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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.