Washington Women Rule

1991 – Around the World and Close to Home

A United Nations coalition force repels Iraq from its invasion of Kuwait six months earlier, the USSR begins dismantling after several former Soviet republics independence, Queen’s Freddie Mercury succumbs to AIDS, and the Internet is made available for unrestricted commercial use, with over 1 million computers signing-on. In Washington, Nirvana’s Nevermind effectively starts the Grunge era with an album release party at Seattle’s Rebar, Seattle Art Museum opens its downtown location, Winslow changes its name to Bainbridge Island, and the Washington Huskies go 11-0 during the regular season en route to a shared national championship.

Washington Women Rule

Integral to the formative phase of the U.S. National Team program, Washington’s women are, if anything, more prominent when the first phase culminates in a world championship. Four young women from Puget Sound wore the national colors that November night in Canton, China, and then celebrated that victory into the wee hours.

It was a struggle that only a close circle could possibly appreciate. The players were compensated by a mere pittance while sacrificing their day job careers. Only pockets of U.S. media share news of that first FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the team returns home to precious little fanfare.

"We come home and there's nothing - no excitement, no acknowledgment, no respect," observes Michelle Akers-Stahl following the team's return to New York. "There were about seven people there," adding, "We didn't do it for others. We did it for ourselves. If we got frustrated about that every time it happened, we wouldn't be happy playing."

"It is kind of tough to come home and have people you went to high school with ask what you've been doing lately,"says Shannon Higgins. "I play because I love the game. I guess if we get disappointed, it's because we want other people to love the game as much as we do. We were received as one of the top teams (in China). Other countries geared up to play the United States. They gave us a lot of respect."

But three weeks later, a local homecoming is held for Akers-Stahl, Amy Allmann, Lori Henry and Higgins – and hundreds of adoring fans squeezed in shoulder to shoulder. For all intents and purposes, it’s the retirement party for the latter three. Akers, whose two goals in the final and 10 altogether lift her into some limelight, will play another nine years.

It is the beginning, and often those whose sweat and toil take place in breaking new ground are not around to bathe in the applause when the capstone is applied.

Each of Washington’s World Cup Four had been forced to go elsewhere in the Eighties to play for college scholarships. By 1991, that changes. Both the University of Washington and Gonzaga begin play, joining Washington State among Division I. It takes the Huskies only a couple weeks to find their way into the national rankings. Statewide, there are now a total of 11 varsity collegiate programs. Those who elect to stay home once more prove quite formidable.

Pacific Lutheran continues to be one of the most powerful programs in the state, at any level, and once again rules NAIA. The Lutes of Colleen Hacker win their third national title in four seasons while playing in four straight finals (they also tied both Washington and Portland).

TACOMA STARS
Season Record
25-27, 3rd MISL Western Division, 1st Round
Coach
Keith Weller (2nd year)
Top Scorer
Gary Heale (35 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Women's Collegiate Champions
Pacific Lutheran, NAIA
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle Pacific, D2 quarterfinals
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Pacific Lutheran, NAIA champion
Men's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran (NCIC), Seattle Pacific (NCSC)
Women's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran (NCIC)
NCSC Men's Champion
Seattle Pacific
NWAC Men's Champion
Skagit Valley d Spokane, 1-0
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Pam Copple
Member Associations
34
Players
79,022 (b: 56,529 g: 22,493)
Largest Attendance
7,342, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma Stars v St. Louis (3/16)

1991: Washington Women Rule

A U.S. National Team featuring four Puget Sound natives wins the inaugural FIFA Women’s World Cup in China. Michelle Akers scores 10 goals, including a brace in the final.

SPU Reaches Nine with Win over Seattle U
October 30, 1991

Two goals and an assist from NCSC player of the year Jason Farrell spark Seattle Pacific's 6-0 win over Seattle University at Shoreline Stadium. It gives the No. 2-ranked Falcons a record ninth straight single-season win. The SPU defense extended its record shutout string to nine games, all by shutout. Brian Meier, Todd Haley, Mark Kovats and Jason Smith also score.

UW Women Finish Strong
November 2, 1991

Washington ends its first women's season on a seven-game unbeaten run with a 4-0 win over Simon Fraser at Everett High School. Kathleen Juergens bags a brace, bringing team-leading total to seven. The Huskies (10-6-2) go 6-0-1 down the stretch, with the sole blemish a 0-0 draw at eventual NAIA champion Pacific Lutheran on Oct. 30. Four of the losses are to teams ranked in the top 12.

Storm's Sage Named U.S. Soccer Consultant
April 10, 1991

FC Seattle president Bill Sage is announced as a consultant to the U.S. Soccer Federation. Sage, who will be unpaid, will work on a five-year business plan for the new U.S. league due to begin play following the 1994 World Cup.

PLU Women Win 3rd NAIA Title
November 29, 1991

Goals by Shari Rider and Wendy Johnson lead third-seeded Pacific Lutheran to its third NAIA national women's soccer championship in the past four years. The Lutes defeat Missouri Valley College, 4-0, in a cold, driving rain at Boca Raton. The game is delayed for 25 minutes during the first half because of lightning, and when the game is finished, there is 4 inches of water on the field. Brenda Lichtenwalter makes two saves as PLU becomes the first champion to not allow a goal during the tournament. Kirsten Brown opens the scoring in the 32nd minute, and Cheryl Kragness connects on a late penalty. Rider is named tournament MVP after scoring her career record 45th goal and Johnson graduates with a record 52 assists.

FC Seattle Opts Out of APSL Season
January 17, 1991

FC Seattle Storm joins a growing list of teams opting out of playing the 1991 APSL season. More than half of the 11 teams that made up the APSL's Western Soccer League Conference last year are expected to join Seattle on the sidelines. Portland, San Diego, New Mexico, California and Los Angeles are already out, and Santa Barbara is is doubtful. It leaves any survivors in a smaller league with increased travel costs. Coaching director Clive Charles and coach Stuart Lee remain on the payroll and will head up the Storm's summer camp and academy. Eight players are under contract, including APSL scoring champ Chance Fry.

Henderson Goes Pro at 20
August 8, 1991

Chris Henderson announces he will sign a full-time contract with U.S. Soccer and forego his final two years at UCLA. In the run up to the 1994 World Cup he is the first player to sign. Henderson, 20, has started the last 16 games for the U.S. He was the fourth-youngest player on the 1990 World Cup team. He continues taking classes in Westwood and plays for L.A. Exiles while not with the national team.

WA Players Lead Broncos Over Huskies
October 4, 1988

Spokane's Chris Stiles scores top-ranked Santa Clara's vital second goal and the Broncos remain perfect (10-0-0) by beating Washington, 2-1. Stiles and Redmond's Bruce Broughton assist on Matt Arya's header at 48:14 and Stiles nods past Dusty Hudock 81 seconds later. Brent Aune pulls UW a goal back at 65'. It's the start of a four-game losing streak that knocks the Huskies (4-3-0) out of postseason contention.

Keller Sucker-Punched at Pan Am Games
August 13, 1991

Kasey Keller takes a sucker punch to his face moments after the United States defeats Mexico, 2-1, in overtime for the Pan American Games gold medal in Havana. Keller, who was near the substitutes' bench, sustains a broken nose by the Mexican's blow and is ruled out of the Aug. 25 Olympic qualifying match at Haiti. Keller had started in U.S. U23 wins over Suriname and Honduras, with Brad Friedel starting the final.

First Apple Cup Goes to WSU
September 20, 1991

The first-ever meeting between varsity women's teams from Washington and Washington State is won convincingly by the Cougars, 3-0 in the first round of the WSU Invitational at Martin Stadium in Pullman. Freshman Jenni Druffel puts the hosts ahead in the fifth minute and they cruise from there, later getting goals from Kim Lynass and Brittni Estep. It's the third year of varsity play in Pullman while the Huskies are playing just the fifth match of their inaugural season. It is televised (on three-day tape delay) by Prime Sports Northwest.

District Crown Goes to PLU
November 10, 1991

Dianne Moran's goal in the 135th minute lifts Pacific Lutheran over Western Washington, 2-1, for the NAIA District 1 championship in Tacoma. Cheryl Kragness puts PLU ahead but the Vikings force overtime on Mandee Coulter's score with 30 seconds to go.

Stars Coach's Stunt Helps Club Stay Afloat
July 28, 1991

Tacoma Stars Coach Keith Weller comes down after spending five days on a 6-by-12-foot platform to dramatize the franchise's goal of selling 4,000 season tickets as a condition for remaining in business. While atop the platform in the Tacoma Mall parking lot, Weller used a cellular phone to reach prospective ticket buyers. He came down after sales reached 3,600. Every 12 hours Weller would climb down for 30 minutes.

Higgins Becomes Youngest D1 Coach
February 15, 1991

Shannon Higgins is elevated to head coach at George Washington University. At 22, Higgins is believed to be the youngest head coach in NCAA Division I. She was GWU assistant coach the previous season, serving under Adrian Glover, who is retiring. The Colonials go 9-10-1 under Higgins, who juggles her duties with playing for the national team through the World Cup.

Stars' Heale Toes Five Past Blast
February 24, 1991

Back in Tacoma after seasons in L.A. and St. Louis, Gary Heale carries the Stars with five goals in a 6-5 overtime home win over Baltimore. Heale has a hat trick in the first quarter, but it's his fifth, with 4:46 left, that sends the game into overtime. Bill Crook's power-play strike 57 seconds into the third extra frame is the difference. It's the second-longest game in Tacoma history.

Henderson Goes Distance in Gold Cup
July 7, 1991

Chris Henderson plays the full 120 as USMNT wins its first major tournament, the inaugural Gold Cup in Los Angeles, beating Honduras, 0-0 (4-3). The Everett native starts all five Gold Cup matches and is among the leaders in minutes played (480). The U.S. defeated Mexico, 2-o, in the semifinals.

Federal Way, Kennedy Win State
November 23, 1991

Defending champ Kennedy barely made the tournament field but beats previously perfect Seattle Prep, 4-0, in the girls' AAA championship game at Shoreline Stadium. The Lancers take charge early, with Angie Bourgette latching on to a through ball and scoring. Carie Odegard makes it 2-nil at half from the top of the box. Jeanette Scotti and Shana McReynolds put away the Panthers (20-1-0) in the second half. Kennedy (15-5-3) needed to beat Liberty in a shootout just to get into tournament. It lost to Hazen for the Seamount League championship.

Lutes Deny Western for Regional Title
November 16, 1991

With darkness falling after 150 minutes of regulation and overtime, Cheryl Kragness connects on the decisive penalty kick for Pacific Lutheran to advance to the NAIA national finals after drawing with Western Washington, 1-1. Wendy Johnson put host PLU in front at 36' but the Vikings, despite a red card, pull even in the 81st minute through Stephanie Siebert. The Lutes smashed Azusa Pacific, 5-0, and WWU edged Willamette, 4-3, in overtime of the regional semifinals.

WA Players Help Santa Clara Reach NCAA Final
November 23, 1991

Bellevue’s Brandon Schmidt scores and Chris Stiles of Spokane gets an assist in Santa Clara’s 3-0 NCAA second round home win over Fresno State. The Broncos, co-champions in 1989, advance two more rounds before meeting Virginia in the national title game Dec. 8, where the Cavaliers prevail in a shootout, 0-0 (3-1). Schmidt and Redmond's Bruce Broughton start in the NCAA final.

Aviation West Boys Fly High
February 10, 1991

Aviation West of Highline SA soars to a fourth state cup in five years by going out winners of the boys U19 tournament. Three members of the team – Ben Erickson, Joey Mancuso and Rob LaBelle – are chosen for the U20 National Team.

Huskies Win Women's Debut
September 9, 1991

Washington wins its women’s varsity debut at San Diego State, 2-0, as freshman Rhonda Klein of Puyallup scores in the 65th minute and Amy Hamamoto adds an insurance goal at 88'. Tamara Browder makes eight saves for the shutout. The Huskies are beaten, 3-0, at No. 12 UC Santa Barbara the following day.

Seattle University Earns First Ranking
October 21, 1991

Seattle University appears in its first national ranking at No. 16 in the NAIA men's poll. The Chieftains (11-3-1) have won six of seven, with the loss coming to 7th-ranked Simon Fraser, 6-2, in overtime. Seattle U's Oct. 13 1-0 exhibition win over Washington may have also influenced voters.

Wazzu Rallies to Beat Western
November 2, 1991

Freshman Brittni Estep strikes twice in the first period of overtime to seal a 4-2 comeback, season-ending win for Washington State over Western Washington in Richland. Kim Lynass's 25th goal of the season equalizes for the Cougars with seven minutes left in regulation. Amanda Coulter and Stephanie Arnesto twice put the Vikings on top.

Fry's Penalty Decisive for Blackhawks
September 28, 1991

Chance Fry converts the fourth penalty and Mark Dougherty saves Albany's final attempt as the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks win the APSL championship in a shootout, 4-3, following a scoreless mini game in San Jose. The Blackhawks, after losing the first leg in Albany, beat the Capitals, 2-0, in the return leg. Fry was joined on S.F. Bay by Paul Holocher of Seattle. Issaquah's Shawn Medved played for Colorado.

Washington Wins U23 National Crown
July 28, 1991

Seattle University's Tom Fuegmann scores a pair of goals to lead the Washington State under-23 select team to a 3-2 victory over host New Jersey for the U.S. Amateur championship and George F. Donnelly Cup at Newark. Jason Dunn, a transfer to Seattle Pacific, gets the other goal for Team Washington, which advanced to the final with a 2-0 victory over North Carolina on two Vasco Rubio goals. Fuegmann, Jason Farrell and James Dunn are invited to the Olympic Sports Festival.

UW Women Fast Track to Top 20
September 19, 1991

Two weeks into their inaugural season, the Washington Huskies receive a No. 20 national ranking after drawing, 1-1, at No. 16 Portland. The Pilots take the lead through Tiffeny Milbrett at 30' but Melanie Brennan answers before halftime. UP out-shoots UW 23-6, but Tamara Browder makes six saves.

U.S. Opens World Cup Play
November 17, 1991

USWNT opens play at first FIFA Women's World Cup in Panyu, China, defeating Sweden, 3-2. Washington natives Shannon Higgins and Michelle Akers are in the starting XI, and Higgins clears a Swede shot off the line. Thrilling experience, she says, "My heart was about to leap out of my body."

Pacific Lutheran to Play in Fourth Straight Final
November 27, 1991

Pacific Lutheran progresses to its fourth straight NAIA final by upsetting host and No. 2-ranked Lynn, 2-0, in the final game of pool play in Boca Raton, Fla. Sheri Rider and Cheryl Kragness score. PLU beat Wheeling Jesuit, 3-0, the day before to open pool play.

Dunn, SPU Upsets Portland
October 5, 1991

Seattle Pacific gets a second-half goal from Jason Dunn and knocks off Portland, the 20th-ranked team in Division I, 1-0 at Newport High School for its ninth straight home win. gives D2 Seattle Pacific the 1-0 upset defeat of Portland, ranked 20th in D1. It’s Cliff McCrath’s 300th win with the Falcons. Dunn beats Kasey Keller in the 68th minute and Marcus Hahnemann holds the Pilots scoreless for the first time this season. UP had scored 15 goals in winning its last four.

Hispanic Leagues Growing Fast
August 4, 1991

Leagues are becoming increasingly popular in eastern Washington, from Tri-Cities to Wenatchee. Migrant farm workers from Mexico and Central America flock to teams. Combined, the Yakima and Lower Valley leagues have about 30 teams and 600 players since starting in mid-Eighties.

Backers Seek State Funds for Stadium
February 26, 1991

Backers of House Bill 1302 stress the need for soccer facility before a hearing before the House Committee on Trade and Economic Development in Olympia. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ken Jacobsen of Seattle, seeks state matching funds of up to $3 million for an international-class facility, to be used by teams and leagues as well as a successful 1994 World Cup bid. Communities playing host to World Cup competition also must provide three high-quality grass fields for practice.

U.S. Qualfies for World Cup Behind Akers-Stahl Hat Trick
April 28, 1991

Behind a hat trick from Michelle Akers-Stahl, the United States qualifies for the first FIFA Women's World Cup, to be held later this year in China. Akers-Stahl scores from 20 yards just four minutes into the 5-0 victory over Canada for the Concacaf championship in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti. She totals 11 goals in the tournament's five games as the U.S. overwhelms opposition with a 49-0 goal differential.

Lynass Brace, McDowell 20 Saves Help WSU Edge PLU
October 20, 1991

Washington State's Kim Lynass scores a pair of goals as the Cougars defeat NAIA third-ranked Pacific Lutheran, 2-1, in Tacoma. It’s the sixth WSU win in seven matches. Kim Alexander scores for the Lutes, who force Natalie McDowell to make a record 20 saves.

Stars' Beating Begets Beating
March 30, 1991

Forty-eight hours after being blasted 11-2 in San Diego, the Tacoma Stars respond by smacking the Sockers, 10-2, behind Bill Crook’s first career hat trick. Coming off a record-tying margin of loss, the Stars deal three-time defending champion San Diego their worst-ever defeat. The win clinches the West's third and final playoff berth. Mark Karpun scores twice in the first period.

Falcons Go Out of NCAA on PKs
November 23, 1991

Third-ranked Seattle Pacific takes the lead in overtime but draws 3-3 with Cal Poly SLO and falls 3-1 on penalties in an NCAA quarterfinal at Memorial Stadium. Todd Haley gives SPU the early lead before Todd Henry scores two of his three goals to give the Mustangs the lead. In the first of four extra periods Phil Bullard gets the Falcons in front, 3-2, only for Henry to equalize. Despite going 11-0-2 in its final 13 games, Seattle is knocked out. The outcome is later overturned for a Cal Poly violation and ruled a forfeit.

Falling Stars Close-Out Year
December 29, 1991

After losing their fourth straight, 7-6 in overtime at Dallas, the Tacoma Stars head into 1992 in last place with a 5-10 record. Five of those losses are by one goal, three in overtime. Down 6-2, Greg Ion caps a furious fourth-quarter Tacoma comeback, scoring the equalizer with 28 seconds left. Mark Karpun gets a hat trick for the Stars. The Sidekicks' Tatu ends the game two minutes into overtime.

UW Men Shock No. 1 UCLA
September 15, 1991

Eric Penner scores in the 111th minute as Washington shocks top-ranked and defending NCAA champ UCLA, 2-1, in overtime of the Husky Classic title game at Interlake High School. Tournament MVP Shannon Murray, who grabbed four goals vs. SMU in the tourney's first round, scores an 83' equalizer before 1,165. It's UW's first win in six tries vs. the Bruins.

SPU Repeats at NCSC Champ
November 6, 1991

Behind the goal and two assists of Jason Farrell, Seattle Pacific beats Washington, 3-2, to repeat as NCSC champion at Memorial Stadium. It's the Falcons' first win over UW since 1985. Farrell scores in the 35th minute and set-up Shane Tercek in 39th for a 3-1 lead. Huskies Chris Sarver’s brace snaps Marcus Hahnemann’s record 10-game shutout streak (989 minutes). It's the final game for UW coach Ron Carter who retires after seven seasons.

Mt. Rainier Goes the Distance, Wins Fourth
May 25, 1991

Mount Rainier claims its fourth AA state boys' championship via penalties, 0-0 (5-3), over Lindbergh in Puyallup. Mike Armstrong saves Lindbergh's first penalty attempt, and Tom Moore converts the decisive MR fifth-round kick. It's the fourth straight knockout game that the Rams have come through in the clutch. They scored in overtime to beat both Bellingham and O'Dea to reach the semifinals and scored with five minutes left in regulation to knock off Battle Ground. Mount Rainier won three straight titles from 1987-89.

Five Named to Olympic Festival Team
July 20, 1991

Five players from Washington are members of the runner-up West team at the Olympic Festival in Torrance, Ca. The South wins 2-1 over the West, which includes James Dunn, Jason Farrell, Tom Fuegmann, Sean Henderson and Dusty Hudock. Henderson scored in a July 14 win over the South. In addition, Mike Gosselin played for the World University Games team in England.

Hundreds Greet WA's World Cup 4
December 24, 1991

Michelle Akers, Amy Allmann, Lori Henry and Shannon Higgins return to Seattle and a reception with hundreds of local fans, including Governor Booth Gardner, at Mercer Island Community Center. Allmann, Henry and Higgins all announce they are retiring. They and Akers, regarded as the best female player in the world, earned only $1,000 per month from U.S. Soccer.

USWNT Wins World Cup on Akers Brace
November 30, 1991

Michelle Akers, 25 and 1984 Shorecrest graduate, scores both goals in 2-1 victory over Norway in the first FIFA Women’s World Cup final before 59,000 in Canton. Akers intercepts a backpass, then touches it past the keeper and strokes for the winner into an empty net. She finishes with 10 goals in six games to lead the tournament and now has 49 international goals. Shannon Higgins of Kent assists on the first U.S. goal with a free kick and her upfield ball leads to the winner. The victorious USWNT winners will split $50,000 in prize money.

Britton Gives Mountain View Crown
May 25, 1991

Jeremy Britton's header sends Vancouver's Mountain View past Cascade, 1-0, and becomes the first school outside Puget Sound to claim a state title. Britton meets a Jon Willman cross in the 45th minute. The No. 1-ranked Thunder (19-1-0, GD 102-12) had needed a late goal and penalty kicks to advance past Newport in the AAA semifinals. Previously unbeaten and No. 2 Cascade (14-1-4) had nipped Richland with 30 seconds left.

Hat Trick Has Few Witnesses
April 11, 1991

Gary Heale collects a hat trick as the Tacoma Stars extend their season by squaring their first-round, best-of-three MISL playoff series with St. Louis with a 4-3 overtime home win. Only 2,760 come the Tacoma Dome, making it the club's smallest postseason attendance. Heale scores the Stars' final three goals, including the winner 93 seconds into overtime. The Storm, featuring former Tacoma standout Preki and Brian Schmetzer, win the series decider, 9-2, two days later in St. Louis.

Akers Erupts for Record 5 Goals
November 24, 1991

Michelle Akers scores a record five goals in the first 47 minutes and the U.S. routs Chinese Taipei, 7-0, in the quarterfinals in Foshan. Akers’s masterpiece features two rebounds, a free kick, a penalty and a header. She scores the first three U.S. goals as the Americans took a 4-0 halftime lead. Akers is now the tournament scoring leader with eight goals.

Falcons Notch 8th Straight Shutout
October 27, 1991

Top-ranked Seattle Pacific, getting goals from Jason Dunn and Jason Farrell in the first four minutes, wins its eighth straight – all by shutout – over Whitworth, 4-0, at Newport High School in Bellevue. Marcus Hahnemann, who splits halves with Matt Betcher, extends his consecutive scoreless minutes to 704. SPU has won 12 straight in NCSC play.

Transfer Pay Immediate Dividends for SPU
September 7, 1991

Seattle Pacific emerges victorious from a tournament amongst three Division I teams in Las Vegas after blanking host UNLV, 3-0. The Falcons, flush with UW transfers James Dunn, Jason Dunn and Jason Farrell, start 6-0-0 on the road. Jason and James Dunn each score vs. UNLV. SPU beat Cal State Fullerton, 1-0, in the first game of the tourney, which also included Wisconsin Green Bay. During the season Seattle Pacific is 5-2-0 vs. Div. I opponents.

Federal Way Flexes Muscles in AAA Final
November 23, 1991

Federal Way, tempered by a loss to Sammamish a year earlier, start strong and dominate Mercer Island for a 5-1 victory in the AAA girls' final at Shoreline. Sheralyn Stackhouse scores two times in the first 24 minutes. After the Islanders' Dena Dey at 30', Justi Baumgardt makes it 3-1 in the second half. Jeni Mauck and Amy Felker round out the scoring. The undefeated Eagles (18-0-2) hold MI to just three shots, all in the first half. Paige MacDonald keeps Mercer Island in it with nine first-half saves.

Lynass-Fueled Cougs Rout Zags
October 30, 1991

Kim Lynass scores four times while playing just over 45 minutes and Washington State routs Gonzaga, 15-0, at Martin Stadium. Only four goals separated the teams earlier in the season. The win snaps a three-game losing skein for the Cougars, all in southern California.

Seattle Among 27 Seeking World Cup Matches
May 1, 1991

Seattle is among 27 cities submitting bids to host 1994 World Cup matches. The bid committee, headed by Gov. Booth Gardner, proposes games at Husky Stadium, where a raised platform is under consideration for the temporary natural grass surface. Local venue groups must pay for any such renovations. Eight to 12 hosts cities are expected to be named by December. Meanwhile a bill is before the state legislature for $3 million in funding for a 5,000-seat stadium which could also serve as a training center.

This is it for me. Five years of living out of suitcases is enough.
Shannon Higgins on her retirement immediately following the 1991 World Cup
I think it's very important for the kids in high school to see women who have had opportunities. So they can say, 'Gee, if I do some of the same things, and work hard, maybe I can do that, too.'
Bellevue High School coach Annette Duvall on the growing number of female coaches at the prep and collegiate level
We had some real momentum going. Our program and our fan base (3,500) had been growing year to year. I feel badly about missing a year, but I think in the long run what we're doing is the best thing.
Bud Greer, FC Seattle owner, after deciding to go dormant for 1991
They were complaining that we had some of the best female soccer talent in the country, and the UW didn't have a (varsity) soccer team.
Ken Hutchinson, state representative and proponent of providing women athletes more opportunities to play varsity sports
I get banged around a lot, and I like to play that way, to crash into people.(But) my knees are an injury waiting to happen.
Michelle Akers on her rambunctious style of play
It was just hard playing for the national team, the Olympic team, UCLA and trying to go to school. Now I can put all my energy into playing for the national team and hopefully earning a spot on the World Cup team for 1994.
Everett's Chris Henderson on his decision to sign a full-time contract with U.S. Soccer and forego his final two years at UCLA
I used to go to Sounder games and thought Dave Gillett was the most handsome guy in the world. I've got a picture of just his butt in my scrapbook.
Michelle Akers on her first soccer idol, Dave Gillett of the Sounders
After we won the World Cup, I didn't expect America to realize what we had done. The people who were closest to me, the ones who knew how hard I'd worked and how much I'd sacrificed, were the ones who were really disappointed. All I was hoping for was a bigger glimmer in the eyes of Americans when they looked at soccer.
Michelle Akers at a Mercer Island reception for the four Washington players on the USWNT squad
I used to go to Sounder games and thought Dave Gillett was the most handsome guy in the world. I've got a picture of just his butt in my scrapbook.
Michelle Akers on her soccer idol as a Seattle area youth
He’s been a big fan of soccer through thick and thin. He’s never changed there’s still that little boy in him. He cares and he believes in the game’s future.
Stan Naccarato, who served as Booth Gardner's GM for the 1976 Tacoma Tides, on the governor's soccer interest
I went into it with the feeling that I had to search every corner of the country to see if there was a woman coach (to hire). But by comparison, the women's credentials couldn't hold a candle to the men's. The women just hadn't been coaching that long...I have to ask myself, 'Is there the potential for failure?' And, 'Am I setting this woman up for failure?' by hiring her if the qualifications don't meet the demands of the job.
UW associate athletic director Catherine
It is one of the best sites we have seen. I think it would fit well into our program.
FIFA's Guido Tognoni after inspecting Husky Stadium as a potential 1994 World Cup site
I think 10 years from now we will look back on a win here and see it as a beginning.
Michelle Akers-Stahl on the USWNT victory at the 1991 World Cup
I'm not here to set records. If the goals come, that's great. As long as we're winning. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I'm not the type of player that dribbles through six people to score a goal. My teammates set up most of those goals for me.
Michelle Akers-Stahl after scoring a record five goals vs Chinese Tapei
What's most impressive is the variety of ways she can beat a defender. She's so physical she just overpowers a smaller defender. If they put a bigger player on her she has the quickness to just blow past her.
USWNT coach Anson Dorrance on Michelle Akers
If I was a male, I would be swamped, and I'd be a millionaire right now. We're used to this...It's nice when people talk to us, but you can tell they don't know very much about our game.
Michelle Akers on the flurry of attention, albeit fleeting, given the U.S. Women's National Team during its World Cup run
Next to Anson Dorrance of North Carolina, he's probably the top collegiate coach in the country.
Washington associate AD Kit Green on Dang Pibulvech's qualifications to be the program's first head coach
We have the support of the university, but the details are significant and still must be worked out. It's a bit of a burnout from the Goodwill Games, but this is 1994 we are talking about, not 1992.
Gov. Booth Gardner, optimistic that Seattle will be a World Cup site despite lagging support from the community and University of Washington
I think 10 years from now we will look back on a win here and see it as a beginning.
Michelle Akers after only a handful of people greet team upon its arrival home from a victorious World Cup in China.
What makes Shannon unique is her ability to assess the situation immediately and turn with the ball or knock the ball off. Whatever the right move is, that’s what she does. Her ascension is an integral part of our team system. Now we have the best forward in the world in Michelle and perhaps the most sophisticated midfielder in the world in Shannon.
USWNT coach Anson Dorrance on Shannon Higgins and Michelle Akers
It's sad. It's difficult to leave something that has been so much fun. Hopefully, I'll go on to a good professional career and a few World Cups. It's time to move on. But it was the best learning experience of my life.
Kasey Keller following his final match for the University of Portland, a 3-0 NCAA tournament loss to UCLA
Our potential is unlimited. We can easily be national champions - not this year, but it's a very realistic goal in the future.
Washington’s Jeannine Jensen, a transfer from PLU and member of the Huskies’ first-year varsity
I came here (to University of Portland) to get ready to be a professional. I feel that I’ve gotten great grounding from the coaches...I came here because of Clive (Charles) and he and goalkeeper coach Bill Irwin have helped me a lot. The biggest thing has been to develop a professional attitude. You do your job, you show up on time, you do your conditioning.
Kasey Keller reflecting on his collegiate career following his senior season
You really need the year-round players to be competitive. If you have kids that only play school soccer, you're in trouble.
Shorewood coach Steve Kelly on the growing competitiveness of girls' high school play
I just hope it’s been fun for the soccer people to know they have a friend in the governor’s office.
Booth Gardner on his role a Seattle World Cup bid chair
The real purpose is not for the World Cup. The real purpose is to provide facilities for the soccer community.
Dick Angell, organizer for Seattle's bid to host 1994 World Cup games, on the state's need for a top-class soccer venue
I've talked to (Seattle Pacific coach) Cliff McCrath and thanked him for drubbing us. That game was like the last straw that got us going.
Peter Fewing citing 1987's 15-0 Seattle U loss to SPU that prompted the school to hire him and allocate scholarship funds
I've realized that they are going to be a very good team. It shouldn't take us long to win a national championship.
Dang Pibulvech, Washington women's coach, following the program's first season
I didn’t realize how far into the game my goal came. I thought we’d have to hold the Norwegians for another 30 minutes.
Michelle Akers-Stahl on her World Cup-winning goal with 3 minutes left vs. Norway
The irony is that game (against UW) counts for nothing, not in the league, not in the NAIA. But it means everything to our players, that they can play with big teams. They're shaking the image of the past.
Seattle University coach Peter Fewing after a 1-0 exhibition result vs. Washington
The Olympics is one of my goals, definitely. It makes me angry women's soccer is not in the Olympics. They're dragging their heels. There is no excuse for it.
Michelle Akers voicing her feelings about the IOC's openness to adding women's soccer in 1996
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Kasey Keller (Olympia) Portland (D1/1st/G)
Marcus Hahnemann (Bellevue) Seattle Pacific (D2/1st/G)
Melissa Carlson (Lynnwood) Western Washington (NAIA/1st/D)
Bill Colello (Des Moines) Seattle University (NAIA/3rd/M)
Wendy Johnson (Edmonds) Pacific Lutheran (NAIA/1st/F)
Tami McDaniel (Seattle) Western Washington (NAIA/1st/F)
Shari Rider (Renton) Pacific Lutheran (NAIA/1st/F)
Joey Mancuso (Auburn) Auburn (F)
Collegiate Men's Records
Central Washington 10-6-1
Evergreen 7-11-1
Gonzaga 5-10-1
Pacific Lutheran 11-7-2
Puget Sound 7-8-2
Seattle University 13-6-1
Seattle Pacific 17-2-1
Washington 8-8-1
Western Washington 8-7-2
Whitman 2-12-0
Whitworth 8-9-0
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 1-8-1
Evergreen 5-10-1
Gonzaga 1-11-0
Pacific Lutheran 18-2-4
Puget Sound 4-7-0
Seattle University 12-8-0
Seattle Pacific (club) 0-8-0
Washington 10-6-2
Washington State 12-7-1
Western Washington 10-7-3
Whitman 5-6-2
Whitworth 10-6-0
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Lions (FWSA)FC Royals (TPCJSA)
U12 Totem Cobras (FWSA)Wildcats (GRJSA)
U13 Adventurers (TPCJSA)FC Rangers (WCYSA)
U14 West Seattle Lazers (HSA)Islanders (WIYSA)
U15 Islanders (WIYSA)Bad Girls (TCYSA)
U16 FC Auburn (AYSA)Dynamo Tacoma (TPCJSA)
U17 LC Roadrunners (SYSA)AVC Nitros (SSCJSA)
U19 Spitfires (SYSA)Turbos (TCYSA)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Jalisco (HAS)Aviation West (HAS)
U13 Nitros (FWSA)FC Royals 78 (TPCJSA)
U14 Heat 77 (HAS)Star Shooters (FWSA)
U15 Team SIR (FWSA)Green River 76 (KYSA)
U16 EC Force (SYSA)FC Royals 75 (TPCJSA)
U17 NC Alliance (NCYSA)Team Score (SYSA)
U19 Aviation West (HAS)FC Royals 72 (TPCJSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Mountain View 1Cascade 0
Boys 3A Mount Rainier 0 (5-3)Lindbergh 0
Boys 1A Bellevue Christian 3Charles Wright 2 OT
Girls 4A Federal Way 5Mercer Island 1
Girls 3A Kennedy 4Seattle Prep 0
Girls 1A Forest Ridge 3Seattle Christian 0
NAIA National Championship - Pacific Lutheran vs MVC

VIDEO: NAIA National Championship - Pacific Lutheran vs MVC

On this Day in History
March 13, 2013
Sean Bushey, one of the most successful men's coaches in Northwest Conference history, exits Whitworth following 17 stellar seasons. Bushey takes over as coaching director for Colorado Rush. In 2012, he took the Pirates to a seventh NWC championship in nine years and finished with a record of 209-86-35. In addition to his duties coaching the men, Bushey also served 12 concurrent seasons as the Whitworth women's coach from 1997-2008, compiling a record of 123-90-16.
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March 29, 2011
Federal Way’s Keyln Rowe opens his U.S. U20 National Team account with a hat trick in 4-0 win over Suriname in Guatemala City. A freshman at UCLA, Rowe then scores two more in 2-0 win over Panama. He was named Pac-10 Freshman of the Year after scoring seven goals and 10 assists for the Bruins.
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March 14, 1970
Helmut Weiss finishes the series with all six Croatia goals, and Leif Erikson Vikings go out of the National Challenge Cup, 6-4, on aggregate, in the West Region finals. Weiss puts Croatia up a goal midway through the first half, then scores twice within a few minutes of the second period. A Bobby Hough header ties it by halftime, and his corner kick is volleyed home by Reider Olsen late to pull the Viks a goal back in the 3-2 loss before 1,500 at Memorial Stadium. Croatia goes on to finish national runner-up.
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March 31, 1950
Earling Hansen, the dynamic left half for Acme Tyee, sees his bid for a place on U.S. National Team evaporate before arriving for tryout. Hansen had been nominated and was to take part in an East-West game in St. Louis April 2, only to learn the World Cup team had already been chosen.
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