Money for Coaching

1998 – Around the World and Close to Home

The Good Friday Accord is reached in Northern Ireland, ending most of the violence of a conflict begun in the 1960s. U.S. embassies in Tanzania and Kenya are bombed, killing 224 and injuring more than 4,500. Google is formed by two Stanford Ph. D. candidates. NHL players and professionals from other leagues participate in the Olympic Games for the first time, with the Czech Republic winning gold.

Europeans settle on a common currency, the Euro. President Bill Clinton is implicated in a sex scandal but denies allegations of a White House affair, Clinton is later impeached (and acquitted) for perjury and obstruction of justice, Titanic becomes the highest-grossing film of all-time and wins a record-tying 11 Oscars, and 76 million watch the final episode of Seinfeld.

After 36 years, the USS Missouri pulls anchor from Bremerton and relocates to Honolulu, Paul Westphal succeeds George Karl as Sonics coach, the Seattle Symphony leaves Seattle Center for a dedicated downtown home of its own, Benaroya Hall, and Washington State falls to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.

Money for Coaching

It was inevitable. Although Washington’s soccer foundation was built over many decades on the backs of thousands of volunteers, money would eventually become part of the equation.

In the beginning, sponsors of senior amateur sides were slipping a few bills to players, and this was long before the Hungarians claimed semipro status. Among coaches, the colleges started with modest, seasonal compensation before finally graduating to more full-time positions during the Nineties. It was only a matter of time, then, before the vast youth community was infiltrated by the almighty dollar.

America’s first paid youth coaches began cashing checks in the early Eighties. In 1983, Washington State Youth Soccer hired former Sounders boss Jimmy Gabriel as coaching director, to be succeeded a year later by his former assistant, Bobby Howe. It effectively set in motion the next phase: paying coaching directors for individual associations and teams.

Walter Schmetzer Sr. remembers his Lake City Hawks parents providing him holiday gifts, and there had been other teams acknowledging the efforts of coaches in some fashion.

Whether it was the sale of land to developers, hosting bingo nights, conducting camps or instituting fees for players, funding sources were identified. Initially, there were stipends to offset the cost of travel and meals, with Northshore and Lake Washington associations at the forefront. The amount might vary according to a coach’s license level. In time, the stipends would extend beyond just expenses and afford some coaches the opportunity, by taking on multiple teams, to make a modest living. The Pay to Play era had begun. There was no immediate effect, and over time coaches migrated to clubs with greater resources, and players inevitably followed.

Of course, when money got involved, expectations were heightened. Neighborhood teams gave way to picked teams and the pilfering of top players of neighboring teams. Talent was becoming concentrated. In the state league, there was significant separation between a division’s top few teams and the rest. All this would prompt new measures meant to further player development and create greater competition amongst these top teams.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
18-10, 6th A-League
Coach
Neil Megson (3rd year)
Best XI
Mark Baena
Top Scorer
Mark Baena (20 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington, D1 1st rnd, Seattle Pacific, D2 semi, Seattle U, NAIA Semifinal
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Washington, D1 1st rnd
Men's Conference Champions
Washington (MPSF), Gonzaga (co-WCC), Seattle Pacific (PacWest), Seattle U (PNWAC)
NWAC Men's Champion
Skagit Valley
NWAC Women's Champion
Columbia Basin
YOUTH
WIAA Boys Champion
Ferris (4A), West Valley (3A), Lynden Christian (2A-1A)
WIAA Girls Champion
Richland (4A), Lakeside (3A), Othello (2A), Seattle Christian (1A)
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Jim Hughes
Member Associations
39
Players
119,824 (b: 86,274, g: 33,550)
Largest Attendance
4,371, Seattle Sounders vs. Orange County, Memorial Stadium
Largest Amateur Attendance
1,470, Seattle Pacific vs. Washington, Interbay Stadium

1998: Money for Coaching

It had begun in the Eighties with hired coaching directors, and by the late Nineties paid team coaches had taken hold.

Seattle Christian Girls Win 6th Straight State Title
November 21, 1998

Seattle Christian wins its sixth consecutive state Class A/B championship, pummeling Holy Cross, 8-0, at Auburn Memorial Stadium. Melissa Bennett leads the way by scoring four times and assisting on a fifth Warriors goal. The six straight titles is one shy of the national record.

WSU Ends UW Pac-10 Title Hopes
November 7, 1998

Deka DeWitt delivers the game’s only goal with four minutes left in overtime to give Washington State a 1-0 win over Washington in Pullman. It’s the Cougars’ first win in the series since 1992 and ends the Huskies’ Pac-10 title hopes.

Spokane Hosts Sounders in Friendly
May 30, 1998

Before a club-record crowd of 3,657, the PDL Spokane Shadow hold their own in an exhibition against the A-League Sounders. Erik Storkson scores the game's lone goal with 15 minutes to go. Brian Ching nearly puts Spokane in front in the 50th minute, beating Preston Burpo but hitting the post.

Baena Strikes in OT, Seattle Win Fifth in a Row
August 28, 1998

Mark Baena's torrid scoring run continues with a brace, including the game-winner in overtime, in the Sounders' 3-2 victory at San Francisco Bay. It's Seattle's fifth win in a row and it eliminates the Seals from playoff contention. Baena latches onto Randy Mann's long ball to score in the 99th minute. Baena and Peter Hattrup score three minutes apart in the first half for a 2-1 halftime lead. Baena has nine goals during the win streak.

Another Milestone for McCrath, SPU
October 9, 1998

Alex Vandamme gets Seattle Pacific off the mark with a goal in the first minute, and the Falcons get coach Cliff McCrath's 400th win at the helm, 3-0 over Colorado School of Mines at Interbay Stadium. In all, McCrath has 485 career victories, ranking No. 2 in collegiate soccer.

Thesenvitz Goal Sparks Seattle U Win
November 24, 1998

Stan Thesenvitz scores in his seventh straight game, sparking a second-half surge for defending NAIA champion Seattle University to beat Green Mountain, 4-1, to advance to the semifinal round in Birmingham, Ala. Thesenvitz snaps a 1-1 tie in the 48th minute with his 12th goal. Kurt Swanson adds two more goals and Manuel Ruiz has two assists. Swanson finishes his career with a record 58 goals.

Sounders Shift Home to Renton
December 14, 1998

Following five seasons at Seattle Memorial Stadium, the Sounders announce a move to Renton in 1999. They sign a two-year lease with the Renton School District to play at Renton Stadium, which has undergone $2.5 million in renovations, including a new artificial surface.

Stiles, French Spark UP Outburst
November 22, 1998

Portland erupts for four goals in a 16-minute span of the second half to defeat San Diego State, 5-0, in an NCAA third-round playoff at Merlo Field. Spokane's Kim Stiles scores the spree's first two goals, seven minutes apart, before Kent's Michelle French adds the next in a driving rain. Goalkeeper Angela Harrison, another Spokane native, anchors the Pilots' sixth straight shutout win. UP later advances to the semifinal round.

Eastern Washington's Schmitt Saves 20
November 1, 1998

It's been a long season for Eastern Washington, but goalkeeper Amy Schmitt continues to be a bright spot. Schmitt, a senior from Stanwood, keeps Montana off the scoreboard until the 68th minute. Facing 34 shots, she finishes with a record 20 saves in the 2-0 loss at Cheney. Each of Schmitt's three shutouts have been Eastern wins.

FC Royals, FC United Win Surf Cup
August 2, 1998

It's a momentous day for Pierce County youth as FC Royals girls and FC United boys claim Surf Cup U19 titles in San Diego. FC United beats two-time defending champion California Nomads, 2-1, to finish the tournament at 5-0-0. FC Royals defeat California Sting in penalties following a 1-1 draw. The tournament features 16 of the nation's top teams in multiple age divisions.

Hunt, Lay Become First MLS Women Referees
August 29, 1998

Bellingham's Sandra Hunt and Nancy Lay of St. Louis simultaneously become the first women to referee MLS matches. Hunt, 39, officiates the Kansas City-Chicago game at Arrowhead Stadium in which the Fire prevail, 2-2 (3-2), in a shootout (from 35 yards). It's remarkable match, with Hunt sending off one player from each team in the 64th minute for violent conduct, and the shootout is extended to 12 rounds.

Baena Named A-League MVP
October 23, 1998

Mark Baena, after scoring a record 20 goals in an abbreviated first season with the Seattle Sounders, is named MVP of the A-League. Baena joined Seattle seven games into the season from the California Jaguars. In all, he scored 24 goals to lead the league.

SPU Stuns No. 2 Washington
November 7, 1998

Vadim Tolstolutsky strikes with 68 seconds to go, giving Seattle Pacific a shocking 2-1 upset of No. 2-ranked Washington before a record Interbay Stadium crowd. Tolstolutsky fires from 20 yards, off the left post and past UW keeper Peter Van de Ven, capping a second-half comeback and setting off a celebration of 1,470 fans, plus those watching from outside the fences. It's his 14th goal and seventh in four games. Alex Vandamme got the SPU equalizer. The victory is the 5th-ranked Falcons' first in the series since 1993. They earn the Far West's top seed in the NCAA Division II tournament.

Hoggan Announces Retirement
August 20, 1998

Ten years after first arriving in Puget Sound, David Hoggan announces he will retire at the end of the Sounders' season. Hoggan, 37, first played for the Tacoma Stars from 1988-90. He's been with the Sounders since their 1994 reincarnation, totaling 19 goals and 17 assists in 96 league matches.

Three Colleges to Join PacWest, Division II
February 6, 1998

Three more colleges announce their impending move to NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference, which will sponsor a soccer championship in 1999. Seattle Pacific, already a PacWest member and affiliated with Div. II, will be joined by Central Washington, Western Washington and Saint Martin's, although the latter does not currently have a soccer program for men or women. To date, SPU's closest conference opponent is Montana State Billings.

Gonzaga Wins at Portland
October 4, 1998

Mike Thompson's rebound goal is enough to lift Gonzaga over Portland, 1-0, in the WCC opener at Merlo Field. Josh Fouts makes nine saves for the Zags. Thompson puts the visitors ahead after only 2:32. It's the first time Gonzaga has beaten the Pilots in consecutive years.

Seattle U Opts for Division II
December 11, 1998

Seattle University's Board of Trustees votes unanimously to approve a proposal to apply for membership in NCAA Division II and the Pacific West Conference. Seattle U will maintain its NAIA membership and compete in NAIA postseason events until it becomes a fulltime member of Div. II.

Cirovski Named U.S. U18 Coach
April 17, 1998

Shannon Cirovski (nee Higgins) is named head coach of the U.S. Under-18 Women's National Team. Cirovski resigns as George Washington coach after seven seasons, having been a two-time Atlantic-10 coach of the year. She becomes the newly-formed U18 program's first coach.

Gonzaga Denied Tournament Bid
November 17, 1998

For the second year in a row, Gonzaga is denied an NCAA tournament bid despite losing only once in the final 12 games. The Bulldogs, WCC co-champions who were edged by San Diego, 2-1, in game deciding the automatic berth nine days earlier, are not granted an at-large bid. Instead, third-place Santa Clara gets the nod with an identical record.

West Valley Wins Another State Title
May 30, 1998

West Valley is extended to penalty kicks yet the Rams secure their third state boys' 3A title in six years, 1-1 (6-5), over previously unbeaten Newport at Federal Way. After 10 consecutive conversions by both teams, Newport's sixth try hits the crossbar. Tyler Nathe wins it for West Valley on the next kick. The Rams, who had lost the previous year's final in penalties, score first in regulation on David Burke's first-half penalty. Newport equalizes midway through the second period through Peter Goodwin.

Keller Named Gold Cup MVP
February 15, 1998

Although his team is denied the Gold Cup title, Kasey Keller is named the tournament's MVP following Mexico's 1-0 win over the U.S. before 91,255 at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Keller is beaten by Luis Hernandez's header in the 43rd minute. He had blanked Brazil in the semifinal.

Hibernian Repeat in Kennedy Cup
August 23, 1998

Tim Tilbury and Jim Dempsey score first-half goals for Seattle Hibernian as they repeat as Kennedy Cup champions with a 2-0 win over Kelowna in Vancouver, B.C. Dave Gagner gets the shutout. It's Hibernian's third title, contested by Oregon, Washington and British Columbia senior men's champion.

Seattle Pacific Punches Ticket to Final Four
November 21, 1998

After 123 minutes, Vadim Tolstolutsky punches Seattle Pacific's ticket to a 13th NCAA Division II Final Four, lifting the Falcons over Grand Canyon, 2-1, in a quarterfinal playoff at Interbay Stadium. Tolstolutsky scores in his sixth straight game in the third minute of sudden death overtime. It comes 96 minutes after Dana Garner ties it in the 29th minute. Grand Canyon plays the final 37 minutes of regulation and overtime with 10 men following a red card. SPU wins its sixth in a row and 11th in 13 since starting out 3-4-2.

Thesenvitz Brace Sends Seattle U to Nationals
November 14, 1998

A pair of Stan Thesenvitz goals, the second coming five minutes into overtime, give Seattle University a 2-1 win at Simon Fraser in the NAIA Pacific Northwest Regional final. The victory sends the Chieftains to Alabama to defend their national title. Thesenvitz blasts a 35-yard free kick for the first SU goal, and the winner comes from 18 yards.

Eastern Blanked by WSU in Debut
September 1, 1998

Washington State scores four first-half goals – two on identical corner kick plays in the first four minutes – to defeat Eastern Washington, 4-0, in the Eagles' inaugural match at Pullman. Deka DeWitt leads the Cougars with two goals, and Beth Childs collects two assists off the corners.

Seattle U Rises to Division II
December 11, 1998

Seattle University's Board of Trustees votes unanimously yesterday to move up from NCAA Division III to II, a switch that will have two primary effects. Seattle U will again offer scholarships, mostly in basketball and soccer, and it will apply for membership in the Pacific West Conference. Administrators weighed adding sport to comply with Div. III requirements or adding scholarships and going Div. II.

Huskies Upset No. 1 UCLA
November 13, 1998

Seventh-ranked Washington gets first-half goals from Chris Wolff and Viet Nguyen to upset defending NCAA champions and No. 1 UCLA, 2-0, on the road to all but clinch the MPSF title. Mike Casale's initial shot rebounds to Wolff to poke past Nick Rimando in the 33rd minute. At 38:00, Nguyen scores on a Wolff rebound. It's the final regular season loss for Bruins coach Sigi Schmid, who leaves for MLS the following year. The Huskies win the conference two days later at Sacramento State, 2-0.

Keller Stones Brazil in Gold Cup Upset
February 10, 1998

Kasey Keller looms large as the United State achieves one of its great upsets, 1-0, over world champion Brazil, in a Gold Cup semifinal at the Los Angeles Coliseum. Former Tacoma Stars all-star Preki scores the game's only goal for the Americans' first win over Brazil in 68 years. Keller, arriving from England less than 48 hours earlier, makes 10 saves, some bordering on the incredible. The best comes in the 42nd minute, robbing Romario at point-blank range. The Brazilian legend then shakes Keller's hand. Preki's goal comes off his magical left from from 22 yards in the 65th minute.

Daligcon Helps Rochester Win A-League
October 17, 1998

Former Sounders and Seattle Pacific midfielder Nate Daligcon helps the Rochester Raging Rhinos take the A-League championship with a 3-1 win over Minnesota. Daligcon scored six goals during the Rhinos' 24-4 regular season. Darren Tilly scores a hat trick in the final, played before 13,772 at Frontier Field.

Eastern Earns First Victory
October 9, 1998

Sophia Pacheco's early strike is sufficient for Eastern Washington to earn its first victory, 1-0, over Idaho State in the Big Sky Conference opener at Cheney. It's Pacheco that scores off Caryn Neol's assist at the 15-minute mark to snap a string of eight straight Eagles losses to start the inaugural season.

Washington Reaches No. 1 for First Time
September 15, 1998

For the first time in 37 seasons of varsity play, Washington reaches the men's No. 1 ranking in the NSCAA coaches' poll. Dean Wurzberger's Huskies, who moved up from No. 2, are 5-0-0 and coming off a 2-0 win over No. 8 Rutgers in Portland.

Zags Win Seventh Straight
November 6, 1998

Brett Fink tallies the game-winning goal with 2 minutes, 46 seconds remaining in the second overtime to lift Gonzaga to victory, 3-2, at Loyola Marymount. It's the Bulldogs' seventh straight, their longest streak in 18 years. Fink notches his second goal of the game after Loyola had erased a 2-nil deficit. His first came in 31st minute. Matt Blasdel opens the scoring two minutes earlier, converting Jason Kuska's shot off the post.

Yakima Wins First Division Title
August 2, 1998

The Yakima Reds win their first USISL PDL divisional title by beating Okanagan, 4-1, at Spokane. Luiz Machado scores two goals and adds an assist. The Reds defeated the Seattle BigFoot, 1-0, while playoff host and regular season winner Spokane Shadow was upset by Okanagan, 2-1, in the Northwest semifinals.

Downing Named National Prep Player of theYear
March 3, 1998

Nick Downing of Redmond's Eastlake is named Parade Magazine's national high school player of the year, making him the consensus choice. A month earlier, Downing was named Gatorade's top prep player. Downing has led Eastlake to state 4A titles each of the past two years, scoring 20 goals and 14 assists.

Dunn Steps Down from Lutes
January 7, 1998

Jimmy Dunn steps down as men's coach at Pacific Lutheran after 14 seasons. Dunn, once a PLU player, is the Lutes' winningest coach with a record of 149-110-24. In 1992, he guided the program to its first NAIA national tournament. "Jimmy has served the university well for many years," PLU athletic director Paul Hoseth says. "I am not aware of a part-time coach who has served with such dedication for 14 years."

Four Schools Opt for NCAA Division III
September 1, 1998

Four state colleges that have been longtime NAIA members join NCAA Division III. Pacific Lutheran, Puget Sound, Whitman and Whitworth are part of an NAIA exodus, with 131 schools having left since 1980.

Shadow Coasts into Playoffs
July 25, 1998

Late goals from Kieran Barton and Brian Ching seal the Spokane Shadow's 2-0 win over Seattle Hibernian at Joe Albi Stadium. Barton breaks the scoreless deadlock after 67 minutes and Ching scores his 15th goal of the year six minutes later. Spokane (13-3) had clinched the regular season title a day earlier vs. Yakima.

Dawgs Beat Beavs Behind Bennett Hat Trick
October 18, 1998

Tami Bennett's first hat trick of the year paves the way to Washington's 5-0 beating of Oregon State in Corvallis. Theresa Wagner sets up two goals and both Casey Dickerson and Erin Bailey score. It completes a road sweep of the Oregon schools, and after starting 2-5-0, the Huskies are now over .500 (7-6-1).

Waters Named Coach at PLU
April 3, 1998

Joe Waters, who played eight seasons for the Tacoma Stars, is named head men's coach at Pacific Lutheran. Waters, 45, also coaches Bellarmine Prep. He played a record 358 games for the Stars from 1984-92, also serving as assistant coach the final two seasons.

Hart, Carroll Spur UW to Win at OSU
October 30, 1998

Wes Hart raises his record assist total to 15, scoring once and setting-up Kai Carroll’s second in No. 3-ranked Washington’s 6-0 win at 10-man Oregon State. The Beavers unravel after a handball in the 22nd minute results in a Matt Annis penalty kick and an OSU sending off. It’s the Huskies seventh win in the last eight.

Ferris Brings Boys' 4A Crown to East Side
May 30, 1998

Greg Dimeling and Jake Gillen score second-half goals as Ferris becomes the first 4A boys' champion from the state's east side, 3-1, over Sehome at Vancouver. Whitney Zoller tallies to give the Mariners a 1-0 lead after eight minutes into the contest, but Garth Cummings answers for the Saxons. Dimeling put Ferris in front in the 47th minute, and Gillen strikes five minutes later. The previous 23 state champions had all been from west of the Cascades.

Lakeside Reclaims Girls' 3A Throne
November 21, 1998

Nancy Mikacenic and Jenny Skinner score in the final five minutes to push Lakeside past Highline, 2-0, in the state girls' 3A final at Federal Way. The Lions pepper the Pirates with 22 shots through 75 minutes, but then Skinner cuts the ball back to Mikacenic to score from 18 yards. One minute later, Lisa Jensen finds Skinner for a 2-nil advantage. It's Lakeside's third title in four years. Their only loss in the last 69 games was the 1997 final.

Beana, Sounders Hammer Jaguars
June 19, 1998

Taking advantage of a depleted and embarrassingly outmatched opponent, the Seattle Sounders hammer the California Jaguars by a final count of 10-0 at Memorial Stadium. The Jaguars pay the price for releasing six starters during recent cost-cutting moves, including the sale of striker Mark Baena to Seattle. Baena scores a club-record four goals and it's a record team total for a league match as well. It's the first of four straight wins and seven in the next nine.

Solo Spurs Richland to 4A Crown
November 21, 1998

Behind Hope Solo's two goals, Richland wins the state girls' 4A championship over Curtis, 3-1, in Federal Way. Solo, a U18 national team's goalkeeper, scores her 37th and 38th goals of her senior season as the Bombers finish 20-0-0. She scores in the 21st and 55th minutes, taking her career total to 109 goals. Richland, ranked fourth nationally, is only the second girls' 4A team from east of the Cascades to win state.

UW Women Win Sixth in a Row
October 30, 1998

Washington maintains its share of the Pac-10 lead by winning its record sixth straight, 1-0, over California at Husky Soccer Field. Freshman Caroline Putz gets the game's only goal on Theresa Wagner's record seventh assist, and Gretchen Mensinger posts the shutout.

Sounders-Colorado Friendly Serves as Reunion
June 21, 1998

Everett's Sean Henderson and older brother Chris Henderson return home to Snohomish County and figure in three goals over nine minutes during a Sounders-Colorado Rapids exhibition. Sean Henderson scores the Rapids' second goal and he and Chris also add assists in the 4-1 win. Former Sounder Marcus Hahnemann is the Colorado keeper. The match is played on the grass at Marysville-Pilchuck High School before 2,627.

Three Sounders to Train in England
October 28, 1998

The Sounders announce that three players will train through November with Stockport County of England's Division One (second tier). Midfielder Ian Russell and defenders Scott Jenkins and Brandon Prideaux will work with Gary Megson, brother of Sounders coach Neil Megson.

Huskies' Season Ends in Overtime
November 11, 1998

Washington goes out of the NCAA tournament when USC's Courtney Barham scores her second goal 21 minutes into overtime at the Los Angeles Coliseum for a 2-1 victory. Stacy Merlitti ends a two-game UW scoring drought, knotting the score in the 70th minute. The Huskies end the year with three straight losses.

Volunteer Coach Presented Jefferson Award
March 26, 1998

Mike Henderson, who has coached Seattle youth soccer teams for more than 25 years, is among five state citizens presented Jefferson Award medallions for extraordinary volunteer efforts. Henderson, 44, who grew up in the city's Central Area and Capitol Hill with 18 siblings, has dedicated his life to teaching the game because he believes soccer saved his life. He has coached players ages 6 to 60, but his primary focus is developing skills, teamwork and sportsmanship in boys and girls.

Akers Receives FIFA Order of Merit
June 7, 1998

Michelle Akers is one of 10 recipients of FIFA's Order of Merit in Paris. Akers, the U.S. career scoring leader with 96 goals, has led the USMWNT to a 1991 World Cup victory and the 1996 gold medal in the Olympic Games. She is the fourth American to earn the distinction and the world's first female player.

SPU Wins Wild Playoff Scoring Fest
November 14, 1998

Dana Garner's goal with less than 12 minutes remaining caps Seattle Pacific's second-half rally to beat Fort Lewis, 4-3, in an NCAA tournament playoff in a steady rain at Interbay Stadium. Garner takes a pass from Vadim Tolstolutsky and scores from 12 yards. Tolstolutsky assists on three goals and scores the Falcons'second. Fort Lewis leads, 3-2, when Barth Riedel ties it in the 73rd minute.

McCormick, Sounders Rout Albuquerque
August 23, 1998

Dick McCormick assists on a record five goals and Mark Baena scores multiple goals for the sixth time as the playoff-bound Sounders rout Albuquerque, 9-0, for their fourth straight win. McCormick's cross finds Erik Storkson's head for 2-0 in the 26th minute. Four minutes later, he finds Baena for the first of his three goals. Storkson and Patrick Beech, who headed in a McCormick second-half corner, added two goals each.

Akers Blast Highlights Goodwill Games Win
July 25, 1998

Michelle Akers scores on a long-range blast as the United States cruises past Denmark, 5-0, in a Goodwill Games semifinal at Long Island, N.Y. While Mia Hamm nets a hat trick and Kristine Lilly assists on three scores, a 35-yard blast from Akers in the 18th minute wows the crowd. The U.S. goes on to beat China, 2-0, in the final.

Sounders Rally to Take Playoff Opener
September 13, 1998

Dick McCormick's penalty kick in the 76th minute completes the comeback as the Sounders rally from a goal down to eliminate Orange County in the first round of the A-League playoffs at Memorial Stadium. Eddie Soto spots the Zodiac a lead midway through the first period. Peter Hattrup ties it in the 63rd minute, before Ian Russell is pulled down in the box for the penalty.

Mike has had an unwavering commitment to soccer, and he has dedicated himself to a volunteer career of coaching primarily youth soccer teams throughout all these years, often having no job to support himself and struggling financially. When most of us are cozy and warm at home, Mike can be found on the field - in the cold, in the wind, in the rain. He never asks for anything, and his only recognition is the thanks of grateful parents and the progress of his players.
Jefferson Award nomination letter for Mike Henderson
It was not the first time we saw Michelle score a goal like that. She has the ability to score from anywhere on the field, and that was just a highlight goal.
USWNT coach on Michelle Akers's 35-yard drive vs. Denmark
I think the assigner gritted his teeth one time and put our names down. Then the feedback was positive, and they said, 'What the heck, if they can do it, let's give them a shot.' I think it takes a lot of courage for them to put our names down, and I'm grateful for the opportunity. Right now, there isn't a woman international referee from the United States. Hopefully that will change.
Sandra Hunt on becoming one of the first two women to referee an MLS match
Washington-based kids are always going to be our nucleus. You always have to look out of state if there's a certain need at a position, but we feel we have the right blood. We treat every player the same whether they're from the eastern side, western side or out of state. They look at our program, they're excited about the future and what we've accomplished. That helps recruit these kids.
Washington men's coach Dean Wurzberger on why his teams have reached a fourth straight NCAA berth in 1998
If it wasn't for this game, I don't know what would have happened to me, because I was hanging around with the wrong people.
Seattle coach Mike Henderson, winner of 1998 Jefferson Award for extraordinary volunteer contributions
We don't have another player like him. He's a guy that needs only about two square feet to make something happen.
U.S. National Team captain Thomas Dooley on Preki
You just figure it out. I believe so much in what I can do. I have something to prove and that's my motivation. I don't like standing out and saying, `Look what I've overcome,' and using it on a pulpit.
New Gonzaga assistant coach Scott Martin on losing both forearms and half of each foot to amputation five years earlier
Pete is this program. He's put his heart and soul into this program the last 10 years. He recruits. He does the phone calls. He gets the equipment from Nike. Without Pete Fewing, there would be no Seattle University soccer. We'd never be at this level.
Seattle University's Tom Hardy on his coach, Peter Fewing
This is a tremendous occasion for U.S. soccer. With this victory we gained a lot of respect and a lot of confidence going into the World Cup.
Kasey Keller on the significance of beating Brazil in the Gold Cup
At the end of the day, we're a small town. In a small town, belief is a thing that spreads and attracts people. There are networks that tie people together. We're not only an expanded family, we're an expanding family.
SPU coach Cliff McCrath when asked about game's strong momentum in Washington, in terms of participation, investment and national achievement
All of us new programs have some money to offer, but you're competing against Idaho, Wazzu and established programs. We're all looking at the same Washington kids. It makes it challenging, especially when you don't have a huge recruiting budget and you're looking locally. Those kids are definitely in demand.
Eastern Washington coach Jenni Martin on the challenges facing her new varsity program
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Michelle French (Kent) Portland (D1/1st/M)
Wes Hart (Littleton, Co.) Washington (D1/3rd/M)
Dana Garner (Moutlake Terrace) Seattle Pacific (D2/2nd/F)
Jeremiah Doyle (Vancouver) Seattle University (NAIA/3rd/G)
Tony Pyle (Burien) Seattle University (NAIA/1st/D)
Kurt Swanson (Bellingham) Seattle University (NAIA/2nd/F)
Stan Thesenvitz (Burien) Seattle University (NAIA/2nd/F)
Nick Downing (Sammamish) Eastlake (F)
Nancy Mikacenic (Seattle) Lakeside (F)
Hope Solo (Richland) Richland (G)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 6-12-0
Gonzaga 12-4-2
Northwest 2-15-1
Pacific Lutheran 9-7-1
Puget Sound 7-12-1
Seattle University 16-6-3
Seattle Pacific 14-7-2
Washington 16-4-0
Western Washington 6-10-1
Whitman 3-15-0
Whitworth 9-9-0
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 12-6-1
Eastern Washington 3-15-0
Evergreen 6-12-0
Gonzaga 4-12-2
Pacific Lutheran 9-9-1
Puget Sound 10-7-2
Seattle University 12-6-3
Washington 10-9-1
Washington State 6-10-3
Western Washington 11-7-0
Whitman 3-14-1
Whitworth 6-12-1
PDL Records
Seattle BigFoot 11-5, 3rd Div.
Seattle Hibernian 2-6, 5th Div.
Spokane Shadow 13-3, 1st Div.
Yakima Reds 9-7, 2nd Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Mark Baena Sounders (AL-1st)
State Youth Commissioners Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Cheetahs (FWSA)FC Royals 86 (TPCJSA)
U12 Sparta 85 (NarYSA)Marauders(MRSA)
U13 Stanwood Pride (SkVJSA)Spectre 85 (NYSA)
U14 Chargers (GRJSA)Snohomish United (NCYSA)
U15 Kickers (CYSF)Integra Nationals (SSCYSA)
U16 Revolution (ECYSA)Excel (SYSA)
U17 Northpoint Athletics (TPCJSA)X-Streme (TPCJSA)
U18 Whatcom FC Rangers (WCYSA)FC Alliance (EYSA)
U19 Force (SSCYSA)FC Rissa (AYSA)
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Lightning Bolts (Dist 5)Orcas (Dist 2)
U12 Huskies (Dist 5)Double Trouble (Dist 1)
U13 Net Wreckers (Dist 5)Bears (Dist 1)
U14 Impalas (Dist 2)Bombers (Dist 1)
U15 Eastside Kickers (Dist 5)Roadrunners (Dist 2)
U16 Huskies (Dist 7)
U17 Panthers (Dist 2)Attack (Dist 5)
U18 Lakewood Regulators (Dist 3)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Snohomish United Santos (NCYSA)FC Flames (NarYSA)
U13 Harbor FC 84 (TPCJSA)FC Flames (MRSA)
U14 FWU Storm 83 (FWSA)Shooting Stars (NCYSA)
U15 Nemesis Nationals (SSCYSA)FC Royals 82 (TPCJSA)
U16 Solaris (FWSA)FC Royals 81 (TPCJSA)
U17 Eastside FC 80 Red (EYSA)FC Royals 80 (TPCJSA)
U18 FC Royals 79 (TPCJSA)
U19 SSC Falcons (SpVJSA)Thunder (LWYSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Ferris 3Sehome 1
Boys 3A West Valley 1Newport 1 (6-5)
Boys 2A Pullman 4Steilacoom 2
Boys 1A Lynden Christian 1Seattle Christian 0
Girls 4A Richland 3Curtis 1
Girls 3A Lakeside 2Highline 0
Girls 2A Othello 1Sultan 0 (OT)
Girls 1A Seattle Christian 8Holy Cross 0
WC highlights (Keller): USA v Germany

VIDEO: WC highlights (Keller): USA v Germany

On this Day in History
August 1, 2014
Jesus Sanchez finds the deciding goal to send the Kitsap Pumas on to the PDL final with a 2-1 win over Florida's Ocala Stampede in Pontiac, Mi. Joaquin Rivas finds his way around multiple defenders and scores in the 41st minute. A deflection leads to an Ocala equalizer moments before halftime, but Sanchez delivers the winner in the 88th minute, snapping the Stampede's 14-game unbeaten run.
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November 4, 1972
Washington finally secures a conference championship, its first in four years, by bashing Western Washington 8-2 in Bellingham. The Vikings were three-time defending champions of the Northwest Collegiate Soccer Conference. The Huskies go undefeated (11-0-1) in NCSC play to finish three points clear of Seattle Pacific.
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July 31, 2004
Sounders Women fall short of reaching the W-League final four for the second year in a row, bowing out in the Western Conference title game at Burnaby, B.C. The Whitecaps Women win at home, 1-0, snapping Seattle's five-game win streak but not without a scare. Rachel Rodrick fires a 22-yard blast off goalkeeper Erin McLeod's hands and the crossbar in the 75th minute. Top scorer (10 goals) Brenda Mueller has another chance in the 77th minute but hits the post. Vancouver proceeds to win the W-League championship.
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November 7, 2023
After 56 seasons, Seattle University breaks into the top 10 of Division I. The Redhawks, going unbeaten (8-0-2) down the stretch, are ranked 9th in the final United Soccer Coaches' poll of the regular season. However, the following day they are ousted from the WAC tournament at the semifinal stage by host UNLV, 2-1.
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