Derek Mallinson, 40, is named UW soccer coach just 10 days prior to the first game, at home against Skagit Valley College. The Huskies' first three seasons were guided by Ron Jepson, who was attending graduate school. A native of England, Mallinson also coaches youth on the Eastside, and he’s president of Lake Hills SC.

Ty Harden, a rookie drafted from Washington, is voted the LA Galaxy Defender of the Year. A second-round pick initially signed to a #17,900 developmental contract, Harden finishes with 24 starts and third-most minutes on the Galaxy. After two months, Harden received a raise to the league minimum of $30,000.

With temperatures soaring near 90 at kickoff, the Sounders and Timbers take to the Civic Stadium stage to the roar of 27,310 and the unfurling of a banner reading, ‘Portland: Soccer City, U.S.A.’ Peter Withe cancels out Dave Gillett’s opener and then adds another second-half goal in the Timbers' 2-1 win. The victory puts 15-points’ difference between the Timbers and Sounders entering the final two weeks of the regular season.

It's a dream start to Brian Schmetzer's tenure as Sounders coach as Seattle beats arch-rival Portland for the second night in a row, 4-1, at Memorial Stadium. Jason Farrell's 30-yard shot snaps the 1-1 tie, then Darren Sawatzky and Craig Tomlinson each connect in the final four minutes. The season began the night before with the Sounders quieting the PGE Park crowd of 8,775 to the tune of 2-0. Sawatzky, who played for Portland a year ago, also scores in the opener. The result also qualifies Seattle for the U.S. Open Cup.

Mike Klingerman's two overtime goals give the Buchan Bakers a 4-3 decision over the Norselander Vikings for the Puget Sound Power & Light trophy at Catholic Memorial. Austin Gunderson scores twice for the Vikings. The second of George Goers's goals for the Bakers forces extra time. Oake Forsman gets the other Norselander score.

Stanford staves off Washington's upset bid in the West Region semifinals in Portland, but not before the Huskies nearly beat the No. 3 and unbeaten Cardinal. Samantha Obara's shot slams off the post in the 32nd minute, the closest call to a goal over 120 minutes of regulation and overtime. Stanford advances, 0-0 (6-5) when Suzie Boots converts and UW's Sanya Trandum hits the crossbar with her penalty attempt.