Washington State
Legends of Soccer

Curated by the Washington State Legends of Soccer, providing information and history of the Beautiful Game in Washington State. Just as the game evolves, so will this site. We continuously add new content, so be sure to return often.

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Explore our history. Click on any of the panels below to learn what happened that year.
PSA Votes to Approve Stadium Turf
September 27, 2001

FieldTurf is approved as the field surface for the new stadium being built on the former Kingdome site. Scheduled to open in August 2002, the stadium will be home to the NFL Seahawks and a wide range of soccer events. But the Board of Directors of the Washington State Public Stadium Authority, which owns the facility, approves FieldTurf only after receiving commitments that temporary natural grass will be installed for major soccer events. First & Goal will pay for the installation of temporary natural grass. Further, if a natural grass field is required to attract a Major League Soccer franchise to Seattle, First & Goal will permanently replace the FieldTurf with natural grass. Board members noted that state voters approved the $430 million financing plan for the stadium on the condition that it host both football and soccer, and reminded that they are committed to a project that considers the needs of both sports.

Western Claims Big Road Win
September 16, 2015

First-half goals from Emily Webster and Catherine Miles power Western Washington to an impressive road win, 2-1, at No. 6 St. Edward's. Webster scores early from the edge of the box, and Miles doubles it in the 33rd after latching on to Savanna Moorehouse’s through ball.

Seattle Acquires Eddie Johnson
February 17, 2012

Seattle executes its most ambitious trade to date, acquiring forward Eddie Johnson, 27, from Montreal in exchange for Mike Fucito and Lamar Neagle. Johnson, who scored 35 goals in seven seasons with Dallas and Kansas City from 2001-07, returns stateside following five years primarily in England. He was little used by Fulham, making just 18 appearances and getting loaned to Cardiff City, Preston North End and Greece's Aris.

Gallimore Appointed Reign GM
May 31, 2023

Lesle Gallimore, a legend on Montlake over 26 seasons, is named OL Reign general manager. Gallimore replaces Nick Perera, who resigned in March after 13 months in the post. She led the Washington program from 1994-2019, twice earning Pac-12 Coach of the Year honors and making 15 NCAA tournament appearances. Since 2020, Gallimore has served as commissioner of the Girls Academy.

Spokane Books Return to USL1 Final
November 9, 2025

Nil Vinyals scores the equalizing goal in the 121st minute, and Carlos Merancio makes two shootout saves to send the Spokane Velocity back to the USL League One final for the second year in a row. Before 2,680 in Spokane, the Velocity wins the semifinal shootout, 6-5, following the 2-2 draw with Portland (Me.) Hearts of Pine. Luis Gil puts the hosts on the board in the 45th minute, but Portland responds early in the second half. After falling behind in the opening two minutes of extra time, the Velocity stays alive when Vinyals, an overtime substitute for Gil, whirls and finds the left corner from 10 yards in added time. Jalen Crisler scores for Spokane in the seventh round, and Merancio dives right for the decisive stop.

Fans Wait Overnight for Soccer Bowl Tickets
August 26, 1977

Hundreds stand in line for hours in a steady rain to buy 8,500 tickets for Soccer Bowl in Portland. Some queue up immediately after the Sounders' semifinal victory over L.A., stationing themselves at the Kingdome box office window. Many of those able to buy tickets then dash to nearby King Street Station to buy tickets for the day-of-game Amtrak train to Portland.

Washington celebrates clinching the Pac-12 Championship following a win over UCLA. (Courtesy UW Athletics)
2022
Mueller Barons ruled the state league in 1980. (Courtesy Dan Vaughn)
1980
Spokane’s new women's USL Super League club celebrates its name, Zephyr FC, at the historic Davenport Grand Hotel. At left is Super League president Amanda Vandervort alongside USL Spokane co-owner and president Katie Harnetiaux. (Courtesy USL Spokane/Jeff Bunch)
2023
Osvaldo Alonso, shown with coach Brian Schmetzer, returned to Seattle to retire as a Sounder. His first 10 MLS seasons were spent with the Sounders. (Sounders FC/Jane Gershsovich)
2024
Everett's Chris Henderson began his MLS career with Colorado (Courtesy Major League Soccer)
1996
Brad Evans earned his first USMNT cap in his adopted hometown as the USA defeat Grenada, 4-0, in aGold Cup match at Qwest Field. (Courtesy Kelley Cox / ISI Photos)
2009
1961
(Courtesy Seattle Times archives)
1954
1965 CYO All-Stars, coached by Mike Ryan (l) and Eddie Craggs. (Courtesy George Craggs family)
1965
Santa Clara's NCAA co-champions in 1989  featured seven players from Washington. (Courtesy Santa Clara Athletics)
1989