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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Yedlin Loaned to Sunderland
September 1, 2015

Nine months after making the move to England, DeAndre Yedlin is loaned by Tottenham to Sunderland for the remainder of the 2015-16 season. Yedlin made only one substitute appearance for Spurs. Three weeks later, Yedlin starts for the Black Cats in a League Cup loss to Manchester City, crossing to Ola Toivonen for the lone Sunderland goal in a 4-1 loss.

Seattle Pacific to Add Women's Varsity
March 7, 2000

At long last, Seattle Pacific University announces it will add women's soccer as a varsity sport beginning in 2001. The men's program is among the most successful in NCAA Division II. Women had formed a club program at SPU in 1976, however a lack of home facility hindered efforts until Interbay Stadium opened in 1997. Athletic director Tom Box and McCrath have enlisted the expertise of Seattle native and U.S. World Cup star Michelle Akers. She will advise administrators in the further development of the team and hiring of a head coach. President Philip Eaton says plans progressed since then, and women's soccer was designated as the next new sport in the athletic department's five-year plan of 1997. Plans call for the inaugural team to have two full scholarships, with that number to rise incrementally to four by 2004.

No. 3 Huskies Jump on No. 7 Cal
November 9, 2014

An early goal from Mason Robertson ignites No. 3 Washington's beating of No. 7 Cal, 3-2 at Berkeley. The Huskies go up 3-nil on the Bears, beginning with Robertson's third-minute opener. Josh Heard and Garret Jackson triple the advantage by the 23rd minute.

Reign's Seattle Run Ends
September 24, 2017

Seattle Reign's four-year run at Memorial Stadium comes to a close versus Kansas City, with a 1-0 loss eliminating them from playoff contention for the second year in a row before 4,991. Seattle sags down the stretch, going 1-3-1. It also turns out to be the final Reign match at Memorial, where they were 28-4-13 after going the first 27 matches unbeaten (19-0-8).

Sounders Bow Out in San Jose
September 3, 1983

The book closes on Seattle's first 10 years of professional soccer with a 2-1 loss to Golden Bay at San Jose. Ray Evans scores the final goal on a 47' penalty kick to pull even with the Earthquakes, but Leo Cuellar gets an 89th-minute winner. The Sounders (12-18) had entered the day possessing the eighth and final NASL playoff slot but are overtaken by Montreal, 4-0 winners over Chicago.

Fans Flock to TV Screens
June 17, 1994

Throughout the state, fans of all ages begin flocking to TV screens as World Cup USA begins. Anticipating increased interest, ethnic restaurants, taverns and clubs extend hours and upgrade their big screens. The July 17 final rates a 9.5 rating in Seattle.

Seattle Sounders were looking to threepeat in 1997 while venturing into CONCACAF play for the first time.
1997
Balint Ducz, owner of Seattle Hungarians. (Courtesy Alex Bogdan family)
1964
(Courtesy Seattle Times archives)
1984
Dang Pibulvech is the first UW women's coach, having built Colorado College into a perennial NCAA championship contender.
1991
Lori Henry of Shorewood High School. (Courtesy Lori Henry)
1984
Flyers were distributed throughout Seattle to promote the U.S. Challenge Cup tie between Seattle Hungarians and Orange County. (Courtesy Craggs Family)
1966
Washington Youth Soccer inducted 30 men and women to its Hall of Fame in 2019 – the largest class to date – prior to a Tacoma Stars game at ShoWare Center. (Courtesy Washington Youth Soccer)
2019
Seattle Pacific's Marcus Hahnemann during 1993 NCAA final vs. Southern Connecticut. (Courtesy Seattle Pacific archives)
1993
Triumph Continental sponsored Mike Ryan's state league entry, which was comprised of many members of his UW varsity. (Courtesy Mike Ryan)
1969
Northwest University reached the NAIA women's tournament for the first time in 2017 by finishing runner-up in the Cascade Conference. (Courtesy Northwest University Athletics)
2017