The Wow Factor

2022 – Around the World and Close to Home Russia invades Ukraine, igniting a bloody conflict and an exodus of 7 million refugees and influx of aid, both military and humanitarian Great Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II dies at age 96, following a record 70-year reign and inflation soars to more than 8% worldwide. Kentaji Brown Jackson is confirmed as Supreme Court Justice, which later overturns Roe v Wade after 49 years and gun violence continues to plague America, with a gunman killing 19 elementary students and two teachers in Uvalde, Texas. Murders increase 17% across Washington state, to a record 394. Amazon begins making over 9,000 staff layoffs, many in the Seattle area. Ten die in a seaplane crash off Whidbey Island and the repaired West Seattle Bridge reopens after 18 months. In sports, after 21 years, the Seattle Mariners end the longest playoff drought in major pro sports. Sue Bird retires after 21 seasons and four WNBA championships with the Seattle Storm and Seahawks star quarterback Russell Wilson is traded to Denver and greeted by boos in his (losing) return to Seattle.

THE WOW FACTOR

The sun would rise over Seattle just as any day. But by nightfall on May 4, 2022, the arc of professional soccer’s development in the city and the continent would be profoundly changed. Denizens descended on Lumen Field in record numbers that evening, all anticipating that history would be made, and mass celebrations set forth. They would not be disappointed, not in the least.

Brian Schmezter’s lifespan mirrored the modern development of the local soccer landscape. As a child he would watch his father go toe to toe on Sundays at Lower Woodland Park with stars of other ethnic teams. In his teens, he would watch our first iteration of the Sounders cultivate fans in greater number, beginning at Memorial Stadium. Schmetzer would eventually play for his hometown teams, become a fan again for the 1994 World Cup and finally take the helm of the Sounders.

As he walked across the field to his bench on this eventful night, he couldn’t help but detect the energy in the building. For several weeks there had been a steady sale of tickets to this Concacaf Champions League final second leg. But when Seattle stunned Pumas with two late goals in Mexico City, seats were snatched in bunches and at a staggering rate.

There would be nearly 70,000 watching in Lumen Field, the most ever to see a CCL match. The entire stadium district had been buzzing for hours before kickoff. One of Schmetzer’s brothers later shared how he felt claustrophobic, being swallowed up by the crowd surging toward the gates following the march to the match.

Usually as the coach strides toward his seat he makes small talk with longtime colleague Tom Dutra and scans the stands to find his wife and other familiar faces. Not this time.

“You could just sense a difference (that night), the atmosphere in the building, the sheer volume of people, the excitement of the people,” said Schmetzer, many months later. “On that walk out my most vivid memory is the wow factor, just understanding that the players and coaching staff and all the people there were living in that moment together. That’s pretty special.”

Roughly two weeks prior, Garth Lagerwey effectively lit the fuse. The CCL final was billed by the club GM as a possible date with immortality, a date witnesses would one day tell their grandchildren about. But that immortality, that making of history, was all dependent on the outcome.

A week earlier, in the opening hour of the first leg, it was shaping up to be a monumental task. Sea-level Seattle trailed 2-nil entering the final 20 minutes at an altitude more than a mile high. Then the Earth tilted. Under extreme duress on enemy turf, Nicolás Lodeiro connected on a pair of penalties, the equalizer coming five minutes into stoppage time. Suddenly May 4 was a winner-take-all date.

Time after time during Sigi Schmid’s tenure as Sounder boss he challenged his troops to make history, and they responded. When Schmetzer succeeded Schmid, that tactic remained in the toolbox.

"I certainly used that for Champions League. 'Look,'" Schmetzer told his team, "'We’re going to be the first in MLS to push this over the line. This is going to be great for us to be the first team to do it. And nobody is going to take that away from us. Whenever you’re the first they can’t take it away from you.'"

One huge, seemingly unrelated, objective may have been achieved before a ball was kicked that night. Representatives of a 2026 FIFA World Cup inspection committee were in the city, seeing a big-match activation firsthand. Between the sheer size and fervor of the crowd, they undoubtedly came away assured Seattle was worthy of hosting matches.

Making history, pushing the boundaries, is something that resonates with those around Washington, and the footy community in particular. Schmetzer clearly remembers the slights he and his young Puget Sound peers endured for years from players hailing from St. Louis, or New Jersey or southern California.

"I had a chip on my shoulder, based on that perception of Washington state soccer players, (because) we’ve produced some pretty damn good players," he said, reeling through names like Peterson, Stock, McAlister, Durgan, and Fry, then adding contemporary talents such as Jordan Morris, DeAndre Yedlin and Cristian Roldan.

"So, when our fan base is in one of those moods where they're doing their 'We invented soccer,' and it rankles people across the country, well there is some truth (to it). We have played an important part in the development of soccer in this country." And now another moment was at hand.

Because his team believed, because they would not back down in Mexico City, even when the coach was inclined to lock-down a one-goal deficit for the return leg – that spirit came aboard the flight home. Just as the sun was setting behind the Olympics, Raúl Ruidíaz’s go-ahead goal sent the huge throng into bedlam. Even if it had lost stalwart João Paulo and Nouhou to injury, Seattle’s advantage was now reflected on the scoreboard.

It was the slightest of advantages, and when in the 65th minute Stefan Frei proved impenetrable with a reflex save, the crowd collectively sent up a roar of relief. Ruidíaz wrote himself into many a future bedtime story when he finished a movement from Morris to Lodeiro, doubling the lead. Finally, in the waning minutes, Lodeiro smashed home the rebound of Morris' shot off the post.

And in that instant, there was no longer any hesitation to claim that continental supremacy and all its spoils, was ours to share. There were mass, primal screams from throats mostly silent and stifled during a years-long pandemic. But now they were unleashed, along with hugs and high-fives with strangers. This was true triumph. History could now be chiseled into stone as well as the trophy sterling.

After congratulating all his players and staff, Schmetzer stood aside, letting the players bask in the glory of their feat. He was, for a few minutes, a spectator and admirer again.

"It’s about those players, it’s not about me," he explained. "I just liked stepping off to the side and letting them enjoy that moment with their teammates. They did something beautiful, a once in a lifetime, great achievement."

The Sounders and their faithful had secured immortality.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
12-17-5, 11th West (21st MLS) Concacaf Champions
Coach
Brian Schmetzer (7th year)
Top Scorer
Raul Ruidiaz (9 goals)
REIGN FC
Season Record
11-4-7, 1st NWSL 1 (1st rnd)
Coach
Laura Harvey (2nd year)
All-League
Alana Cook, Sofia Huerta
Top Scorer
Bethany Balcer, Megan Rapinoe (7 goals)
TACOMA DEFIANCE
14-6-4, 2nd Western (2nd rnd)
Tacoma Stars
6-18, 4th Western (11th MASL)
COLLEGIATE
Women's Collegiate Champions
Western Washington, D2
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington D1 1st rnd, Pacific Lutheran D3 2nd rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Western Was. D2 champion, Pacific Lutheran D3 2nd rnd, Puget Sound D3 1st rnd, Northwest NAIA 1st rnd
Men's Conference Champions
Washington (Pac-12)
Women's Conference Champions
Western Wash. (GNAC reg+tourn), Pacific Lutheran (NWC), Northwest (CCC reg+tourn)
NWAC Men's Champion
Columbia Basin d Walla Walla, 1-0
NWAC Women's Champion
Spokane d Clark, 3-2
YOUTH
Girls Regional Champion
Three Rivers Black U19 (semi)
Largest Attendance
68,741, Seattle Sounders vs. UNAM Pumas, Lumen Field
Largest Amateur Attendance
3,876, Washington vs. Seattle U (m), Husky Soccer Stadium

2022: The Wow Factor

Together, Sounders players, coaches and fans make history by becoming the first MLS club to claim a Concacaf Champions League championship.

PLU Men Keep Kicking, Advance
November 12, 2022

Pacific Lutheran pushes its way into the NCAA Division III second round by upsetting Mary Hardin-Baylor, 4-2, at Belton, Texas. The Lutes, who earned an at-large berth following a runner-up finish in the NWC, begin to take control in the final half-hour. Trevor Thompson provides a 2-1 lead in the 62nd minute, and Cole Dobson doubles it at 75'. PLU is held scoreless for the first time in a 2-0 loss to St. Thomas (Tx.) the next day.

Three Rivers Girls Head to Nationals
June 26, 2022

Pasco's Three Rivers SC Black stun the Far West Regional U19 girls' field by winning the title and a berth to the USYSA Nationals in Orlando. Three Rivers defeats Oregon's United PDX, 3-1, in the final at Boise. Meanwhile, the Three Rivers U16 boys are regional runners-up.

Northwest's Finest Season is Over
November 17, 2022

Northwest University is eliminated from the NAIA tournament in the first round yet finishes with a program-record 17 wins. The Eagles, who underwent a coaching change in the final weeks of the regular season, fall to Embry Riddle, 2-1, in Prescott, Arizona. Although outshot 24-4, NU takes the early lead on Grace Burke's goal. Hanne Breur makes 12 saves. At 17-2-2, it's four more wins than the previous record.

Sawatzky Named USL1 Coach of the Year
November 3, 2022

Darren Sawatzky is named USL League One Coach of the Year after guiding the Richmond Kickers to the second-most regular season points and wins in league history. Sawatzky is in his third season at Richmond, which went 14-7-9 season and enjoyed its best overall finish since 2013. Richmond’s 21 points gained from a losing position and 54 goals were the most in a regular season in league history.

Rusnak's First Sounders Goal is Huge
April 6, 2022

Albert Rusnák opens his Sounders account and Jordan Morris adds another first-half marker as Seattle jumps on top of New York City FC, 3-1, in the opening match of their Champions League semifinal at Lumen Field. It's the first time two MLS teams have met in a semifinal. Rusnák, the offseason DP signing, is set up by an exchange between Cristian Roldan and Morris. Roldan also assists on Morris’s goal in the 35th minute. Nico Lodeiro adds a penalty kick midway through the second period.

Sounders Playoff Hopes Sag with Late Collapse
August 31, 2022

Playoff hopes for the Sounders begin to fade as they blow a 2-nil lead at Orlando City, extending their winless skein to five games (0-4-1). Lightning leads to a 1 hour, 46-minute delay. Raul Ruidiaz gives the visitors a 2-nil lead after 52 minutes following Albert Rusnák’s first-half opener. Ercan Kara ties it on a penalty at 68’, and Kyle Smith's stoppage time goal leaves Seattle 10th in the West at 10-15-3. During skid, the Sounders also lost a lead at Portland five days earlier and at Galaxy on Aug 19.

Sounders Moving HQ, Training to Longacres
February 16, 2022

The Sounders announce they are moving all operations to the former site of the Longacres Racetrack in Renton, with a state-of-the-art training facility opening in January 2024. The site was most recently Boeing's commercial airplane headquarters. The 50,000 square-foot site will be a hub for front-office staff, technical staff, clubhouse and gym for the players — including the academy and affiliate Tacoma Defiance — and four (2 grass), full-sized training fields.

Weaver, Portland Win NWSL Crown
October 29, 2022

Morgan Weaver plays in her first NWSL final and the Portland Thorns claim their league-best third title with a 2-0 win over Kansas City in Washington, D.C. Weaver nearly scores, rattling the crossbar in the 59th minute.

Women's Pro Team Coming to Spokane
October 7, 2022

Spokane's USL ownership group announces plans to bring a women's professional club to the new downtown stadium. Ryan and Katie Harnetiaux, with Aequus Sports, LLC, had already committed to a men's USL League One franchise. The women's team will be the state's first entry into the women's first division-sanctioned Super League, set to kick off in 2024.

AYSO Founder Stierle Passes at 89
February 5, 2022

Hans Stierle, co-founder of the American Youth Soccer Organization and a Washington resident for more than 40 years, dies at age 89. Stierle was among a group of five individuals who founded the AYSO in 1964 in Torrance, California, and he served as president from 1964-76. As a coach, one of his youth players was Sigi Schmid. After heading a design firm and a Bellevue marketing firm, he briefly served as an executive for the NASL Sounders and was recognized often as one of the sports' most influential leaders of the 20th century.

Gonzaga Beats Portland in Finale
November 5, 2022

Lyza Bosselmann makes a season-high five saves and Gonzaga blanks Portland 2-0 at Luger Field to finish the season with 10 wins and third place in the West Coast Conference. Hannah Gray's 20-yard, left-footed strike and Paige Alexander's corner kick header both come in the first half. The Bulldogs finish 10-3-5, the fewest losses in a full season. They are strong down the stretch, going 9-1-3 and outscoring foes 30-6.

St. Louis Ends Tacoma's Strong Season
October 2, 2022

Tacoma Defiance are unable to complete a second straight playoff comeback as they are held off by St. Louis City 2, 2-1, in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference final in Edwardsville, Illinois. Down two goals, Abdoulaye Cissoko's penalty pulls the visitors within striking distance in the 76th minute. Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez had hit the post for Tacoma (14-6-5) in the first half.

Stars, Chihuahua Score 49 Times in Two Nights
February 27, 2022

Chihuahua lights up the goals lamp 31 times in two nights as the Savage and Tacoma Stars combine for 49 goals in back-to-back meetings in Mexico. Tacoma nearly salvages a split, scoring four straight to take a 9-8 fourth-quarter lead before bowing 10-9 in overtime in the second game. Chihuahua drubbed the Stars 21-9 the previous evening. It was a Tacoma record for goals allowed and combined goals. Allowing a MASL-high 192 goals, the Stars finish a franchise worst 6-18.

Defiance Rally, Advance to West Final
September 25, 2022

Tacoma Defiance rally from two goals down to force extra time and ultimately win a penalty shootout, 5-4, over Houston Dynamo 2 to advance to the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Final. After Houston goes up 2-nil early in the second half, Marlon Vargas pulls Tacoma one back from the spot and a 94th minute own goal prompts extra time. A Houston miss in the shootout's fourth round enables Achille Robin to clinch with a fifth-round conversion.

Ballard FC Enjoys Perfect Inaugural Night
May 21, 2022

A full house and plenty of fireworks on the attack as Ballard FC gets off to a roaring start in its inaugural USL League Two match. Before a capacity Interbay Stadium crowd of 1,200, Ballard earns a lopsided 5-1 victory over Oregon's Lane United. Declan McGlynn's free kick in the 34th minute sets everything in motion. Charlie Gaffney is chosen man of the match after assisting on Alex Mejia's goal just before halftime and then scoring early in the second period. BFC starts 6-0-2.

Purcell Blanks Mexico in Concacaf Final
March 12, 2022

Neeku Purcell of Seattle posts her fourth tournament shutout as the United States wraps up the Concacaf U20 Women's Championship with a 2-0 win over Mexico in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Purcell pushes a dipping drive over the crossbar in the 86th minute for her most difficult stop of her four outings.

Crossfire Redmond Reaches NPSL Final
July 30, 2022

Continuing a string of postseason upsets, Crossfire Redmond blanks Muskegon Riser, 3-0, in Muskegon, Michigan, to reach the NPSL final for the first time. Christian Soto's 20-yard blast and Omar Grey's weaving run and finish put the visitors up 2-nil after 34 minutes. River Stewart completes the scoring in the 76th minute. After taking second in their division, Crossfire upset Pacific Conference top seed International Portland in overtime, 3-2, then FC Arizona (4-0) and San Francisco's El Farolito in penalties, 2-2 (4-2).

Yedlin Returns Stateside, to Miami
February 2, 2022

DeAndre Yedlin returns to America and signs a four-year deal with Inter Miami. Yedlin, 28, had played seven years in England and Turkey since departing the Sounders for Tottenham. He was released by Galatasaray on Feb. 2.

Banged-Up Sounders Begin to Spiral
July 16, 2022

A depleted Sounders cast goes down to its third straight loss, 1-0, at Chicago. Seattle (8-10-2) is without scoring co-leader Raul Ruidiaz (hamstring strain), João Paulo (right ACL tear), Obed Vargas (lower back stress fracture) and Stefan Frei (health and safety protocols). João Paulo and Vargas, the promising rookie, will miss the remainder of the season. Ruidiaz will play only nine of the final 16 matches. The Sounders' slump extends for weeks, earning only 10 points from 12 matches in July and August.

Tacoma Reels Off Fifth Straight Win
August 5, 2022

There is over 90 consecutive minutes of scoreless play, but goals in the first minute and the fourth of stoppage time give Tacoma Defiance a 2-0 win at San Jose. Travian Sousa stakes the visitors to the early lead by converting his own rebound, and Juan Alvarez adds late insurance for Tacoma's (12-3-4) record-breaking fifth straight victory.

Bellevue Caps Perfect Season in 3A
November 19, 2022

Bellevue becomes the first Class 3A undefeated and untied girls' champion in four years with a 1-0 win over Roosevelt. The Wolverines (20-0-0), who finished second in 2019, get an own goal off a corner kick taken by Lily Colby in the 27th minute. Colby's in-swinging kick hits a defender, then the post and bounces into the net. Roosevelt is the first Seattle public school to reach a 3A final. The Roughriders were also 4A runners-up in 2000. Bellevue's other 3A title was in 2016. Gig Harbor was the last unblemished 3A winner in 2018.

Oly Town Names New Coach
December 16, 2022

Liviu Bird is named Oly Town's new head coach. Bird, who has USSF and UEFA A Licenses, previously served as an assistant with Columbus Crew, Seattle Sounders under-23s, Kitsap Pumas and Pacific Lutheran. He played at Seattle Pacific, Kitsap and North Sound Seawolves.

Cox Named UPS Head Coach
August 31, 2022

Former OL Reign defender and Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Cox is named interim women’s head coach at Puget Sound. Cox, a UPS assistant to Randy Hanson a decade earlier, had later served as a Reign assistant and Gig Harbor High School head coach. She succeeds Kim Calkins, who resigned earlier in the summer. Cox has the interim tag removed in December after the Loggers go 16-4-1 and reach the NCAA tournament.

Vikings Victorious Over No. 1 West Chester
December 3, 2022

Western Washington, playing before a partisan capacity crowd, lifts its second NCAA Division II championship trophy with a 2-1 triumph over top-ranked West Chester (Pa.) at Seattle's Interbay Stadium. Freshman Claire Potter, who assists on the game's first goal, whips her 20-yard shot from an acute angle on the right wing. It sails over the keeper and into the left corner. Potter's header in the 15th minute finds Tera Ziemer to volley home. West Chester ties it 10 minutes later. Tenth-ranked Western out-shoots West Chester 25-3 and finishes on a 9-game win streak. WWU won its first title in 2016 and was runner-up in 2019. Only the 1986 Seattle Pacific men's squad had won an NCAA championship in its home state previously.

Dotson's Strong Start Cut Short
April 22, 2022

Hassani Dotson of Federal Way sustains a season-ending ACL tear just as he was enjoying arguably his best start in four pro seasons with Minnesota United. Dotson, after scoring a goal and adding two assists in the first seven games, is injured during a training session.

Seattle Playoff Streak Finally Stopped
October 2, 2022

Seattle's 13-year run of MLS Cup Playoff appearances is snapped in the city where they clinched their first postseason berth as an expansion team in 2009. Despite experiencing one of their poorest campaigns, Sporting Kansas City beats the Sounders, 1-0. Seattle's (12-17-4) run is an MLS record and second only to the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins (16) for longest among pro sports teams. The 17 losses is three more than ever before in the club's MLS era.

Smith to Coach Oly Town
March 7, 2022

Jason Smith, a part owner of Oly Town, will serve as head coach for the Artesians' first USL2 campaign. Smith, a Tumwater native, became part of a new ownership group in fall 2021. He also coaches at Black Hills FC, the area's largest youth club.

Defiance Leave Tacoma on High Note
June 4, 2022

If it's the final home match at Cheney Stadium, then the Defiance leave Tacoma on a high note with a record 6-1 pummeling of San Jose. The Defiance will play the remainder of their 2022 home games at Starfire. They have now won four straight by an aggregate score of 13-1. Marlon Vargas sets everything in motion with a penalty kick in the 13th minute, his fourth consecutive game with a goal. Six different players score, and it's the largest margin of victory in the club's eight-year existence.

Seattle Chosen to Host 2026 FIFA World Cup Matches
June 16, 2022

FIFA announces that Seattle's Lumen Field will serve as one of the 16 match sites for the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada. SEA2026 bid committee host civic leaders and the public for a party that evening on Pier 62. The U.S. host cities selected are: New York/New Jersey (MetLife Stadium) Los Angeles (SoFi Stadium) Dallas (AT&T Stadium) San Francisco Bay Area (Levi's Stadium) Miami (Hard Rock Stadium) Atlanta (Mercedes-Benz Stadium) Seattle (Lumen Field) Houston (NRG Stadium) Philadelphia (Lincoln Financial Field) Kansas City, Missouri (Arrowhead Stadium) and Boston (Gillette Stadium). Vancouver's B.C. Place is of two Canadian venues.

Mercer Island Lands First 3A Championship
May 28, 2022

Denied four times in the past, Mercer Island finally grabs the prize by scoring twice in the final minutes for its first 3A boys' state title at Puyallup. In a rematch of the 2014 final, the Islanders never trail in their 3-1 victory over Lakeside, the holders since 2019 since two tournaments were nixed by the pandemic. All the goals come in the final 20 minutes, with Brady Gilroy staking MI ahead at 62'. The Lions' Jonathan Vonderlage ties it at 74', but Remy Frederick and Kaleb Rawson reply at 78' and 80+3'. MI had also struck late in the semi, scoring twice in the final five minutes vs. Monroe.

Houston Selects Laity as Coach
December 21, 2022

Sam Laity's long run as an OL Reign assistant and interim head coach is rewarded when the Houston Dash named him head coach. Laity served on the Reign staff since the club's inception in 2013, going 4-2-0 as interim coach in 2021. From 2001, when he made Puget Sound his home, he coached locally with Dos FC, WestSound FC and Pacific Northwest Premier.

Reign Tighten Shield Race on Rapinoe WInner
August 26, 2022

Megan Rapinoe delivers a stoppage time winner as OL Reign tighten the NWSL Shield race with their fourth straight win across all competitions, 2-1, at Orlando. Rapinoe, whose cross to Bethany Balcer tied the score after 56 minutes, wins it by taking Sofia Huerta's far post cross and directing it past the Pride's Erin McLeod. After standing sixth 19 days earlier, the Reign are now only one point from the top of the table.

Northwest Women Earn First CCC Double
November 11, 2022

Northwest University claims its first Cascade Collegiate Conference championship double by edging College of Idaho, 2-1, in overtime of the tournament championship game in Eugene. In a match marred by two red and six yellow cards, the Eagles overcome playing a player down for 15 minutes of the second half. Claire Jo Diede's 15' goal from Kayla Soderstrom's record 12th assist puts NU ahead, but CI equalizes with 55 seconds left in regulation. Playing 10v10 in extra time, Northwest gets the winner with 8:19 remaining when Gracie VanAssche scores. NU had clinched the regular season Oct. 28.

Ballard Reaches West Final with Overtime Win
July 25, 2022

Alex Mejia scores in the 109th minute, to send Ballard FC to the USL2 Western Conference final by beating the San Francisco Glens, 3-2, in overtime at Interbay Stadium. Mejia, who leads Ballard with nine goals, also scored in regulation, along with Christian Engmann. Ventura County eliminates BFC, 1-0, July 29 in Des Moines, Iowa.

Weaver Bags First NWSL Brace
September 25, 2022

Morgan Weaver scores her first professional brace in Portland’s 3-0 win over Chicago. Weaver’s low, left-footed drive opens the scoring early in the second half. She doubles the lead in the 61st on a virtual tap-in. A week later Weaver scores her seventh goal in NWSL play at Gotham.

Yedlin Returns Home, Helps Beat Sounders
April 16, 2022

DeAndre Yedlin returns to Seattle and earns his first point for Inter Miami on the visitors’ winning goal in a 1-0 win over the Sounders. Yedlin crosses to Robbie Robinson late in the first half for the game's only goal. Miami goes on to improve its record by seven points and reach the playoffs.

Solo Defers Hall of Fame Induction to 2023
April 29, 2022

Hope Solo announces she will defer induction to the National Soccer Hall of Fame until 2023. She posts on Instagram: "I will be voluntarily entering an in-patient alcohol treatment program to address my challenges with alcohol. At this time, my energies and focus are totally directed to my health, healing and taking care of my family." In July, she pleads guilty to a charge of driving while impaired, receiving a suspended sentence of 24 months and an active sentence of 30 days for which she was credited for time spent at an in-patient rehabilitation facility.

Morris Makes World Cup Debut
November 21, 2022

Jordan Morris of Mercer Island and the Sounders makes his first career World Cup appearance in the latter stages of the U.S. opener versus Wales. Morris enters in the 88th minute of the 1-1 draw at Al Rayyan, Qatar. Seattle's DeAndre Yedlin is also a substitute (74'). Both see action again Dec. 3, in a 3-1 Round of 16 knockout loss to the Netherlands. Sounders defender Nouhou plays every minute of Cameroon's three matches, including the shock, 1-0 shutout of Brazil Dec. 2.

WA Legends Museum Becomes Fully Operational
June 18, 2022

Less than four years since its launch, Washington State Legends of Soccer's online museum becomes fully operational and current. That is, the museum now spans the entire documented history of the game in Washington, from 1890 through 2021. The site originally launched in December 2018 with 14 years of curated content. The searchable database covers all levels of soccer and is constantly being updated and enhanced.

Oly Town Wins 11-Goal Game
June 26, 2022

Fans in the South Sound see plentiful scoring as Oly Town and Oregon's OVF Alliance combine for 11 goals at Black Hills High School. Isidro Prado-Huerta scores twice in the first seven minutes, and Gilbert De La Luz also bags a brace in the Artesians' 6-5 USL2 victory.

Waibel Takes Helm of Sounders
November 30, 2022

After serving two years in a senior role with the Sounders, Craig Waibel, 47, is named sporting director and general manager. Waibel effectively succeeds Garth Lagerwey, who left a week earlier for Atlanta. He is rooted in the local game, having attended Spokane's Lewis & Clark High School before starring at Washington. Waibel played for the A-League Sounders before spending 11 seasons and winning four championships in MLS. He also followed Lagerwey at Real Salt Lake, serving as GM from 2015-19 before becoming senior VP of soccer operations in 2021.

Camas Goes the Distance in Perfect Season
November 19, 2022

Camas completes an unblemished campaign by the slimmest of margins, getting the shootout decision to lift the 4A girls' state trophy at Sparks Stadium in Puyallup. The Papermakers (22-0-0) get two penalty saves from Keely Wieczorek to prevail over perennial contender Issaquah, 0-0 (4-2). Following a scoreless regulation and overtime, Norah Melcher delivers the decisive shootout conversion. Camas has 17-3 shot advantage since halftime and wins its second 4A and third title overall. Issaquah becomes a six-time runner-up, last winning in 2017.

Three Rivers Run Ends in National Semifinal
July 23, 2022

An improbable run by Three Rivers SC Black ultimately ends at the USYSA National Championships girls' U19 semifinal in Orlando. Wisconsin's SC Wave, the eventual champion, ousts Three Rivers, 4-0. The Tri-Cities team had outscored its three pool play opponents by 10-2. Violet Duran is named to the tournament's Best XI.

Northwest Appoints New Women's Coach
December 15, 2022

April VanAssche is named Northwest University's new women's head coach. VanAssche's record at Snohomish High School was 172-68-17 from 1998 to 2021. She was the 2016 WIAA 3A Coach of the Year. April's daughter Gracie will be a senior at Northwest in 2023. Bryan Chud had guided the Eagles since 2016, before Gary McIntosh took over as interim coach for the final seven games.

Legendary Pelé Passes at 82
December 29, 2022

Pelé, universally considered the top player of his generation, dies at age 82 in São Paulo, Brazil, from colon cancer. After winning a then-record three World Cup titles with Brazil, Pelé came to the U.S. in 1975 to play for the New York Cosmos and build domestic popularity for the sport. His last competitive match was for the NASL championship against the Seattle Sounders in 1977. Following that game, he presented his jersey to Sounders rookie Jimmy McAlister.

Late Lodeiro Penalties Turn CCL Tide
April 27, 2022

What seemed a mountainous Sounders task for their Champions League second leg final suddenly becomes manageable, thanks to a pair of late penalty conversions by Nicolas Lodeiro. The Seattle captain knotted the first leg score with UNAM Pumas at 2-2 deep into stoppage time at Mexico City's Estadio Olimpico de Universitario. Tournament scoring leader Juan Dinneno's powerful header early in the second half gives Pumas a 2-nil advantage. Lodeiro halves the deficit in the 77th minute. Then, following a foul on Cristian Roldan and VAR review nine minutes into added time, he again beats Alfredo Talavera.

Beavers Deny UW Unbeaten Season
November 10, 2022

Pac-12 rival Oregon State denies Washington its first unbeaten regular season with a 1-0 win on Montlake. The No. 1-ranked Huskies (15-1-3) have not beaten the Beavers since the postponed 2020 campaign, going 0-2-2, with both losses in Seattle.

Frimpong Ellertson First to Reach Pac-12 Hall
March 11, 2022

Tina Frimpong Ellertson is chosen for induction to the Pac-12 Hall of Honor, becoming the hall's first soccer player. Frimpong Ellertson, a native of Vancouver, is Washington's all-time leading scorer and a two-time Pac-12 Player of the Year. She later played professionally and with the U.S. National Team. She joined the UW coaching staff in 2020.

Defiance Unbeaten Run Reaches Nine
June 18, 2022

Marlon Vargas scores twice and Danny Leyva adds a third goal in the first half-hour of Tacoma Defiance's 4-1 win over Colorado Rapids 2 at Starfire Stadium. Vargas has scored in seven straight matches. Eric Kinzer adds a second-half tally as Tacoma stretches its record unbeaten run to nine games (6-0-3).

Lavelle Nets Winner, Equal Pay is Official
September 9, 2022

OL Reign's Rose Lavelle scores a spectacular goal, and following the 2-1 USWNT win over Nigeria in Washington, D.C., the U.S. women and their male counterparts formally sign the collective bargaining agreements with U.S. Soccer that gives players on both sides equal pay. Megan Rapinoe serves a cross to Lavelle for a diving header in the 66th minute, and the U.S. goes on to remain unbeaten American soil in 71 matches. Washington's U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell participates in the postgame ceremony.

Sounders Make Splash, Sign Rusnák
January 13, 2022

Albert Rusnák, arguably the most coveted MLS free agent, signs for the Sounders as a Designated Player after five productive seasons with Real Salt Lake. A Solvenian international, Rusnák totaled 41 goals and 39 assists after being brought to Utah by Craig Waibel, then RSL GM and now a Seattle VP.

Reign's Little Reunion
May 28, 2022

Two-time NWSL MVP Kim Little will be returning to Seattle on a short-term loan, OL Reign announce. Little won two NWSL scoring titles from 2014-16 before returning to Arsenal. She starts six times in her limited run from July 1-August 7 and contributes one assist.

Pumas Join Kitsap Hall of Fame
February 6, 2022

Although the club has passed into history, the 2011 PDL champion Kitsap Pumas are bestowed immortality with induction to the Kitsap Sports Hall of Fame. Also honored at the Poulsbo banquet is Pumas owner Robin Waite, who received the Rex Brown Distinguished Service Award. Representing the 2011 team are coach Peter Fewing and former executive director Ben Pecora.

Reign Roar Back to Win in LA
July 30, 2022

OL Reign overcome numerous obstacles to claim their first NWSL road win of the season in sensational fashion, 3-2, over Angel City. Winless in league play (0-3-2), playing before 22,000 LA fans, down 2-nil after 28 minutes and having missed a penalty kick, the Reign find their way back. Jess Fishlock and Sofia Huerta score to bring it level by the 64th minute. Newly-acquired Tobin Heath then secures all the points in the 89th minute by volleying home from close range.

Shoreline Reinstates Men's Program
February 7, 2022

Following a two-year hiatus, Shoreline Community College reinstates the men's program, with competition to resume in the fall. A decline in enrollment and $2.3 million shortfall prompted the decision to suspend the program in 2020. Current SCC women's coach Shaun Warner will take the reins, leading both soccer programs. Shoreline, which formed a team in 1967, was one of the founding NWAC members of varsity play in 1974. The Dolphins go 1-15-2 in their return season.

Rapinoe Presented Medal of Freedom
July 7, 2022

President Joe Biden awards Megan Rapinoe the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, at the White House. Rapinoe, among 17 recipients, is the first soccer player to receive the award and one of just six female athletes or coaches. She has been a USWNT member since 2006 and has helped the team win two Olympic medals and two World Cup championships. Off the field, she has been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ equality and equality in women's sports. Rapinoe was among the players who filed an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint against U.S. Soccer, alleging gender discrimination.

A New Kind of Bar, Rough & Tumble Opens
December 9, 2022

Rough & Tumble, a sports bar giving priority to women's professional and collegiate sports, opens in Seattle's Ballard neighborhood. It instantly becomes the de facto home for OL Reign fans to gather and watch road matches and occasionally meet with players and coaches. Rough & Tumble founder Jen Barnes was driven to start the business after being frustrated in seeking a bar showing a 2021 Reign semifinal on a big screen.

RAVE Foundation Is Halfway to Goal
August 13, 2022

RAVE Foundation's Lakeridge Playfield opens, becoming the 13th home new mini pitch for free play. It marks the halfway point in the foundation's goal of building 26 new fields by the year 2026 in historically marginalized communities across Washington. Partners for Lakeridge, located near the southwest shore of Lake Washington in the Rainier Beach area, are the City of Seattle, Seattle United and Seattle Youth Soccer Association.

No. 1 UW Crashes Out to Creighton
November 20, 2022

After three straight deep runs into the NCAA tournament, top-ranked Washington exits quickly with a 3-1 second-round home loss to Creighton. The Huskies start fast, going up after 10 minutes through Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, but the Bluejays get level in the 21st minute. Sam Fowler makes five first-half saves before the visitors score twice in the final seven minutes. Creighton's march continues to the semifinals. After going unbeaten in the first 18 games, UW finishes 15-2-3.

Jimenez Helps Send Louisville to USL Final
November 5, 2022

Oscar Jimenez figures in the deciding goal as Louisville City reaches another USL Championship final with a 1-0 extra-time win over Tampa Bay. Jimenez’s corner kick is converted by Elijah Winder in the 107th minute to break the stalemate. Lou City falls to San Antonio, 3-1, in the title match. Jimenez is club’s career leader in assists (32).

Ballard FC Tips Farrell for Coach
January 6, 2022

Ballard FC names former Sounder Jason Farrell as the USL League Two team's first head coach. Farrell played for the Seattle A-League club over two stints separated by four seasons in MLS. More recently he served as technical director and coach for Seattle United and operations director for Sound FC.

No. 1 Huskies Blank No. 5 Stanford
October 4, 2022

Newly-minted No. 1 Washington blows past No. 5 Stanford, 3-0, for its sixth straight win and third consecutive shutout before 2,953 at Husky Soccer Stadium. After a Nick Scardina opener, Lucas Meek twice hits the net in the second half. The Huskies (10-0-1) were named No. 1 in all three major polls two days earlier and have outscored opponents 31-5. They retain the top ranking for the remainder of the regular season.

Wildfire Smoke Prompts Three Cancellations
September 11, 2022

With wildfire smoke increasingly plaguing the Pacific Northwest, three women's collegiate contests are canceled across the state. Games at Western Washington, Gonzaga and Whitworth are nixed due to measurements registering above the recommended limit of 150 on the air quality index. None of the games are rescheduled.

Lagerwey Leaves Sounders for Atlanta
November 22, 2022

Garth Lagerwey announces he's leaving the Sounders as president of soccer and general manager to join Atlanta United as president and CEO. Lagerwey, 49, came to Seattle in 2015 and in nearly eight years oversaw the club winning two MLS Cups, reach two more finals and become the first MLS team to win the Concacaf Champions League. He was twice overwhelmingly retained by Alliance members in 2018 and 2022 votes.

WA Prep Champs Beat OR Winners
September 9, 2022

In a matchup of state champions from 2021, Parker Mairs scores both goals as the Camas girls beat Grant of Portland, 2-0, in a non-league match. Camas won the Washington 4A state title the previous fall, while Grant captured the Oregon 6A crown. Keely Wieczorek backs Mairs' scoring by making 10 saves for the Papermakers.

Gonzaga Women Set Unbeaten Mark
October 19, 2022

Marcia Garcia's brace powers Gonzaga to a 3-0 home win over Loyal Marymount, extending the Zags' unbeaten run to a record nine games (7-0-2). Garcia scores only three minutes into the match and doubles the lead in the 61st. Kate Doyle assists on both scores. Maddie Kemp also scores for Gonzaga, which started the season 0-1-2.

Lagerwey Wins World Recognition
September 20, 2022

Garth Lagerwey, Seattle's president of soccer and GM, is named the winner of the Best Executive Award by the World Football Summit. Lagerwey is presented the award Sept. 28 in Seville, Spain. Other finalists include Ivan Gazidis, CEO of AC Milan, and Karren Brady, vice chairman of West Ham United.

Three Rivers TD, Former EWU Coach Bodnar Dies at 44
July 18, 2022

Chad Bodnar, a prominent figure in coaching around Eastern Washington, dies unexpectedly at age 44. Bodnar, a native of Pasco, was technical director of Three Rivers SC for 19 years, yet he was more widely known for his collegiate coaching. He was 73-44-15 in seven seasons as Eastern Washington women's head coach, guiding the Eagles to their first two NCAA tournament appearances and earning 2019 Big Sky Coach of the Year. Before that, Bodnar coached Walla Walla Community College for 10 years.

Western Women Take Another GNAC Title
November 5, 2022

A late goal from freshman Morgan Manalili secures yet another GNAC women's tournament championship for Western Washington. The Vikings, who already won the regular season title, defeat host Northwest Nazarene, 1-0, in Nampa, Idaho. Manalili scores in the 78th minute for the program's sixth GNAC double since 2012. Western dedicated the victory to longtime program supporter Ron Higginbotham, who passed away two days earlier.

Sounders' CCL Win Over UNAM Pumas Makes History
May 4, 2022

Raul Ruidiaz strikes twice before a roaring record crowd and Seattle Sounders FC makes history, becoming the first MLS club to claim the Concacaf Champions League. Before 68,741, the Sounders defeat Mexico's UNAM Pumas 3-0 in the second leg for a 5-2 aggregate score. Seattle overcomes the loss of Nouhou (11') and Joao Paulo (29') to injury, beginning with Ruidiaz's deflected shot moments before halftime. He pounces to double the lead in the 80th minute, and Nicolas Lodeiro seals it at 88'. Stefan Frei posts his fourth shutout of the tournament and is voted its outstanding player.

Tacoma Erupts for 15 Goals, Perera Hits Six
January 9, 2022

Despite losing several players and staff to positive COVID tests, Tacoma sets a club record for scoring and ties its widest winning margin by defeating St. Louis 15-5 at ShoWare Center. Nick Perera strikes for six goals and three assists and Alessandro Canales adds a hat trick for the Stars (2-2). Owner Lane Smith activates several reserves and Cory Keitz serves as coach in Mike Jennings’s absence. Tacoma last won by 10 goals in 2018-19.

USWNT Players, U.S. Soccer Settle Lawsuit
February 22, 2022

U.S. Women's National Team players, including OL Reign's Megan Rapinoe and Rose Lavelle, announce a proposed settlement in their class action equal pay lawsuit against U.S. Soccer. The federation has agreed to pay a lump sum of $22 million in back pay to the players. U.S. Soccer will also put $2 million into a fund for USWNT players' post-career goals and charitable efforts, with each player able to apply for up to $50,000. The federation has also promised to provide an equal rate of pay between the men's and women's national senior teams in all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. The lengthy legal dispute dates back to a 2016 federal equal pay complaint filed by Rapinoe and four other high-profile USWNT players. She and Lavelle were among 28 players who sued U.S. Soccer in March 2019, alleging that female players were consistently paid less than their male counterparts despite superior performance on the field.

WA Legends, Sounders Mark Title IX's 50th
May 15, 2022

Title IX’s upcoming 50th anniversary is celebrated with Washington State Legends of Soccer curating and hosting a 10-panel display at Lumen Field during a Sounders match. In addition, 10 of our state’s early women’s soccer icons led the pregame Scarves Up! OL Reign and Washington Youth Soccer also marked the anniversary later in the year.

Reign Trio Factor in Concacaf Championship
July 18, 2022

OL Reign's Rose Lavelle, Alana Cook and Sofia Huerta all feature for the United States in a 1-0 victory over Canada for Concacaf W Championship in Guadalupe, Mexico. Lavelle, who scored in the group stage win over Jamaica, was brought down in the box, providing Alex Morgan a penalty kick for the 76' winning goal. The victory earned the USWNT automatic berths in 2023 World Cup and 2024 Olympics. Cook would go on to lead all players with 1286 minutes in 2022. Huerta had two assists and 16 caps and Lavelle four goals and six assists for the year.

Reign Rallies to Take Women's Cup
August 20, 2022

OL Reign comes from behind on enemy turf to take the Women's Cup from defending champion and host Racing Louisville, 2-1. Olivia Athens brings the visitors level in the 59th minute before Jordyn Huitema nets the winner in the 66th. Both were halftime substitutes. The Reign beat Mexico's Club America, 2-1, in the semifinals.

Reign Win Shield on Final Day
October 1, 2022

Completing a race that went down to the wire, OL Reign take advantage of a Portland draw to win the NWSL Shield on the regular season's final day, 3-0, over Orlando at Lumen Field. A club stand-alone record crowd of 10,746 sees goals from Megan Rapinoe, Jordyn Huitema and Bethany Balcer in the first 31 minutes quickly put the match to bed. It is the club's third shield and comes after a near-perfect (6-0-1) record down the stretch to finish one point in front of the rival Thorns. Phallon Tullis-Joyce posts her third consecutive shutout, and the defense allows a league-low 19 goals in 22 games. Each roster player receives a $10,000 bonus from sponsor Carmax.

Solo, Dempsey Voted to Hall of Fame
January 29, 2022

Reign, University of Washington and Richland legend Hope Solo and former Sounders star Clint Dempsey are elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame. Solo was considered the world’s best goalkeeper in the final years of her 14-year pro career, which ended in 2016. As a Richland youth she scored 109 goals and led the Bombers to the state championship. Solo was a three-time All-American at UW. She won two World Cup Gold Gloves, plus a 2015 World Cup title and two Olympic gold medals. Solo also starred for Sounders Women in 2012 and from 2013-16 with the Reign. Dempsey received 97.9% of the player vote to be inducted on his first ballot. He retired from the Sounders in 2018 after helping the club win the 2014 Supporters' Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and 2016 MLS Cup.

Redhawks Open With Huge Upset
August 25, 2022

Seattle University opens its men's season by staging one of the biggest wins in program history. Getting a second-half brace from Declan McGlynn, the Redhawks upset No. 4-ranked Notre Dame, 3-1, at South Bend, Indiana. The Irish are the highest-ranked SU win. McGlynn (70) surpasses Sergio Rivas for career points in the Div. I era. Seattle U's top upset previously was vs. No. 10 Washington in 2015.

Perera Plucked to be Reign GM
February 15, 2022

Nick Perera, the prolific scorer for the Tacoma Stars, is plucked from the offices of Washington Youth Soccer to become OL Reign general manager. Perera, 35, takes over for former CEO Bill Predmore who was involved in most roster moves the past few seasons. He had served as Stars head coach from 2018-21 before becoming WYS executive director. Perera is captain of the U.S. Beach Soccer National Team and speaks fluently in six languages.

Early Goal All But Clinches CCL Final
April 13, 2022

Raul Ruidiaz's second-leg opener crushes any New York City FC aggregate comeback hopes, and the Sounders' 1-1 draw at Red Bull Arena sends them through to the CONCACAF Champions League finals. Ruidiaz scores in the 28th minute, on the end of a counterattack beginning with a Jackson Ragen long ball. Nouhou's cross is stroked home from 11 yards. Seattle, winners 4-1 on aggregate, is the fifth MLS team to reach a final.

PLU Women Win Sixth NWC Title in a Row
November 6, 2022

Pacific Lutheran's stingy defense is enough to lock down a sixth consecutive NWC championship with a 0-0 draw at Lewis & Clark. Shaylin Cesar makes five saves in goal to earn her eighth shutout and the Lutes' 10th. PLU allows only 10 goals in the regular season.

UW-Seattle U Match Draws Record Crowd
September 20, 2022

A record Husky Soccer Stadium crowd convenes on Montlake to see undefeated and No. 2-rated Washington down crosstown rival Seattle University, 4-0, for the WAC/101 Club Cup. The attendance of 3,876 is the largest for UW since moving out of Husky Stadium, where there were gates of up to 5,200 in the mid-Seventies. Ilijah Paul's eighth goal in seven games starts the scoring at 30'. The Huskies are now 7-1-0 in WAC/101 Club Cups versus the Redhawks.

Whitman Makes First East Coast Trip
September 8, 2022

Whitman opens its first East Coast road trip by blasting John Jay College, 5-1, in New York City. The Blues score four times in the final 33 minutes to pull away from a 1-1 tie. Erick Perez-Cuellar assists on the first and scores the third. Whitman also plays Rutgers-Camden (1-2) and Stockton (0-1) before returning home.

Morris Rescues Road Point for U.S.
June 14, 2022

Jordan Morris comes off the bench to secure a point for United States in added time of a 1-1 Nations League match at El Salvador. Morris steps onto the muddy pitch in the 80th minute, and in the first minute of stoppage time he leaps far post to head home Luca de la Torre's left-wing cross. It's his 11th international goal, his first since November 2019 and first since tearing his left ACL in February 2021.

Reign Come Home with Playoff Ticket Punched
September 24, 2022

By completing a clean sweep of an eight-day, three-match road trip, OL Reign secure another playoff berth. They blank Houston, 2-0, in 87-degree heat after starting the trip with wins at North Carolina and Gotham. Bethany Balcer's sixth goal and a late rebound conversion by Veronica Latsko are balanced by Phallon Tullis-Joyce's eighth shutout. It's the fourth straight trip to the postseason.

Early Bellarmine Goal Is Enough for 4A Crown
May 28, 2022

An early goal proves sufficient for Bellarmine Prep to beat Skyline and add a third 4A state championship trophy to its collection. Jaggar Judkins scores in the seventh minute on a free kick, and the Lions' defense stands firm the rest of the way at Sparks Stadium. Bellarmine had upset top-seeded Pasco in a semifinal shootout the night before. Judkins scored one of the penalty kicks and his goal in the final was his 13th. It's Skyline's third runner-up finish.

Founder of Amputee Soccer Passes
December 15, 2022

The founder of amputee soccer, Don Bennett passes from prostate cancer at 92. Bennett moved to Seattle in 1956, operating several successful businesses. After losing his right leg in 1972 boating accident, he remained active outdoors. In 1982, he became the first amputee to summit Mount Rainier on crutches, then soon after invited his ski buddies to play soccer, and amputee soccer was born. It is now played in over 50 countries. The first Amputee World Cup was held in Seattle, and Bennett attended the 2022 championships in Turkey.

COVID Mask Protocols Expire
January 13, 2022

In accordance with State Department of Health protocols, Washington Youth Soccer drops masking requirements for players, coaches and spectators.

Becker Named New Stars Coach
January 20, 2022

Adam Becker is elevated to head coach of the Tacoma Stars. Becker was formally a Stars assistant and head coach of the reserves. He replaces Mike Jennings, who was 2-3 at the helm.

Reign Move Training to Starfire
October 10, 2022

OL Reign announce they will make Starfire Sports in Tukwila their training facility home beginning in February 2023. The multi-year deal allows the team to return to its original training and match site during the NWSL’s inaugural season in 2013. Initially, the Reign will share portions of the facility currently designated for the Sounders FC and have space for their own locker rooms and OL Reign Academy. Reign training has been held at Tacoma's Foss High School and Bellarmine Prep since leaving Memorial Stadium following the 2018 season.

Purcell Starts in U20 Women's World Cup
August 14, 2022

Seattle's Neeku Purcell gets the start for U.S. in its second group stage match at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in San Jose, Costa Rica. Purcell, a UCLA freshman who alternates with Mia Justus, makes four saves vs The Netherlands in her seventh career international appearance, but the Dutch win, 3-0. Sally Menti, another Seattleite, suffered a torn right ACL in training prior to the tournament. Menti also missed the entire fall season at Santa Clara.

PLU Women Win NCAA Opener
November 12, 2022

Despite playing without its top scorer, Pacific Lutheran wins its NCAA Division III tournament opener, 2-1, over Mary Hardin-Baylor in San Antonio. With Hannah Cecil (15 goals) absent due to injury, Alyssa Leong scores the Lutes' first goal at 43', then finds Kayden Hulquist for what proves to be the winner in the 58th minute. It's the first postseason win for PLU since 2017.

Oly Town Women Join W-League
September 29, 2022

Oly Town FC becomes the state's first member of the USL W-League. It represents a move forward for the Artesians, who previously operated women’s indoor and outdoor teams in the Northwest Premier League. Oly Town joins the Northwest Division which includes Oregon's CFC Atletica of Salem, OVF Alliance of Albany and Lane United FC of Eugene.

Serrano Scores in First Louisville Start
March 23, 2022

Ray Serrano, 19, of Moses Lake scores in his first start for Louisville City. Serrano, who joined the USL Championship side after his release from Tacoma Defiance in the offseason, collects his own rebound and quickly converts for Lou City’s first goal in a 2-0 win at New York Red Bulls II.

Washington Clinches Pac-12 Championship
November 3, 2022

Unbeaten and No. 1-ranked Washington clinches its fourth Pac-12 championship by beating UCLA, 3-2, on a soggy Husky Soccer Stadium pitch. The Huskies (14-0-3) never trail after Ilijah Paul nets his 11th goal in the eighth minute. Lucas Meek heads in a rebound at 48' and Gio Miglietti's penalty kick in the 65th provides an ample two-goal cushion. UW last won the conference in 2019.

Crossfire Redmond Unable to Hold Late Lead
August 6, 2022

Crossfire Redmond's bid for the National Premier Soccer League championship is denied by two late FC Motown goals in the final at Montclair, N.J. Crossfire wipes out a 2-nil deficit with three straight goals from Christian Soto (43'), Hamza Haddadi (45+5') and Scott Menzies (49'). With temperatures climbing to near 90, the hosts rally after a hydration break. Substitute Coby Handy scores in the 81st minute and again with the winner in stoppage time. The diminutive Soto, the smallest player in the final, was voted NPSL MVP on Aug 5.

RAVE Foundation Launches Ambitious Campaign
March 10, 2022

RAVE Foundation, the Sounders' charitable arm, launches the 26 Fields by 2026 campaign as part of the club’s effort to bring play equity to youth in Washington through its Defend the Right to Play social justice arena for change. Headlining the campaign objectives is building 26 fields by the year 2026 in historically marginalized communities throughout Washington, with the target date of completion in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Other goals include providing a free soccer ball to every child who lives within one mile walking distance to each field and investing in programs on and around those fields that use soccer as a vehicle support children’s health and well-being.

Sounders' Morris, Roldan Make World Cup Team
November 9, 2022

Both Jordan Morris and Cristian Roldan of the Sounders are named along with Seattle native DeAndre Yedlin in U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter's 26-man World Cup squad. It's Yedlin's second World Cup. Anthony Hudson, son of former NASL Sounder Alan Hudson and born in Seattle, is Berhalter's top assistant. Other Sounders to represent their nation are Nouhou (Cameroon) and Xavier Arreaga (Ecuador).

WA Figures in Deaf WNT Gold
May 15, 2022

With two players and head coach Amy Griffin hailing from Washington, the U.S. Deaf Women's National Team clinches the Deaflympics gold medal in Caxias Do Sul, Brazil. The U.S. wins a shootout with Poland, 4-2, after a scoreless regulation and extra time. Griffin has been coach since 2015. Vancouver's Olivia Mackey and Fall City's Paris Price represent their country, with Price, a high school junior at Mount Si, the youngest member.

Reign, Record Crowd Silenced by KC
October 23, 2022

Returning from a three-week layoff, OL Reign's playoff opener becomes a quiet exit with a 2-0 loss to Kansas City in the NWSL semifinal. A record single-match crowd of 21,491 is all but silenced when Alexis Loera put the Current in front after just four minutes. The Reign had been 8-1-5 at home during the regular season and Challenge Cup play. They statistically dominate KC in shots (16-8) and corners (14-2) but Adriana Franch makes seven rather comfortable saves.

Oly Town Joins USL LeagueTwo
January 27, 2022

Olympia's Oly Town FC joins USL League Two as the second Washington team in the Northwest Division along with Ballard FC. Oly Town dates to 2014 as a Western Indoor Soccer League club. The Artesians added outdoor in 2017, playing the first of four seasons in the Evergreen Premier League. They will play home games at Black Hills High School.

Western Women
December 1, 2022

Sophie Bearden Croft's first two goals of the season prove timely as the sophomore comes off the bench to propel Western Washington past No. 3 Columbus State (Ga.), 2-1, in an NCAA Division II semifinal at Seattle’s sub-freezing Interbay Stadium. Early in the second period Croft breaks the ice, finding the top left corner from 12 yards. At 76' she strikes again, following a cross from Morgan Manalili. Western keeps Columbus State, averaging 3.87 goals per game, off the scoreboard until the 85th minute.

Predmores Step Down from OL Reign Roles
February 1, 2022

OL Reign founders Bill and Teresa Predmore step down from their operating roles as the club's transfer of control to OL Groupe becomes complete. While the Predmores will retain their 7.5% ownership in the team, Bill will no longer serve as CEO and Teresa is leaving as president of the OL Reign Academy. Vincent Berthillot, chief operating officer since 2020, will become CEO.

WWU Wins Regional, Seeks NCAA Title in Seattle
November 19, 2022

Two quick scores set up by Estera Levinte seize momentum and Western Washington rolls to a 3-1 home victory over Colorado School of Mines in an NCAA Division II women's quarterfinal at Harrington Field. Morgan Manalili gets her fourth postseason goal just 1:50 into the match, finishing Levinte's cross. Jayden Nguyen scores from 25 yards in the 12th minute and Tera Ziemer puts the Vikings up 3-nil after 35 minutes. As regional champion, Western advances to the finals, to be played at Seattle's Interbay Stadium.

To be the first MLS team to win this tournament is incredibly special. I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet, the magnitude of this moment. We have an amazing team here and an amazing culture at this club.
Seattle's Jordan Morris reflecting on the CONCACAF Champions League victory over Pumas
When you talk about doing something big, like winning a national title, what we discovered this year is that you've got to break it down into small things. We really wanted to – not win a title - we wanted to win the next play, and we wanted to win the next half and we wanted to win the next game. And if we stacked all those things on top of each other...we get to win this game.
Western Washington coach Travis Connell, after the Vikings won their second NCAA championship
As like-minded individuals and fans of women’s sports, we are hoping to build a diverse community of trust, value, mutual respect, and belonging. Rough & Tumble was conceived because I simply wanted to watch women’s sports on a big screen, with sound, and not in my living room. Today, I’m investing in women’s sports and the business of women’s sports because it’s an imperative.
Jen Barnes, founder and owner of Rough & Tumble sports bar in Ballard
I never really thought about selling it. I feel that it's an heirloom that I could pass on to my son and daughter, so it means a lot to our family...(The Cosmos) had quite the team but Pelé was somebody that everybody had heard of. He was kind of like Muhammad Ali...(Now it) kind of brings me back to playing against those guys and to that part of my life, which was a long, long time ago.
Sounders legend Jimmy McAlister on his vaulted Pelé jersey, given to him by Pelé following his final competitive match
Everything broke right for the Sounders, who were prodded for nearly two hours of grinding action by a sea of Seattle fans in blue and green who pushed their trademark electric energy to the pitch. This was history — and it felt like a joint effort between a team and its supporters.
Kurt Streeter, New York Times writer, on the Sounders' Champions League triumph
He’s a glue guy. He’s there for the team, creates atmosphere for the team. Sometimes he’s a shoulder to cry on or talk to, other times he’s a motivator.
USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter on DeAndre Yedlin’s attributes in joining the 2022 World Cup team
Seattle has hosted NCAA men’s Final Fours, All-Star Games for the NBA, WNBA and MLB and the Special Olympics USA Games in 2018. It also hosted the 1990 Goodwill Games. But the World Cup will mark the biggest sports event ever for the city.
Seattle Times reporter Roshan Fernandez
This game on May 4 is for immortality. This game is for the whole city of Seattle, the whole community. This is our last chance as a city to impress upon FIFA that we should host games in the 2026 World Cup. If you buy one more Sounders ticket in your lifetime, make it for May 4. You will be able to tell your kids that you were there when the Sounders took a shot at history.
Sounders GM Garth Lagerwey, before April 16 home crowd, affirming that the Concacaf Champions League final could be epic
I was shockingly nervous, sitting here with my stomach turning inside out. I honestly was more nervous than for our Champions League final. It surprised me actually. It’s just years and years of anticipation. Born and raised here. Grew up as a soccer brat. Just a lot of emotion.
Sounders owner and SEA2026 chair Adrian Hanauer on the growing tension up until Seattle was named a 2026 World Cup host city
Garth’s intellect, persistence and energy helped drive the club forward, and I will never forget his vision for capturing the Concacaf Champions League title and how he energized our fans before this year’s final against Pumas. Many people make up the mosaic of Seattle soccer history, and Garth is certainly on that list of great Sounders that have forged our club into what we all know and love.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer thanking outgoing president and GM Garth Lagerwey on his contributions
It’s amazing. We’re super fortunate. We have the best fans in the league, and they showed up tonight and helped us to this win. So, we’re super pumped we could do it for them.
Seattle's Jordan Morris on Sounders fans setting an attendance record for Champions League final
I said to the guys before the game started that the very first one, there’s only one, and that’s why it’s history. So today was an opportunity to achieve that as well. The next 200 years, there will be 200 other CONCACAF champions, but there will never be another first one. So you truly write yourself in the history books that way.
Sounders keeper Stefan Frei on Seattle making history by becoming the first MLS winner of the Champions League
The connection to the fans and the players is the spirit of this club. And you guys heard it. When the teams walked out tonight, that was awesome. It was really awesome. You guys felt the energy in the building. The players felt it. It was spectacular.
Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer on the Champions League final's atmosphere at Lumen Field
Seattle didn’t accidentally get to host. This city deserves it for the culture and the soccer culture they’ve built here.
Sounders executive and former player Craig Waibel on Seattle being selected to host 2026 World Cup matches
If this long-awaited lightning was finally going to strike somewhere in MLS territory, then Seattle was the perfect place. It’s a city that embraced domestic pro soccer through multiple leagues and decades with a rare, sustained fervor. And it’s home to a club that then set a standard of ambition, consistency and success in a league designed to suppress it.
Brian Strauss, Sports Illustrated writer, on the significance of the Sounders winning the Champions League final
They’re a bunch of rock stars. When you look at what makes a healthy community, you see positive activities that engage young people.
Burien police chief Ted Boe on Cultures United FC and its providing affordable opportunities to in-need youth in south King County
Beyond the World Cup title to Olympic medals, Megan is a champion for essential American truth that everyone is entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. She helped lead the change for perhaps the most important victory for anyone on our soccer team or any soccer team: equal pay for women.
President Joe Biden, in presenting Megan Rapinoe the Medal of Freedom
Today is about the future and what we will do to build this club for the next generations.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer on moving offices and creating a training center at Longacres
This is that moment in front of 70,000 fans at home, in front of my friends and family. To win this big tournament, and the first in MLS to do so, it’s a dream come true.
Sounders defender and Federal Way native Kelyn Rowe reflecting on the Champions League triumph
You know something momentous has happened at a sporting event when no one wants to leave. Given the history that was made at Lumen Field on Wednesday, you couldn't blame anyone connected with the Seattle Sounders for wanting to stick around...Now MLS can start to have dreams that are a bit more grounded in reality. Granted, it's going to take more than one title to claim regional dominance, but that can't begin until the first win is in the books. That is something that MLS now has. And it has to Seattle to thank.
Jeff Carlisle, ESPN.com writer, on Seattle's feat of becoming the first MLS club to win Champions League
Everyone on the team has played multiple positions throughout the year just as needed. They never complain about it. There's no divas on the team. Everyone gets along. Everyone just fights for the common goal. It's pretty special group, chemistry wise, where it's all about the team.
Jason Quintero, Three Rivers girls U19 coach, after winning Far West Regional
This is the best one for me. Making history, right? Something that the MLS has tried and tried again to do, and being able to be the first MLS side to win a trophy makes it all that more special.
Cristian Roldan on Sounders making history by winning 2022 Champions League
College & High School All-America* (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Tm/Pos)
Ilijah Paul (Gilbert Az.) Washington (D1/1/F)
Leo Burney (Seattle) Pennsylvania (D1/2/D)
Lucas Meek (Mercer Island) Washington (D1/3/M)
Tera Ziemer (Santa Rosa, Ca.) Western Washington (D2/1/M)
Estera Levinte (Bothell) Western Washington (D2/2/F)
Lars Helleren (Edmonds) Seattle Pacific (D2/3/G)
Elise Morris (Seattle) Middlebury (D3/3/D)
Shelby Runje (Issaquah) Issaquah (HS/F)
Levi Bieber (Tacoma) Washington Premier (Youth)
Oscar Rincon-Rodriguez (Federal Way) Crossfire
Sophia Rubano (Camas, Wa.) Portland Thorns Acad. (Youth)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 6-8-2
Gonzaga 4-10-3
Northwest 6-10-2
Pacific Lutheran 18-4-0
Puget Sound 9-6-5
Saint Martin's 2-14-2
Seattle University 7-10-1
Seattle Pacific 7-6-6
Walla Walla 0-14-0
Washington 15-2-3
Western Washington 12-4-3
Whitman 12-7-1
Whitworth 8-9-3
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 3-11-4
Eastern Washington 5-8-5
Evergreen 1-10-4
Gonzaga 10-3-5
Northwest 17-2-2
Pacific Lutheran 17-2-3
Puget Sound 16-4-1
Saint Martin's 5-10-2
Seattle University 11-5-3
Seattle Pacific 11-6-2
Washington 10-6-3
Washington State 8-7-4
Western Washington 19-2-4
Whitman 6-12-1
Whitworth 6-8-5
Founders Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U10 Crossfire Select 12 Black ChattaRSA Elite 12 Black
U11 Crossfire Select 11 Black OmeliaNSC 11A Green Fury
U12 Crossfire Select 10 Black SupinskiNSC 10 Legends
U13 NSC 09 FuryMIFC 09 Maroon VanGaver
U14 NSC 08 Green RaptorsNSC 08 Green Crushers
U15 Crossfire Select 07 Black Zlateff
U16 Southlake 06 Seattle Cafessa
U17 Washington Rush Select 05 A
U19 NSC 03 Apex
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Alana Cook (D) Reign (NWSL-1st)
Sofia Huerta (D) Reign (NWSL-1st)
Jessica Fishlock (M) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Rose Lavelle (M) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Megan Rapinoe (F) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Marlon Vargas (F) Defiance (NEXT Pro-1st)
Nick Perera (F) Stars (MASL-2nd)
Sounders MLS Results
Date OpponentResult
F27 NashvilleL 0-1
M05 at Real Salt LakeL 0-1
M12 LA GalaxyW 3-2
M20 at AustinD 1-1
A02 at MinnesotaW 2-1
A16 Inter MiamiL 0-1
A23 at San JoseL 3-4
M07 at DallasL 0-2
M15 MinnesotaW 3-1
M18 at HoustonW 1-0
M22 at ColoradoL 0-1
M29 CharlotteW 2-1
J14 VancouverW 4-0
J18 LAFCD 1-1
J25 Sporting KCW 3-0
J29 MontrealL 1-2
J02 at TorontoW 2-0
J09 PortlandL 0-3
J13 at NashvilleL 0-1
J16 at ChicagoL 0-1
J23 ColoradoW 2-1
J29 at LAFCL 1-2
A02 DallasW 1-0
A06 at AtlantaL 1-2
A14 Real Salt LakeL 1-2
A19 at LA GalaxyD 3-3
State Youth Presidents Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U9 Crossfire 13 RCLEastside 13 Red A
U10 Seattle United 12 Copa AWashington Prem 12 Black A
U11 Seattle United 11 Copa AWashington Prem 11 Black A
U12 Three Rivers 10 BlackCascade FC 10 Green
U13 Seattle United 09 Tango BSeattle United Tango 09 B
U14 NSC 08 Green RaptorsCrossfire Select 08 Black Hayre
U15 Northwest United 07 BlackHighline SA Select 07
U16 Three Rivers 06 GreenValor 06 Gold Bleyer
U17 NSC 05 Green SharksWhatcom FC Rangers 05 Gold
U19 Crossfire Select 03/04 PomboCrossfire Select 0304 Lower
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 West Seattle SCPSCN Avalanche
U12 Valor Rec ThunderHSC Huskies
U13 LSDSC StrikersChaos Kickers
U14 LSDSC Golden Warriors 09 (D3)Monte Fire
U15 Starship FPBulldogs
U16 DragonsCheetahs
U17 LSDSC Fuego FC 06
U19 RSA Union 05Southlake Rec 04 Avalanche
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 WA Timbers 10B Red 1Crossfire 10 RCL 1
U13 Three Rivers 09 BlackSound FC 09 A
U14 Northwest United 08 BlackWashington Rush 08 A
U15 PacNW 07 Maroon AWashington Rush 07A
U16 Seattle United 06 CopaSnohomish Utd 06 Black
U17 Northwest United 05 BlackSeattle United 05 Copa
U19 Sound FC 04AThree Rivers 0304 Black
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Bellarmine 1Skyline 0
Boys 3A Mercer Island 3Lakeside 1
Boys 2A Squalicum 5Burlington Edison 0
Boys 1A Bush 4University Prep 0
Boys 1B-2B Friday Harbor 2Orcas Island 1
Girls 4A Skyline 2Issaquah 0
Girls 3A Bellevue 1Roosevelt 0
Girls 2A Columbia River 1Sehome 0
Girls 1A Klahowya 3Lynden Christian 1
Girls 1B-2B Okanogan 2St. George's 0
Highlights: OL Reign at Angel City, July 30, 2022

VIDEO: Highlights: OL Reign at Angel City, July 30, 2022

Highlights: OL Reign at Orlando, Aug. 26, 2022

VIDEO: Highlights: OL Reign at Orlando, Aug. 26, 2022

Highlights: OL Reign vs Orlando, Oct. 1, 2022

VIDEO: Highlights: OL Reign vs Orlando, Oct. 1, 2022

Highlights: Tacoma Defiance vs Houston Dynamo 2, MLS NEXT Pro Playoff

VIDEO: Highlights: Tacoma Defiance vs Houston Dynamo 2, MLS NEXT Pro Playoff

Highlights: Ballard FC vs SF Glens, USL League Two Playoff

VIDEO: Highlights: Ballard FC vs SF Glens, USL League Two Playoff

Highlights: 2022 NCAA Championship, Western Washington vs West Chester

VIDEO: Highlights: 2022 NCAA Championship, Western Washington vs West Chester

SEA2026: FIFA World Cup is Coming to Seattle

VIDEO: SEA2026: FIFA World Cup is Coming to Seattle

KING 5: Megan Rapinoe Receives Medal of Freedom

VIDEO: KING 5: Megan Rapinoe Receives Medal of Freedom

Highlights: Washington v UCLA for Pac-12 Championship

VIDEO: Highlights: Washington v UCLA for Pac-12 Championship

Sounders FC: Garth Lagerwey CCL Final Promo

VIDEO: Sounders FC: Garth Lagerwey CCL Final Promo

Sounders FC: Concacaf Champions League Promo (Big ******* Game)

VIDEO: Sounders FC: Concacaf Champions League Promo (Big ******* Game)

KING 5: Seattle Chosen as 2026 World Cup Host

VIDEO: KING 5: Seattle Chosen as 2026 World Cup Host

Sounders vs Pumas Champions League

VIDEO: Sounders vs Pumas Champions League

Pumas 2-2 Seattle 1st Leg

VIDEO: Pumas 2-2 Seattle 1st Leg

On this Day in History
September 6, 1997
Vincente Figueroa snaps a scoreless tie in the 70th minute with a deflating goal for Colorado, and the Sounders go on to sweep their opening A-League playoff series with a 2-0 win over the Foxes before a season-high crowd of 6,927 at Memorial Stadium. Esmundo Rodriguez adds an insurance goal just seconds before the final whistle for the Sounders. They had won Game 1, 3-0, in Denver two days earlier.
More from 1997 ›
May 28, 1967
Considered a bellwether for whether Seattle could support a team in one of the two new professional league, FA Cup runner-up Chelsea visits Memorial Stadium. The young Blues (oldest starters age 26), featuring $225,000 signing Tommy Baldwin, beat the Northwest All-Stars, 5-0, before a crowd of 6,400. The Blues get first-half goals from John Broyles, Baldwin and Joe Kirkup. Baldwin and Barry Lloyd add more in the second half. The visitors are unimpressed by the playing surface, which is less grass and mostly dirt with gravel mixed in.
More from 1967 ›
April 25, 1971
Mount Pleasant Legion lays claim to the 28th annual Seattle Five-a-Side at West Seattle. The Vancouver side, the first Canadian winners in three years, gets two goals from Steve Morely in a 4-2 win over Heidelberg in the final. Roger Goldingay accounts for both Brewers goals. Sons of Norway Vikings extended Mount Pleasant to overtime in the semifinals before losing on a tiebreaker.
More from 1971 ›
December 12, 1999
Some 14,000 fans pack the Tacoma Dome to watch the U.S. Women's National Team take on a team of World All-Stars. Michelle Akers of Shoreline is the clear crowd favorite, drawing the biggest cheers. The international stars jump to a 2-0 lead and never look back on their way to a convincing 11-2 victory using 6v6 indoor rules. The World team now leads the Toys 'R Us Victory Tour series, 6-5.
More from 1999 ›