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.
All Nations Cup Grows at Starfire
July 31, 2005

The third annual All Nations Cup final is won by the United States, 1-0, in double overtime against Brazil at Starfire. Organized by Sister Communities, participation has nearly tripled since the first year, to 33 teams made up of Northwest athletes representing their native countries.

Vikings Victorious in Knockout
September 23, 1962

State association officials move the 1962/63 Knockout Cup to the fall, and fast-starting Loyal Vikings claim the first competition of the season. Second-half goals from Alf Thorvik and Fredi Kristiansen beat Buchan Bakers, 2-1, at Lower Woodland. Jimmy Gallagher counters for the Bakers.

Sawatzky Goes to Richmond Kickers
November 6, 2019

Darren Sawatzky is appointed sporting director and head coach of USL League One Richmond Kickers. Sawatzky goes east after one year at FC Tucson. Before that, Sawatzky guided the Tacoma Stars through most of their first four MASL seasons and seven years with the Sounders U23s.

Lowenbrau Earns Right to Defend Crown
May 30, 1983

Seattle's FC Löwenbräu wins the West Regional of the U.S. Women's Amateur Cup in San Francisco, 2-1 over Hawaii Leahi. Sharon McMurtry scores on Lowenbrau's first foray of the match, and Joan Dunlap doubles the lead in the 75th minute. Seattle defeated Colorado, 2-1, in the semifinal. The three-time national champions, who started the season slowly after adding seven new players, will now defend their title at the finals in Houston.

Sounders Shift Into Gear, Win Fourth Straight
May 16, 2021

Once more exhibiting an ability to shift into a higher gear come the second half, the Sounders remain undefeated and win their fourth in a row, 2-0, over LAFC. It matches 2019 for the best start in the MLS era (5-0-1). Xavier Arreaga flicks a near-post header from Joao Paulo's corner kick in the 57th minute. Then in the 73rd, Seattle’s wingbacks combine when Alex Roldan dinks a lofted ball for Brad Smith’s late-arriving run. Stefan Cleveland makes his first start with for the injured Stefan Frei and makes three saves. Seattle has outscored opponents 10-1 in the second half.

Soldiers Moving Out
December 9, 1963

Fort Lewis withdraws from state league’s first division after seven games. The Soldiers are unable to field a team following mass reassignments and deployment of personnel, many of them part of escalating U.S. involvement in Vietnam. The sudden subtraction prompts league officials to suggest that Black Watch Thistle move up from the second flight, however they refuse.

1978
In June 2021, Tacoma Defiance announces it will leave USL Championship and compete in MLS Next PRO beginning in 2022.
2021
Concacaf Champions League action between the Sounders and Santos Laguna of Mexico in 2012. (Courtesy Sounders FC)
2012
A record throng of 68,741 cheers Sounders and Pumas prior to kickoff of the Concacaf Champions League second leg final at Lumen Field. (Courtesy Dane Kuhn/Sounders FC)
2022
Kim Little makes a big impression in her first season with Seattle Reign FC, winning NWSL MVP and Golden Boot honors. (Jane Gersovich photo)
2014
Pacific Lutheran remains the state's collegiate powerhouse in 1991, advancing to the NAIA championship game for the fourth straight year and winning a third title.
1991
In 2000, Sounders owners were searching for sites to potentially build in soccer-specific stadium and youth complex. Fife, Marysville and Des Moines were among the cities explored. (Courtesy Frank MacDonald Collection)
2000
Fans scattered around the track and hillside to watch Seattle Pacific and Washington play at Queen Anne Bowl. (Seattle Pacific Falcon archives)
1974
Inaugural team photo for Sounders FC.
2009
(Courtesy Sounders FC)
2022