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.
A fan favorite since becoming the starting goalkeeper three years earlier, Tony Chursky is traded by the Seattle Sounders to the California Surf in exchange for U.S. National Team star midfielder Al Trost and the rights to Ray Evans. Chursky is also the team's union representative. In another move in a roster rebuild, John Ryan and Frank Barton come in from Norwich City and Bournemouth, respectively, and John Impey and Jimmy Neighbour arrive on loan. They join newcomer Alan Hudson and the return of veteran goalkeeper Mike Ivanow.
Paul Holocher becomes the first Washingtonian to score in MLS, tallying in his first start for San Jose and also converting the decisive shootout attempt of win, 2-2 (7-6), over Kansas City at Spartan Stadium. In all, seven Washington natives are on MLS rosters, including Jeff Betts (San Jose), Ricci Greenwood (Columbus), Chris Henderson (Colorado), Shawn Medved (SJ), Matt Olson (New York) and Scott Uderitz (Kansas City).
Fifty-one acres of soccer and softball fields are open to play at Tukwila's Fort Dent. King County Parks purchased 4,000 feet of waterfront along the Green River with $3.6M in Forward Thrust funds, and the complex will be maintained by Seattle Parks. One of the soccer fields is lighted and features an all-weather cinder surface and seating for 2,000.
A flurry of eight shots in the final minutes does not produce the game-tying goal, and SPU succumbs to top-ranked Alabama A&M, 2-1, in the NCAA Division II championship game in Miami. The Bulldogs go in front, 2-nil, on deflection and a rebound. Servando Rivera’s penalty in the 82nd minute queued the late rally. Earlier, the Falcons miss a penalty attempt. Scott Chase is named the game’s defensive MVP.
For the second time in three years a Sounders reunion match is held, this time with proceeds benefitting Seattle's Variety Club. A squad featuring Micky Cave, Adrian Webster, Steve Buttle, Mike Ivanow and Bernie Fagan play the Cliff McCrath Selects at Memorial Stadium. A crowd of about 1,000 see the McCrath team win, 1-0, on Bruce Raney's rebound past Ivanow midway through the second half. Variety Club raises funds primarily for Children's Hospital and Medical Center.
Seattle's FOE Eagles fall to defending champion New York Pancyprian Freedoms, 4-2, in the semifinal round of the U.S. Open Cup in Houston. The Freedoms go on to take the championship over Kutis of St. Louis.