinal playoff series by beating Supporters Shield winner FC Dallas, 3-0, in the first leg. Nelson Valdez breaks the ice in the 50th minute, heading in a Joevin Jones cross for his third career playoff goal in five appearances. Five minutes later, Jordan Morris finds a streaking Lodeiro, who taps in for a 2-nil lead. Three minutes after that, Lodeiro breaks away from a midfield pack of defenders, then scores in a 1-on-1 vs. Chris Seitz. At Dallas a week later, he scores again in a 2-1 loss that nevertheless clinches the series, 4-2 on aggregate.

Langsdorf, Stanford Three-Peat in Pac-12
November 11, 2016

Foster Langsdorf caps Stanford’s third straight Pac-12 championship season with an overtime winner over rival Cal, 2-1 in Berkeley. Washington’s loss to Oregon State a day earlier had clinched the crown for the Cardinal. Stanford is the first to three-peat since UCLA in 2004. Langsdorf finishes a 6-yard header past Jonathan Klinsmann in the 98th minute. On Nov. 15 he is named Pac-12 co-player of the year.

Dempsey Secures Passage in Copa America
June 11, 2016

Clint Dempsey's first-half goal allows the USMNT to survive DeAndre Yedlin's red card to score a 1-0 win over Paraguay in Philadelphia and reach the quarterfinal of Copa America Centenario.

Late Galaxy Goals Oust Sounders in USOC
July 20, 2016

Although mired in a midseason slump, the Sounders appear to be on their way to the U.S. Open Cup semifinals when the Los Angeles Galaxy go to their bench and score three late goals to win the quarterfinal 4-2 at Carson, Ca. Herculez Gomez restores the visitors advantage at 58'. Then the Galaxy bring on MLS All-star and Mexico international Giovani dos Santos and he ties it within three minutes, at 77'. Another substitute, Gyasi Zardes, sets-up Sebastian Lletget for a pair of goals three minutes apart (85', 88').

Huskies Snap Stanford Home Streak
October 30, 2016

Washington deals defending national champion Stanford its only Pac-12 loss and first home defeat in 22 games, 1-0 in overtime. The 16th-ranked Huskies get eight saves from Auden Schilder to silence the No. 9 Cardinal, then Justin Schmidt heads in Handwalla Bwana's corner kick 80 seconds into extra time. UW goes onto win a sixth straight, 1-0 vs. UCLA. Bwana is later voted conference freshman of the year.

Harber Goals Prove Difference for Bellevue
November 19, 2016

For the second night in a row a JoJo Harber goal is the margin of victory for Bellevue, which defeats Southridge, 1-0, in the 3A girls' final. Harber, who missed half of the season with the U17 national team, ended Seattle Prep's 44-game win streak in the semifinals, 1-0. Against Southridge, Harber finds the upper corner three minutes into the game for her 12th goal. The undefeated Wolverines deal the Suns their third consecutive championship loss.

Seattle United First in Line
February 11, 2016

Seattle United becomes the first youth club to partner with both the Seattle Reign and Sounders academies.

Sounders 2 Win Fourth Straight
August 1, 2016

Braces from Darwin Jones and Myron Samuel pace Sounders 2 past the Real Monarchs at Starfire Stadium. It's Seattle's fourth win in a row, equaling the longest win streak in the club's two-year existence. It's part of a six-game unbeaten run following a miserable start.

Schmetzer Made Permanent
November 2, 2016

Brian Schmetzer is named head coach on a permanent basis after guiding the team to an 8-2-4 record down the stretch to clinch a playoff berth and reaching the Western Conference semifinals. Schmetzer had coached the USL Sounders from 2002-08 and served as Sigi Schmid's top assistant since 2009. Initially, he was named interim successor to Schmid.

Sounders 2 Top USL Cascadia
September 2, 2016

Darwin Jones scores the winner four minutes into stoppage time as Sounders 2 come from behind to beat Vancouver, 2-1, in the home finale at Starfire. Seattle proves superior to its Cascadia rivals over the campaign, going 5-1-2 versus Portland and Vancouver. While S2 has reversed fortunes to close within a point of the playoff line over the summer, they take just two points in the final four, all on the road.

Schmid Fired Mid-Season
July 26, 2016

Sigi Schmid's 8-year tenure as the only coach in Sounders FC history comes to an end with his dismissal. Seattle is 6-12-2 and has won just once in seven league games. In the club’s first 7-plus seasons, Schmid had gone 115-79-56 and won four U.S Open Cups and a Supporters’ Shield. He was runner-up for 2014 MLS Coach of the Year. Brian Schmetzer is named interim head coach. It's the first time any Seattle pro club has fired a coach during the season.

Solo, USA Bound for Olympics
February 21, 2016

Hope Solo makes one critical save as the United States defeats Canada, 2-0, in the final match at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in Houston. Solo is also named the tournament's outstanding goalkeeper.

Archbishop Murphy Takes 2A Again
May 28, 2016

Archbishop Murphy of Everett turns back Quincy's upset bid with freshman Daniel Mycroft's shootout save to retain the boys' 2A title, 1-1 (4-3) at Sumner. Quincy strikes first at 51', with Kevin Rios tucking it inside the near post, the first goal allowed by Murphy in nine games. The Wildcats' Matt Williams responds quickly, tying it at 56'. They convert all four penalties, and Mycroft, who made two saves in the semifinal shootout with Sehome, stops the Jackrabbits' fifth attempt. In winning its last 20 games, Murphy is the first 2A repeat champion in 11 years and has four titles, including two in 1A (one as Holy Cross).

Eastern Off to Strong Start
September 25, 2016

A Chloe Williams penalty kick with 34 seconds left in the first overtime period is the difference in Eastern Washington's 2-1 win over Idaho at Cheney. Williams is taken down on the right side of the box, then steps to the spot for the winner and her 24th career goal, tying her for the EWU record. The Eagles are off to a 2-0-0 start in the Big Sky and its part of an 10-game unbeaten run through Oct. 14.

Gala Launches Youth Foundation
September 9, 2016

Washington Youth Soccer celebrates its 50th anniversary with a Bellevue gala and auction to support the launch of its foundation. U.S. Women's National Team coach Jill Ellis delivers the keynote address. The Soccer for Success program after-school program strives to make the game more accessible to children and focuses primarily on underserved youth and communities.

Seattle's Barnes Named Defender of the Year
October 5, 2016

Seattle Reign center back Lauren Barnes, marshal of a defense that led the league with eight shutouts, is voted NWSL Defender of the Year. Barnes has been a fixture in the backline since the Reign's 2013 inaugural season.

Legends Screen Bo66y
October 25, 2016

Washington State Legends of Soccer hosts community leaders for a screening of the documentary entitled Bo66y, featuring former Sounders star and England 1966 World Cup captain Bobby Moore at The NINETY. WA Legends had filed its articles of incorporation as a 501(c)(3) on Oct. 19, 2016.

Lodeiro's Instant Impact Recognized
November 21, 2016

Catalyst to a Seattle resurgence down the stretch, midfielder Nico Lodeiro wins MLS Newcomer of the Year. Lodeiro scored four goals and assisted on eight in 13 games and the Sounders went 7-2-4.

Little Leaves for Arsenal
October 17, 2016

Former NWSL MVP Kim Little, 26, announces she's leaving the Seattle Reign after three seasons to join Arsenal Ladies, her former club. Little, a Scottish international, scored 33 times for Seattle including a club record 17 in 2014 regular season and playoffs.

Whitman Adopts New Mascot
November 3, 2016

Whitman College has choses "Blues" as its new mascot. A recent survey to alumni, students, faculty and staff members showed 35 percent of respondents chose the Blues as their first choice, while 58 percent voted it their first or second choice. Whitman's athletic teams had formerly used the nickname "Missionaries."

Stars Win Again, Reach Pacific Heights
December 18, 2016

Alex Megson scores on the power play as Tacoma moves into a tie for first in the Pacific Division with an 8-7 decision over San Diego. The Stars (6-3), who get the tying marker from Joey Gjertsen three minutes before Megson's winner, have won three in a row and are 4-0 at home.

Okoli Voted USL MVP
November 4, 2016

FC Cincinnati forward and Federal Way native Sean Okoli is voted the United Soccer League's Most Valuable Player after leading the USL with 16 goals. Okoli, 23, was recognized with USL Team of the Week honors five times while helping first-year Cincinnati finish 16-8-6. After being signed as a Homegrown by the Sounders, he was traded to New England in 2015, then released.

Lutes Ends Loggers' Run, Clinch Berth
November 2, 2016

Takara Mitsui makes two saves to earn her 15th shutout of the season as Pacific Lutheran punches its first ticket to the NCAA Division III women's tournament by beating rival Puget Sound, 2-0, at Parkland. Kaylie Rozell and Machaela Graddy score in the second half to snap the Loggers' string of 14 consecutive Northwest Conference titles. The Lutes proceed to finish the regular season undefeated and Mitsui totals 39 career shutouts.

Eastern Wins First Big Sky Title
November 6, 2016

Parlaying home-field advantage, Eastern Washington wins its first Big Sky Conference championship, and also its first NCAA tournament berth, with a shootout decision over Northern Arizona, 1-1 (4-3), at Cheney. Jenny Chavez ties it in the 49th minute and later converts the first shootout penalty. Mallory Taylor saves the first NAU attempt, and the Lumberjacks' fifth attempt sails high. EWU had upset top seed Idaho, 1-0, in the semifinals, on an Allison Raniere goal in the 88th minute.

Yedlin Moves to Newcastle
August 24, 2016

Seattle's DeAndre Yedlin is transferred from Tottenham to Newcastle of the Championship for £5 million and a five-year contract. Yedlin had spent the previous season on loan to Sunderland in the Premiership. On Sept. 10, he scores his first goal for Newcastle, striking in injury time in a 2-0 victory at Derby.

Dempsey Shut Down
August 26, 2016

Detection of an irregular heartbeat ends Clint Dempsey's season. Dempsey had scored eight goals in 17 games for the Sounders, including a hat trick at Orlando City three weeks earlier.

Sounders Women Perfect in Division
July 16, 2016

The Seattle Sounders Women remain perfect by wrapping-up their Northwest Division slate with a 3-1 win at Vancouver's North Shore GSC. Becca Schoales, Megan Lindsey and Kate Bennett all score in the first half as Seattle goes 10-0-0 in its first WPSL season. It goes into the playoffs with a goal differential of 37-6.

Martins Exits to Asia
February 25, 2016

Sounders star striker Obafemi Martins is sold to Shanghai Shenhua of the Chinese Super League for a reported $2M. Martins had scored 40 goals in 72 MLS games since joining Seattle in 2013. He was 2014 league MVP runner-up. Martins, 31, will nearly double his 2016 salary, from $3.3M to $6.6M. The move, rumored for a couple weeks, comes in between Concacaf Champions League legs vs. Club America.

Witzel's Four Goals End Saints' Woes
October 31, 2016

A four-goal outburst from Kyle Witzel is just what Saint Martin's requires to snap a five-game losing streak, 5-1, versus Concordia. It's Witzel's first hat trick and ties the SMU single game record. He scores twice in each half, with his fourth goal making it 4-0 in the 59th minute. The Saints had scored only four goals in their last five contests.

Morris Stays Home, Signs Deal
January 21, 2016

Mercer Island's Jordan Morris spurns an opportunity at Werder Bremen to sign a record MLS Homegrown Player contract with the Sounders. Morris, 21, is coming off 23 goals and 16 assists in three seasons with Stanford, winning an NCAA championship and the Hermann Trophy as a junior. He already has seven caps for the USMNT.

WAC 101 Cup Draws Record Crowd
September 25, 2016

The inaugural WAC/101 Club Cup attracts a record crowd to Montlake to see Washington handle Seattle University, 2-1. Handwalla Bwana and Elijah Rice score in each half before 3,419, the largest attendance inHusky Soccer Stadium history. It's part of UW's four-game win streak, which is capped by a 4-0 win at UCLA.

Solo Suspended for Olympic Outburst
August 24, 2016

Hope Solo is suspended by U.S. Soccer for six months following her calling Sweden a "bunch of cowards" in the wake of an Olympic Games quarterfinal exit. Sweden coach Pia Sundhage’s strategy was to play defensively, and they advanced via a shootout in Brasilia, 1-1 (4-3). U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati says Solo's comments were "unacceptable and do not meet the standard of conduct we require from our national team players." Three days later Solo, 35, takes an indefinite leave from the Seattle Reign.

Morris Brace Impacts Road Win
September 25, 2016

Jordan Morris scores twice in a 10-minute span of the second half to bring Seattle from behind for a 4-2 road win over the LA Galaxy. It's the Sounders' first road win vs. the Galaxy since 2009 and third of four straight wins which put the Sounders firmly back in the playoff hunt. Morris's 12 goals is the most in MLS history by an American rookie.

US Beats Ecuador at CLink
June 16, 2016

Scoring the opener and setting-up the winner, Clint Dempsey stars in America's 2-1 quarterfinal win over Ecuador before 47,322 at CenturyLink Field. In terms of prize money, it's the most important game to ever be played in Seattle, with the victor assured of earning $1 million to reach the semifinals. Dempsey puts the USMNT ahead in the 22nd minute on a header from the penalty spot. In the 65th minute he drives a ball that Gyasi Zardes nods in for a 2-nil lead. Brad Guzan makes two stops, notably a kick-save in first-half stoppage time. The U.S. goes on to take fourth place. Seattle's DeAndre Yedlin misses the game after being sent off vs. Paraguay June 11.

Seattle U Wraps-Up Another WAC Title
October 23, 2016

Goals from Karli White and Isabelle Butterfield in the first 13 minutes send Seattle University on its way to a 3-0 victory over Chicago State to wrap-up a fourth straight WAC regular season championship at Championship Field. Natasha Howe, one of three seniors honored before the contest, contributes the third goal and an assist in the seventh straight SU win. The Redhawks eventually finish 7-0 in conference, eight points ahead of Cal State Bakersfield.

Dempsey Hat Trick Snaps Sounders' Funk
August 7, 2016

Clint Dempsey and the Sounders both snap out of a funk with his three goals supplying all the firepower in a 3-1 win at Orlando City. For Dempsey, who's scored just three times in the first 12 games, it's his second career hat trick. Newly-signed Nico Lodeiro and rookie Jordan Morris assist on two of the goals. Seattle had gone just 2-8-2 in the previous 14 outings which resulted in a coaching change.

S2 Caves at Orange County
June 4, 2016

Sounders 2 seems to be on their way to solving their woes when the roof collapses at Orange County. Andy Craven gives the visitors a 2-nil lead in the second half, but the Blues score five times in the final half-hour of a 5-2 USL win. Four goals come after Jordan Schweitzer is sent off at 62'. Seattle is now off to a 1-7-4 start.

Rapinoe Returns, Reign Drub Thorns
August 27, 2016

Returning from a four-week break for the Olympics, the Seattle Reign get a brace from Manon Melis, and Megan Rapinoe scores in her first club appearance of the season during a 3-1 drubbing of Portland before 5,888 at Memorial Stadium. Melis has four goals in her last four games. Rapinoe returns from missing the first 15 games while recovering from a torn right ACL in December. Haley Kopmeyer, the heir-apparent to Hope Solo, makes six saves.

Vikings Rise to No. 1, Repeat in GNAC
October 11, 2016

Western Washington moves to the top Division II women following an 11th straight win. The Vikings proceed to live up to their new No. 1 coaches' ranking by winning out the remainder of the regular season. Included in that stretch is the biggest margin over arch-rival Seattle Pacific (4-0) on Oct. 20 and a 4-1 win against Central Washington to repeat as GNAC champion. Both are on the road, and the WWU regular season unbeaten streak reaches 42 (38-0-4).

Huskies Reach NCAA Third Round
November 20, 2016

Washington moves to the NCAA tournament's third round for the third time in four years by scoring three second-half goals in a 4-1 win over New Mexico on Montlake. The Lobos, who beat UW in a 2013 quarterfinal, strike first. But after Justin Schmidt scores directly from a 28' corner kick, the No. 14 Huskies shift into gear. Scott Menzies, Elijah Rice and Beau Blanchard hit the net in the first 20 minutes after switching ends. Denver eliminates Washington, 2-1, on Nov. 26.

Hanson Exits UPS After 20 Seasons
January 21, 2016

Randy Hanson's immensely successful run as Puget Sound women's coach comes to a close with his retirement. Hanson leaves after taking the Loggers to 16 NCAA Division III tournaments and an overall record of 303-74-36. UPS reached the 2004 championship game and advanced to the quarterfinals or beyond four times between 2002-07. His last 13 teams won Northwest Conference crowns. On March 30, Joseph Vari is named Hanson's successor.

Western's Connell Gets 200th Win
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.

Stars Win to Make Playoffs
February 26, 2016

Getting goals from Vince McCluskey and Michael Ramos in the final four minutes, Tacoma rallies to beat Ontario, 5-4, in the MASL regular season finale to snatch a playoff berth at the ShoWare Center. The Stars surged down the stretch, winning six of the last eight, including an 8-7 victory over San Diego Feb. 20 with Ramos again supplying the late winner.

Stanford, Langsdorf Repeat Atop NCAA
December 11, 2016

Stanford becomes the first men's repeat NCAA champion by winning a shootout with Wake Forest, 0-0 (5-4) in Houston. Vancouver's Foster Langsdorf converts his penalty in the second round. He also scored in the semifinal advancement past North Carolina, 0-0 (10-9). Langsdorf finishes with 15 goals, the most by a Stanford player in 35 years.

All-Time State Youth Teams Named
July 20, 2016

As part of its 50th Anniversary, Washington Youth Soccer names its all-time girls' and boys' teams. Headlining the girls' selections are World Cup winners Michelle Akers and Hope Solo, Akers, Solo and Sharon McMurtry, another honoree, all went on to be voted U.S. Soccer Women's Athlete of the Year. The boys' selection features three-time USMNT Athlete of the Year Kasey Keller, plus two others who went on to play in England's Premier League, Marcus Hahnemann and DeAndre Yedlin.

WSU Ends Season by Beating Huskies
November 2, 2016

In a duel for eighth place in the Pac-12 to end the season, Washington State blanks Washington, 2-0, in the Apple Cup before 1,131 at Pullman. UW keeper Kaylyn Smith thwarts a breakaway only to have Alysha Overland knock in her attempted clearance in the 15th minute. Kaitlyn Johnson doubles it at 39'. The Cougars extend their unbeaten streak against Washington to 13 seasons (9-0-4).

Central Wins First NCAA Tournament Game
November 10, 2016

Whitney Lowe's two goals power Central Washington to victory in the Wildcats' first-ever national tournament appearance, 2-1 over Seattle Pacific at Bellingham. Lowe, who had scored just twice during the regular season, hits the target in the ninth and 52nd minutes, the first after a 40-yard dribble and the other on a header from a weak clearance. Scoring in her fifth straight game, Hannah Huesers scores her 13th of the year at 60:05. Huesers finishes her career with 48, one shy of the Falcons' record.

Reign Launches Girls' Academy
January 14, 2016

Seattle Reign FC launches an academy in conjunction with Seattle United. Laura Harvey, head coach and general manager of Reign FC, will also serve as the academy’s executive director. Reign Academy will field teams for 13-18 year-old females.

Honestly, legacies are something people realize over time. I can't tell you what people are going to say what my legacy is. I know what I stood for. I know I never changed who I am. That I continued to fight for my teammates for better treatment, for better competition. I held everybody to higher standards, and I think it made some people uncomfortable. But at the same time I believe in honesty and I believe in truth. And I'm proud to say I gave everything I am to goalkeeping, the game and the sport I love.
Hope Solo reflecting on career mixing controversy with the best goalkeeping in the world
It just makes me smile. It’s super awesome to be part of a select group of women who have accomplished so much.
Tina Frimpong Ellertson on her reaction to being named among Washington Youth Soccer's all-star team for the first 50 years
Let's inspire, let's be badass, let's be fierce, let's be competitive. But we're gracious and we're humble, and we play the game a certain way, whether we win or lose. And we've been on the winning side quite a bit, and when we find ourselves on the other side, we need to handle that graciously, and unfortunately that wasn't the case.
Megan Rapinoe reacting to USWNT and Reign teammate Hope Solo's remarks following the Olympic exit
It’s just humbling and inspiring to me to see all these people out in it. It brings me back to being part of the Sounders back in ’74, going to my first games and having that indelible mark left on me. I have the feeling that this team has done that for another generation of fans.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer reflecting on the fans attending the MLS Cup victory rally at Seattle Center
Unified Sports has meant so much to my son. Being part of a team that values friendship and teamwork has allowed him to become less shy and much more active in school activities.
Mercer Island parent Jeff Pimentel on the Unified Soccer program's impact
My players know that everyone isn’t going to win, but that happens in life, and I think the harder you work the farther you are going to get. I don’t want them to just get together and kick the ball around. It is nice in kindergarten, but when you get a little older it’s different. I tell them if they work hard in soccer then they will work hard in other things later in life to become a better co-worker and a better person.
Tumwater's Angela Huber, U.S. Youth Soccer Rec Coach of the Year
The numbers speak for themselves. We are the best in the world, have three World Cup Championships, four Olympic Championships, and the USMNT get paid more just to show up than we get paid to win major championships. This is a fight that we are going to have to continue to fight from here on forward. I don’t see it getting any easier, but it is something we are committed to. And it’s not just in the sports world, it’s everywhere you look.
Hope Solo commenting on filing a EEOC complaint on equal pay
Sometimes you surprise yourself with the shots you can actually get. In that moment, anything can happen. To be honest, after the game was done, I was so cold. It was nice, because it kept reminding me that it wasn’t a dream.
Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei on his MLS Cup save off Jozy Altidore
I have spent most of my adult working life at Puget Sound building rewarding relationships with our players, families, and alumni. The talent and character of the women I was so fortunate to coach is indescribable. I could not be more satisfied with my experience and the opportunities afforded me as part of the Logger family.
Randy Hanson in announcing his departure from Puget Sound after 20 season as women's coach
Having one arm has helped me to inspire others along the way. I just hope that each time I step on the field, I am showing someone that no matter what stands in your way, you can do anything you put your mind to.
Seattle Reign defender Carson Pickett, born without a left arm, on wanting to be an inspiration to others
It's been a long-term passion of mine for Sounders FC to bring free, accessible soccer to underserved communities in the Seattle area, so we're very excited as an organization to finally launch the RAVE Foundation. Soccer is a game that brings joy and opportunity to so many people around the world. We see it as an obligation to make sure that no one in our community is excluded from experiencing everything that the beautiful game affords.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer in announcing the launch of the club's charitable arm on July 31, 2016
She just brings the best out of everybody. Obviously, her scoring the two goals was great, but...you just know with Naho that her quality shines though. She’s infectious.
Reign coach Laura Harvey on the impact of Naho Kawasumi's mid-2016 return and brace in her July 2 debut vs. Boston
It felt good coming off my foot. I missed the first one and was frustrated and hoping to get the second one. It was pure joy after that.
Western Washington's Emily Webster on her NCAA championship-winning goal on a late free kick
We’ve seen we can go toe-to-toe with a strong USL lineup...The USL is only a small step away from us. If you do your homework and you have boys that believe in themselves and work together, we’ve seen you can grind out results like this.
Kitsap Pumas coach Cameron MacDonald after upsetting Sacramento in the U.S. Open Cup
I want to be a club idol. At every club I've been to, I've been a champion. I want to be a champion with Seattle.
Nicolas Lodeiro, newly-signed Sounders midfielder
Clint is a big-time player. He rises up in big-time games, if you look at the games he’s had for his club, for his country.
Sounders interim coach Brian Schmetzer after Clint Dempsey's brace beats Portland fora third straight win
It's more than just a player signing. It's someone who has grown up in the Sounders family.
Adrian Hanauer, Sounders majority owner, on the signing of Jordan Morris
Oba wanted to go to China and he's going to make a good living doing it. I'm hard-pressed to argue with that from his perspective. But every player has a number that they're worth, and at some point they're not.
Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey on moving Obafemi Martins to China
When I started playing, it was always a dream to go to the final — to represent this club, to represent this city, to play for my hometown — it’s unbelievable. It gives me chills.
Rookie homegrown forward Jordan Morris after his goal at Colorado sends Seattle to its first MLS Cup final
We need to have a more thoughtful, two-sided conversation about racial issues in this country. Being a gay American, I know what it means to look at the flag and not have it protect all of your liberties. It was something small that I could do and something that I plan to keep doing in the future and hopefully spark some meaningful conversation around it. It's important to have white people stand in support of people of color on this.
Reign and USWNT star Megan Rapinoe explaining her kneeling during the national anthem, which began with 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick
He has helped us transform soccer in this country. He's won a bunch of trophies, won a lot of games for us, had a lot of success, but the results just weren't there this year.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer on the move to dismiss Sigi Schmid after starting 6-12-2
If you look at any team that hasn't been here that first game you win as a program is huge for confidence and what happens next. We scored two big goals against SPU and it's a huge accomplishment for our program and girls.
Central Washington coach Mike Farrand after the Wildcats win their NCAA tournament debut over Seattle Pacific
Schmetzer does a good job in letting us know what we can do. As long as we have cover, he gives us a lot of leeway to do as we please. Schmetzer is a guy that wants us to be relaxed and creative offensively. It’s a credit to him.
Cristian Roldan on the Sounders' attack sparking under interim coach Brian Schmetzer
All I can say, is we've won one and Portland can't say s***.
Clint Dempsey to some 10,000 Sounders fans at the MLS Cup victory rally
They showed a ton of character, performed well, and every time a very good Grand Valley State team got back into the game, we had an answer. And it's because of the character of this team.
Travis Connell, Western Washington women's coach, after his team won the NCAA title
Having a smaller-scale affair is what made the experience special. Thousands still attended, yet it felt like being with a bunch of friends, cheering and chanting under the bluest sky you’ve ever seen. Thank you, Sounders!
Seattle Times editorial following the Sounders' MLS Cup victory parade and rally
That's the best save I've ever seen in person. It was unbelievable.
Chad Marshall, Sounders defender, of Stefan Frei's MLS Cup final save on Jozy Altidore
The puzzle has been more difficult because — at the start of the season with losing Oba, we really had the capability to bring in two players and we haven’t brought in those two players yet, it’s taken a long time – you’re missing pieces. Injuries and guys being gone for international tournaments, that took away some pieces, as well. It’s been more difficult. It’s difficult when you prepare one way going into the season and that immediately changes.
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid explaining the root of his team's struggles to start 2016
It was a good experience, but it kind of reaffirmed my belief that I wanted to play in my hometown and play in front of 45,000 fans at Century Link. The only way I could describe it is as a dream come true. I'm excited to get on the field in front of these amazing fans.
Jordan Morris on opting to sign with the Sounders after a trial with Werder Bremen
I could not be the player I am without being the person I am, even when I haven't made the best choices or said the right things. My entire career, I have only wanted the best for this team, for the players and the women's game and I will continue to pursue these causes with the same unrelenting passion with which I play the game.
Hope Solo reacting on Twitter to her U.S. Soccer suspension following the Olympic Games
People want to see him. People pay all over the world to see him. And he has to deal with that. He has that obligation to fulfill and follow through for the fans who are paying for him to be there. And he lives with that and he understands that.
Argentina manager Gerardo Martino on Lionel Messi desire to play the second half vs. Bolivia
We have also provided full scholarships to six players that now compete at the premier youth soccer level. However, we believe there is so much more we can do to make youth soccer accessible to all.
Adam Nowland, founder of Nowland Premier Soccer Academy, which offers fee-free soccer in Mercer Island, Bellevue and Renton
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Foster Langsdorf (Vancouver) Stanford (D1/2nd/F)
Ashley Homer (Puyallup) Western Washington D2/3rd/G)
Sierra Shugarts (Federal Way) Western Washington (D2/1st/D)
Emily Webster (Bellingham) Western Washington (D2/2nd/M)
Takara Mitsui (Lynnwood) Pacific Lutheran (D3/2nd/G)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 9-2-4
Gonzaga 8-8-2
Northwest 11-8-0
Pacific Lutheran 10-8-2
Puget Sound 11-5-2
Saint Martin's 3-13-1
Seattle University 11-6-2
Seattle Pacific 6-6-5
Washington 14-7-0
Western Washington 10-5-5
Whitman 8-7-5
Whitworth 12-4-3
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 14-6-1
Eastern Washington 13-5-4
Evergreen 3-8-3
Gonzaga 6-10-2
Northwest 12-6-2
Pacific Lutheran 16-1-4
Puget Sound 13-4-3
Saint Martin's 3-14-1
Seattle University 14-6-1
Seattle Pacific 11-5-4
Washington 7-12-1
Washington State 8-9-2
Western Washington 24-0-1
Whitman 3-15-2
Whitworth 10-10-0
Founders Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 BIFC B04 BlueBYSC Select G11 Robinson
U12 NSC Galaxy B03Pacific FC G03 Breakers
U13 Crossfire Select B02-O'MeliaBYSC Select GU13 Robinson
U14 Kent United B01 Green 1Crossfire Select G01-Wilkinson
U15 Seattle United West B00 Blue not awarded
U16 Crossfire Select B99-Taylornot awarded
U17 Crossfire Select B98-Melenot awarded
U19 Seattle United NE B97 Bluenot awarded
PDL, WPSL Records
Issaquah SC Gunners 6-2-1, 2nd Div.
Kitsap Pumas 5-4-5, 4th Div.
Pac NW-OSA 5-4-1, 4th Div.
Seattle Sounders U23s 8-6-0, 2nd Div.
Seattle Sounders Women 10-0-0, 1st Div.
Washington Crossfire 5-4-5, 3rd Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Lauren Barnes (D) Reign (NWSL-1st)
Jessica Fishlock (M) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Kim Little (F) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Nathan Aune (D) Crossfire (PDL-NW)
State Youth Presidents Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U10 6v6 Eastside FC 05 BlueSeattle United 06 Tango B
U10 Crossfire Premier 05 AEastside FC 05 Red A
U11 Crossfire Premier 04 ACrossfire Premier 04 A
U12 Rainier Valley Slammers 03 OrangeSpokane Shadow 03 A
U13 Pac NW 02 Blue BCrossfire Premier 02 B
U14 Washington Premier FC 01 White BEastside FC 01 White B
U15 Snohomish United Black ASpokane Shadow 00 B
U16 Federal Way FC 99 BlueEastside FC 99 White B
U17 Washington Premier FC 98 WhiteWashington Premier FC 98 Black B
U18/19 Spokane Shadow 97 ABlackhills FC 97 Black A
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 SWYSA VW Ninjas (D5)LSDSC Flash (D3)
U12 Norpoint Renegades B05 (D3)VUSA Thunderbirds (D5)
U13 LSDSC Lakewood United 04 (D3)GHFYSA MYSC Lightning (D7)
U14 CFSC B03 Howard (D3)LWYSA Kirkland 03 Inferno (D2)
U15 EYSA Redmond The Wolves (D2)LSDSC Ladybugs (D3)
U16 NCYSA Silver Lake Browne (D1)SnYSA Snohomish Fox (D1)
U17 WS Fury 00-Fraser (D3)LWYSA Juanita 00 Breakaway (D2)
U19 Vashon Riptide (D3)LSDSC Avanti United FC G99 (D3)
WA Youth Soccer 50th Anniversary Female All-Time Selection
Name Birth YearHometown
Michelle Akers 1966Shoreline
Amy Allmann Griffin 1965Federal Way
Justi Baumgardt Yamada 1975Federal Way
Tami Bennett Nguyen 1979Kent
Gina Casella Segadelli 1966Mukilteo
Kate Deines 1989Issaquah
Lindsay Elston 1992Sammamish
Meotis Erikson 1979Kennewick
Michelle French 1977Bellevue
Tina Frimpong Ellertson 1982Vancouver
Gretchen Gegg Zigante 1964Tacoma
Cindy Gordon 1962Des Moines
Lori Henry 1966Seattle
Shannon Higgins Cirovski 1968Kent
Sharon McMurtry 1960Bothell
Katherine Reynolds 1987Medina
Hope Solo 1981Richland
Kim Stiles Calkins 1977Spokane
WA Youth Soccer 50th Anniversary Male All-Time Selection
Name Birth YearHometown
Bill Crook 1964Kent
Jeff Durgan 1961Tacoma
Chance Fry 1964Bellevue
Marcus Hahnemann 1972Bellevue
Peter Hattrup 1964Seattle
Chris Henderson 1970Everett
Kasey Keller 1969Olympia
Jimmy McAlister 1957Seattle
Jordan Morris 1994Mercer Island
Lamar Neagle 1987Federal Way
Mark Peterson 1960Tacoma
Kelyn Rowe 1991Federal Way
Brian Schmetzer 1962Seattle
Jeff Stock 1960Tacoma
Craig Waibel 1975Spokane
Wade Webber 1967Federal Way
DeAndre Yedlin 1993Seattle
WA Youth Soccer 50th Anniversary Top 50 Soccer Citizens (A-H)
Doug Andreassen
Debbie Barlow
John Best
Robin Chalmers
Pam Copple
Ron Copple
Edmund Craggs
George Craggs
Peter Fewing
Michelle French
Chance Fry
William Fry
Jimmy Gabriel
Booth Gardner
Lesle Gallimore
Jack Goldingay
Tommy Grieve
Amy Griffin
Karl and Helga Grosch
Colleen Hacker
Frank Hall
Adrian Hanauer
Ted Hastings
Geoff Heimbigner
Alan Hinton
Bobby Howe
Sandra Hunt
WA Youth Soccer 50th Anniversary Top 50 Soccer Citizens (I-Z)
Bernie James
Gerald Larson
Ernesto Leveque
Cliff McCrath
Fred Mendoza
Teddy Mitalas
Dick Mohrmann
Will Niccolls
Dave Painton
Mike Ryan
Darren Sawatzky
Betty Schmeck
Walter Schmetzer
Dave Schumacher
Jan Smisek
Exequiel Soltero
Roman Strug
Dan Swain
Marty Torres
Cor van der Meer
Linda Velie
Rob Walker
Tom Webb
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Crossfire Premier 03 (LWYSA)Washington Prem 03 Black (TPCJSA)
U13 FC Alliance 02 (NSYSA))Crossfire Premier 02 (LWYSA)
U14 Eastside FC 01 Red (EYSA)Seattle United 01 Copa (SYSA)
U15 Seattle United 00 Copa (SYSA)Washington Rush 00 (NCYSA)
U16 Washington Premier 99 Black (TPCJSA)Crossfire Premier 99 (LWYSA)
U17 Seattle United 98 Copa (SYSA)Eastside FC 98 Red (EYSA)
U18 Crossfire Premier 97 (LWYSA)PacNW 97 Maroon (GRJSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Wenatchee 1Tahoma 0
Boys 3A Interlake 1Mercer Island 0
Boys 2A Archbishop Murphy 1 (4-3)Quincy 1
Boys 1A Seattle Academy 3Connell 2
Boys 1B-2B St. George's 2Crosspoint 0
Girls 4A Camas 3West Valley (Yakima) 0
Girls 3A Bellevue 1Southridge 0
Girls 2A Columbia River 3Liberty 2
Girls 1A Overlake 3La Salle 0
Girls 1B-2B St. George's 1Kalama 0
How Seattle Embraced Soccer

VIDEO: How Seattle Embraced Soccer

On this Day in History
October 20, 1962
Milan Stolarik and Edvin Ronnestad score goals as the University of Washington proves victorious in its inaugural intercollegiate game, winning 2-0 at the University of Victoria.
More from 1962 ›
September 30, 2009
Seattle Pacific erupts for five second-half goals and Maddie Dickinson posts the No. 1-ranked Falcons’ 10th straight shutout – all wins – to open the season, in a 5-0 victory at Western Oregon. Kelsey Jenkins, who also had an assist, opens the scoring six minutes after halftime with a low 12-yard shot off a pass from Megan Lindsay. Eight minutes later Lindsay breaks open the match by heading in a free kick from Janie Wurth.
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August 8, 1990
Chance Fry breaks out of a four-game scoring slump and FC Seattle Storm deal the Vancouver 86ers, the top team in the Canadian Soccer League, a 3-2 defeat at Memorial Stadium. A pair of second-half goals by Fry allow Seattle to overtake the eventual CSL winners, who had only lost one game previously. Fry's header ties the match with 30 minutes to go, and the winner comes as he unleashed a 30-yard drive over 86ers keeper Rob Merkl in the 78th minute. Fran O'Brien opens the scoring by scoring directly from a corner kick at 8:30. Domenic Mobilio, one of five Canadian internationals in the lineup, puts the visitors in front, 2-1, by scoring twice before halftime.
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January 17, 1991
FC Seattle Storm joins a growing list of teams opting out of playing the 1991 APSL season. More than half of the 11 teams that made up the APSL's Western Soccer League Conference last year are expected to join Seattle on the sidelines. Portland, San Diego, New Mexico, California and Los Angeles are already out, and Santa Barbara is is doubtful. It leaves any survivors in a smaller league with increased travel costs. Coaching director Clive Charles and coach Stuart Lee remain on the payroll and will head up the Storm's summer camp and academy. Eight players are under contract, including APSL scoring champ Chance Fry.
More from 1991 ›