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.
Fans and organizers collectively gasp when FIFA announces that the 2018 and 2022 World Cups will be played in Russia and Qatar. Hundreds gather with local organizers and officials at F.X. McRory’s in Seattle's Pioneer Square to hear the 7 a.m. PST announcement. Across the state and the nation similar parties are stunned by Qatar prevailing in the fourth round of voting, 14-8 over the United States. The U.S. had been considered a frontrunner and Seattle a top candidate to host several matches at CenturyLink Field. More than 46,000 had signed an online petition supporting Seattle, one of 17cities in the U.S. bid.
Seattle Pacific University coach Cliff McCrath and the legendary Pelé are among 11 men inducted at the National Soccer Hall of Fame in Oneonta, New York. McCrath, 57, will join the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) wing of the hall. He has served as secretary-editor of the NCAA Rules Committee for 19 years.
For the first time the United States National Team hosts a match in the Pacific Northwest. The USMNT faces Poland, winner of the 1972 Olympic Games and third in the 1974 World Cup. Seattle’s Hank Liotart starts in midfield and both Dave D’Errico and Tim Logush feature in the 4-0 defeat before 13,195.
Former Arsenal and Sweden star Freddie Ljungberg signs as the first Designated Player for Sounders FC. Ljungberg, 31, is a two-time Swedish player of year who played 10 years in England's Premier League, including nine with Arsenal, where he was part of their unbeaten team in 2003-04. The attacking midfielder played for West Ham United last season and was Sweden's captain for the 2008 European Championships in June. He becomes the fourth player under contract. Ljungberg's contract is for a reported $2.5 million per season.
Kasey Keller earns the shutout as 15,109 see the USMNT struggle to put away Canada, 2-0, in gold Cup Group B play at Qwest Field. Canada gifted the U.S. an own goal early in the second half, and Landon Donovan added a header in added time. Keller, playing his first competitive game in Seattle, was rarely tested. The win assured the USMNT of advancing to the quarterfinals. Bruce Arena used 22 of his 23 players in the two Seattle games.
Michael and James Keston of Encino, Calif., obtain exclusive rights for an MLS expansion team in the Northwest. James Keston said he has used previous Puget Sound visits to begin negotiations for the use of Qwest Field and tour possible stadium sites in Renton and Tukwila. The exclusive agreement ends in July without the Kestons taking action.
