She Gave It All

1999 – Around the World and Close to Home

War erupts in Kosovo prompting NATO to launch airstrikes against Belgrade, the world awaits Y2K bug that may render computers useless worldwide on New Year’s Day 2000, and Internet users increase by over 100 million, to 248 million worldwide. With Microsoft’s eighth stock split, Bill Gates’s personal fortune exceeds $100 billion, a federal judge rules that Microsoft is now a monopoly and two teens kill 12 students and one teacher at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo. Thousands of protesters demonstrate during the World Trade Organization (WTO) conference, culminating in the Battle in Seattle downtown streets, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation forms, beginning with an initial endowment of $17 billion.

She Gave It All

She had always been the pride of Washington. Yet in the summer of 1999, Michelle Akers and all her shining attributes as a player and competitor on the world stage were seared into the consciousness of people worldwide.

Just the fact that Akers was not only still playing but leading the U.S. National Team into the FIFA Women’s World Cup was a fantastic feat. The Gold Boot winner at the 1991 World Cup, she had now undergone 12 knee surgeries, sustained several concussions and overcome six years of chronic fatigue syndrome, essentially feeling like she woke up with the flu every day.

Since winning Olympic gold in 1996, Akers accepted a move from striker to midfield under coach Tony DiCicco. Her World Cup year brought its own set of challenges. She suffered three broken bones on the left side of her face but was back in the lineup several weeks later.

During the tournament, she started six of seven matches, scored against Nigeria and again in the semifinal win over Brazil. That brought Akers and the U.S. to the sweltering (97 degrees) Rose Bowl for the much-anticipated midday World Cup final, a rematch of the Olympic final with China.

Once more, Akers was the USA anchor. She banged and battled and broke up countless forays from China and switched the Americans into attack mode. But when referee’s whistle sounded the start of overtime, Akers was being administered an IV in the locker room. A collision in the final moments of regulation had effectively knocked her out. She had given it everything, as a television audience of 40 million could attest.

In the coming weeks and months, her image would appear on Wheaties cereal boxes, her boot-prints would be bronzed into a downtown Seattle sidewalk, her arm would throw out a Mariners game first pitch, and her face would appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated with her fellow Sportswomen of the Year. There would be a Michelle Akers Day throughout the State of Washington, and soon she would win further acclaim as the female footballer of the century.

She gave her all. She will always be the greatest.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
19-9, 5th A-League
Coach
Neil Megson (4th year)
Best XI
Mark Baena
Top Scorer
Mark Baena (20 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington D1, 2nd rnd Seattle Pacific D2, 1st rnd Puget Soun d, D3 3rd rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Puget Sound, D3 3rd rnd
Men's Conference Champions
Washington (MPSF), Seattle Pacific (PacWest), Puget Sound (NWC)
Women's Conference Champions
Seattle U (PNWAC)
NWAC Men's Champion
Columbia Basin
NWAC Women's Champion
Edmonds
YOUTH
Boys National Champion
FC United (U18)
Boys Regional Champion
FC United (U18)
WIAA Boys Champion
Pasco (4A), West Valley (3A), Pullman (2A), Bellevue Christian (1A)
WIAA Girls Champion
Shorewood (4A), Holy Names (3A), Klahowya (2A), Seattle Christian (1A)
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Jim Hughes/Ron Copple
Member Associations
34
Players
125,775 (b: 90,558, g: 35,217)
Largest Attendance
4,426, Seattle Sounders vs. SanDiego, Renton Stadium
Largest Amateur Attendance
2,524, Washington vs. Stanford, Husky Soccer Stadium

1999: She Gave It All

Shoreline's Michelle Akers gains worldwide recognition for her heroic play in helping the United States claim the FIFA Women's World Cup.

Michelle Akers Day in Washington
July 22, 1999

With some 400 youth players and well-wishers looking on in Olympia, Governor Gary Locke proclaims Michelle Akers Day in the State of Washington. Twelve days earlier, Akers was awarded the World Cup Bronze Ball following the United States victory over China in the final. Akers says she is moved by the kids' handmade signs and wild cheers. She is back in her home state working at Cliff McCrath's Northwest Soccer Camp.

Tacoma's FC United Win U18 National Title
July 25, 1999

Paul Czarnowski scores two goals as Tacoma's FC United 80 wins the boys Under-18 national title with 3-0 victory over Vardar III of Livonia, Mich., at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. FC United 80, which completes an unbeaten season (40-0-2), is only the second Washington team to win a U.S. Youth Soccer National Championship. Czarnowski also assists on FC United's other goal, by Joe Watson. Watson's goal is his fourth of the tournament, tying him with teammate Scott Burcar for tournament lead.

Cirovski Picked for Maryland Post
January 13, 1999

Shannon (Higgins) Cirovski is named head coach at Maryland, where she will join husband Sasho Cirovski, Terps men's coach since 1993. Shannon spent the past year as head coach of the newly formed U.S. Under-18 women's national team while also serving as an assistant on the USWNT and the U-20 team.

Tateyama Breaks SU Scoring Mark
November 5, 1999

Trisha Tateyama tallies the game's first goal to set the Seattle University all-time scoring record, and the Chieftains beat Concordia, 6-0, in the semifinals of the NAIA Northwest Regional soccer tournament. Tateyama, a senior who also contributes an assist, has 40 goals and 116 career points, three more than Ingrid Gunnestad (1988-90). Top-ranked Simon Fraser eliminates No. 13 SU in the regional final, 2-1.

Akers Courageous in World Cup Triumph
July 10, 1999

A courageous, inspiring performance by Michelle Akers is capped by the United States reclaiming the FIFA World Cup before 90,185 in Pasadena's Rose Bowl – a world record for a women's sports event. The USWNT prevails over China on penalties, 0-0 (5-4). Akers wins battle after individual battle in midfield, but in the waning moments of regulation, she collides heavily with goalkeeper Briana Scurry during a China corner kick and is taken from the pitch. Akers needs an IV after leaving the game because of heat exhaustion and a slight concussion.

Seattle Christian Girls Win Seventh Straight
November 20, 1999

Melissa Bennett's hat trick powers Seattle Christian to a seventh consecutive state girls' 1A/B championship, 4-1, over Bellevue Christian at Auburn. Bennett finishes as the state career scoring leader across all divisions with 166 goals, including 50 as a senior. Her older sister Tami had held the previous mark. Seattle Christian's only on-field loss (they had five forfeits) was to 3A runner-up Mount Rainier.

Bennett Brace Wins UW Apple Cup
October 10, 1999

Tami Bennett's brace and assist leads Washington to a 3-0 victory over Washington State in the Pac-10 opener for both teams at Husky Soccer Field. Bennett opens the Apple Cup by heading in a corner kick from Caroline Putz at 34:18. Putz follows five minutes later by capping a combination with Bennett and Katey Ward. In the 51st minute, Bennett unleashes a 17-yard blast. Freshman UW goalkeeper Hope Solo posts her second shutout, making two saves.

Keller Skippers, Stars in Confed Cup
August 1, 1999

Playing in front of a big, raucous crowd in Azteca Stadium, Kasey Keller makes some superb saves to hold Mexico level for more than 90 minutes in the FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal. Keller makes two difficult stops in the first 12 minutes and another early in the second half to keep El Tri scoreless while wearing the U.S. captain’s armband for the third time in eight days. Finally in extra time, Cuauhtemoc Blanco breaks through by collecting his own rebound and scoring from point-blank range for a 1-0 win over the Americans. Mexico proceeds to beat Brazil, 4-3, to win the tournament.

Solo, U.S. Win Pan Am Games Gold
August 6, 1999

Richland's Hope Solo stops 11 shots as the United States beats Mexico, 1-0, for the Pan American Games gold medal in Winnipeg. Solo, who will be a freshman at Washington, fully extends to block a shot by Iris Mora in the 53rd minute, and her diving save on a shot in the penalty area by Fatima Leyva in the 87th preserved the win. Catherine Reddick made an uncanny series of moves to score the game's lone goal.

Seattle Scores Six in Playoff Romp
September 11, 1999

After allowing an early goal from Jason Boyce, Seattle reels off four goals in the final 28 minutes of the first half all during a 6-3 romp over the Orange County Zodiac in a first-round A-League playoffs at Renton. Sean Henderson starts and finishes the spree, beginning with a 17th-minute header and culminating with a penalty kick 46 seconds before the break. In between, Mark Baena and an own goal are tallied. Russell’s brace comes in the second half, when the Zodiac unravel with two red cards. Boyce, the former UW star, gives OC a fifth-minute lead.

Portland Explores Move to Tacoma
December 9, 1999

Portland Pythons of the World Indoor Soccer League are exploring a move to Tacoma. Owners have contacted the Tacoma Dome about the possibility of relocating their franchise after averaging 3,164 in attendance at Portland's Rose Garden last season. It's the lowest attendance in the team's seven-year history and sixth in the seven-team league. The WISL season runs from August to November. From 1995-97 Portland was a CISL division rival to the Seattle SeaDogs.

Thousands Cross Columbia to World Cup
June 23, 1999

Thousands from Washington, both far and nearby Clark County, descend upon Portland's Civic Stadium for the first of two World Cup match days. A crowd of 17,668 sees the doubleheader of Japan-Russia (0-5) and China-Ghana (7-0), with Sun Wen getting a hat trick in the latter. The next day, an even larger throng of 20,129 witnesses Germany-Mexico (6-0) and North Korea-Denmark (3-1).

World Champions Stop in Tacoma
December 12, 1999

Some 14,000 fans pack the Tacoma Dome to watch the U.S. Women's National Team take on a team of World All-Stars. Michelle Akers of Shoreline is the clear crowd favorite, drawing the biggest cheers. The international stars jump to a 2-0 lead and never look back on their way to a convincing 11-2 victory using 6v6 indoor rules. The World team now leads the Toys 'R Us Victory Tour series, 6-5.

Tolentino Becomes UPS Scoring King
November 13, 1999

Puget Sound jumps out to an early lead on freshman Chris Raymond's goal, and Tye Tolentino adds an assist and goal in the Loggers' NCAA Division III first-round win over Claremont-Mudd-Scripps, 3-0, in La Jolla, Calif. Tolentino assists on Raymond's 18th-minute score for his UPS record 14th. The Federal Way junior also scores the final goal at the 67:18 mark to become the program's all-time top scorer.

Loggers Take First NWC Title
October 29, 1999

Adam Vance strikes the first blow in the 16th minute, and Puget Sound piles on to beat Whitman, 3-0, in Walla Walla and win its first Northwest Conference championship. David Ludwin scores and the Loggers (17-1-0) add an own goal while Ryan Wittstruck posts his ninth shutout.

Key Date
Sounders defender Scott Jenkins on the club's priority of developing talent over winning championships

It's one of the top organizations in the country, including MLS. The management, coaching, and the winning tradition here...it's definitely one of the strongest organizations around.

Daligcon Features in USOC Upset
September 13, 1999

Defending A-League champion Rochester Ragin’ Rhinos upset the MLS Colorado Rapids, 2-0, in the U.S. Open Cup final. Burien native Nate Daligcon starts in midfield for Rochester and Darren Sawatzky is up front for Colorado. Daligcon, traded by the Sounders after starting for their 1996 A-League champions, becomes a fixture in Rochester’s perennial success. He plays in four straight (1998-2001) A-League finals, winning three.

San Diego Smashes Sounders
September 18, 1999

Carlos Farias and the San Diego Flash are ruthless in drubbing the 10-man Sounders, 6-0, in a second-round playoff series opener. Farias scores an opponent record four times, and it’s the worst domestic defeat in Seattle’s A-League era. Chugger Adair strikes first for the host Flash, in the third minute. Once Oliver Heald is sent off, San Diego quickly capitalizes on a Farias long-range shot. He adds a second-half hat trick. It’s San Diego’s third convincing win over Seattle, and a week later in Renton comes another shutout, 1-0, to clinch the series.

Hattrup Brace Lifts Seattle Out of Funk
June 20, 1999

Bagging his first multi-goal game in four years, Peter Hattrup helps the Sounders snap out of an offensive slump with a 3-1 win at winless Sacramento. Although the Geckos score first, Hattrup answers in the 17th and 23rd minutes. Seattle (6-5) had scored just once the previous four outings, three of them losses. Mark Baena scores in the 38th minute but sees his second yellow card in the 48th.

McCrath Wins 500th Game
October 6, 1999

Cliff McCrath claims his 500th career coaching victory as Seattle Pacific parlays second-half goals from Cory Janzen and Alex Vandamme to down Simon Fraser, 2-0, at Swangard Stadium in Burnaby, B.C. McCrath becomes only the second coach in collegiate history to reach the milestone. San Francisco's Steve Negoesco has 533 victories. He has been coaching since 1958 and arrived at SPU in 1970.

Keller Stops Penalty, U.S. Beats Argentina
June 13, 1999

Kasey Keller stops a penalty kick, opening the door to a 1-0 U.S. National team win over Argentina in Washington, D.C. Keller stutter-steps to his right then goes left to save Gustavo Lopez's penalty attempt in the 42nd minute. He finishes with seven saves. Joe Max-Moore comes off the bench to score the winner in the 88th minute.

Sounders Deal Baena to San Diego
November 9, 1999

Former A-League MVP Mark Baena is traded by the Sounders following two prolific scoring seasons in Seattle. Baena is exchanged for two players, two draft picks and an undisclosed sum of money. Baena, a computer engineer, resides in Southern California and had been training at home, then commuting to Sounders games. He totaled 44 goals and 11 assists in 52 games in all competitions and was voted 1998 league MVP.

New Soccer Fields Open in Spokane
July 24, 1999

Four new grass fields at Plantes Ferry Soccer Complex are opened for the Spokane Cup men's tournament. The tournament, which has been ongoing for 31 years, has typically been held at Franklin or Underhill parks. Half of the 12-team field hails from greater Spokane. The Plantes Ferry fields were seeded in 1998 and unused until now. Eight more fields and three softball fields are scheduled to be built in the future.

Sounders Affiliate with Werder Bremen
July 11, 1999

Seattle Sounders announce a partnership with Werder Bremen of the German Bundesliga. The relationship will include a player exchange program, youth camps, coaching clinics, matches and exchange of information. Bremen initiated the exchange by sending Alexander Nouri, a 19-year-old German midfielder, to the Sounders. The agreement is the most extensive of any U.S.-based team with a German club.

Akers Sustains Facial Fractures
February 14, 1999

Michelle Akers is sidelined after fracturing three small bones near her left eye during a FIFA all-star match in San Jose. Akers and Norway's Linda Medalen hit heads during a corner kick, and Akers receives 25 stitches to close the cut over her eye. She leaves after 19 minutes and the world all-stars proceed to win, 2-1, over the U.S. Originally thought to be out 4-6 weeks, Akers rejoins the USWNT exactly four weeks later as a substitute vs. Sweden in the Algarve Cup opener.

Huskies Beat UCLA, Repeat in MPSF
November 10, 1999

Shaking off a first-minute goal by the visitors, Washington repeats as Mountain Pacific Sports Federation champion with a 2-1 win over UCLA at rain-soaked Husky Soccer Field. The Bruins go ahead after 65 seconds, but the Huskies' Bryn Ritchie ties it 24 seconds later. The deciding goal comes late in the first half. Wes Hart finds Greg Foisie on the far side of the box, who scores at 43:31. UCLA outshoots UW, 20-13, but James Dickinson makes six saves.

Rose Goal Pushes Shadow to Home Final
August 14, 1999

Jeff Rose rises from the bench to score the winning goal as the host Spokane Shadow move into the PDL national final with a 2-1 victory over top-seeded Willamette Valley Firebirds before 3,829 at Joe Albi Stadium. Rose enters the match in the 59th minute and nine minutes later he meets a Zane Higgins cross for a header inside the left post. Three minutes earlier, Higgins scores tying goal from Dave Berto's feed. Prior to the game, the Soccer Jam finals are held on the field. More than 200 youth teams participated in the 3-on-3 tournament.

SPU Goes Overtime to D3's Best
October 16, 1999

Cory Janzen slots home the overtime winner in Seattle Pacific's 2-1 win over Wheaton, the No. 1 team in Division III. SPU, ranked No. 5 in Div. II, comes from behind to hand the Crusaders just their second defeat in 82 games. Twelve minutes after Wheaton ends the Falcons' streak of 293 defensive scoreless minutes, Alex Vandamme levels the score. Then Janzen wins it 11 minutes into overtime. Together, Seattle Pacific's Cliff McCrath and Wheaton's Joe Bean total 997 coaching victories, including seven national championships.

Shorewood Surprises All, Wins 4A Girls
November 20, 1999

Picked to finish seventh in the Wesco coaches preseason poll, Shorewood surprises nearly everyone by going all the way to the state girls 4A throne. Lea John and Nanda McCormick, both freshmen, score their first goals of the season as the Thunderbirds dispatch Kamiakin, 2-0, at Federal Way. Miranda Riley makes seven saves for her third shutout in four postseason games. John scores from 15 yards in the 30th minute, and McCormick seals the title in the 75th.

Akers Tops World Cup Scoring List
June 24, 1999

Shoreline's Michelle Akers goes to the top of the FIFA Women's World Cup career scoring list when she scores versus Nigeria in Chicago. The United States scores five first-half goals, including the 23rd of Akers's World Cup career, during a 7-1 rout.

Seattle Hibernian Win Mexico Tourney
December 5, 1999

John Hall's goal in the 40th minute enables Seattle Hibernian soccer team to tie the local favorites from Mexico, 1-1, to clinch the Copa Del Sol tournament championship in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico.

Mikacenic Assists Notre Dame Semi Win
December 3, 1999

West Seattle's Nancy Mikacenic assists on the winning goal of Notre Dame's 1-0 NCAA semifinal win over previously undefeated Santa Clara in San Jose. Mikacenic comes off the bench and finds Ali Lovelace in the 74th minute with her 10th assist of her freshman season. The Irish are defeated by North Carolina, 2-0, in the final. Kennewick's Meotis Erikson starts both games at forward for Notre Dame.

Russell, Sounders Continue Climb
August 27, 1999

Ian Russell continues his torrid scoring stretch and the Seattle Sounders continue their late-season surge with a 2-0 win over the Milwaukee Rampage at Renton. Russell puts the Sounders on the board in the 22nd minute, with a high-bouncing shot over onrushing Milwaukee keeper Jason Burdge. It's Russell's eighth goal in as many games. Bill May saves Jon Szczepanski's attempted penalty kick in the 30th minute. A second-half own goal completes the scoring.

Ritchie Late Goal Gives UW Win Over SPU
October 2, 1999

Bryn Ritchie's late header is the difference as Washington edges crosstown foe Seattle Pacific, 1-0, before 1,373 at Husky Soccer Field. Ritchie connects with a Ben Somoza corner kick in the 87th minute. SPU, ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division II, musters only two shots. The Falcons had won the previous year at Interbay. It proves to be the last annual meeting between the intracity rivals, who first played in 1968.

West Valley Repeats in Boys 3A
May 29, 1999

Yakima's West Valley cements its dynasty by repeating as state boys' 3A champion with a 4-2 victory over Liberty at Seattle's Husky Soccer Field. It's the Rams' fourth straight final and fourth title in seven seasons. At 2-2 late in the first half, Mike Schefter takes a centering ball from Nick Hughes to give West Valley the lead. Casey Chronister heads in Seth Burke's cross in the 77th minute. Scott Grazier scores both Liberty goals. It's the first 3A repeat winner since Mount Rainier in 1989.

Akers Inducted Into Seattle Walk of Fame
December 13, 1999

Five months after helping the United States win a second World Cup title, Michelle Akers returns home to be inducted into Seattle's Walk of Fame. Akers joins 28 notable local figures, from Jimi Hendrix to Bill Gates, whose footprints have been bronzed into the sidewalk surrounding the Nordstrom downtown flagship store. On the same day, Akers and the rest of the USWNT are named as Sports Illustrated's Sportswomen of the Year.

Keller Debuts With Shutout of Atletico
August 22, 1999

Kasey Keller steps between the posts at Vicente Calderón Stadium and earns a shutout of Atletico Madrid in his debut for Rayo Vallecano, 2-0. Newly promoted Rayo proceed to win six of their first eight matches to take an early lead of La Liga. The association of European sports magazines name Keller the October goalkeeper of the month.

Akers Stars in WC Semifinal Win
July 4, 1999

A penalty kick from Michelle Akers all but seals U.S. passage to the World Cup final with a 2-0 semifinal win over Brazil on Independence Day at Palo Alto, Calif. Akers does all the gritty work in midfield and makes a key first-half clearance to deny Sissi. Her flick finds Mia Hamm, who is fouled to set up the 80th-minute penalty. The Americans lead virtually from the outset as Cindy Parlow scores the opener in the fifth minute.

Hunt Referees World Cup Matches
June 23, 1999

Bellingham's Sandra Hunt receives her biggest assignment yet, refereeing the Japan-Russia group stage match of the FIFA Women's World Cup before friends and family at Portland's Civic Stadium. Hunt also referees the Australia-China match June 26 at East Rutherford, N.J., sending off an Australian in the second minute – a World Cup record.

Hibernian Claims Another PCL Title
July 17, 1999

Goals from John Hall and Chad Zlateff give Seattle Hibernian a 2-2 draw at Vancouver Explorers to earn the Pacific Coast League championship. After winning their first 10 games, Hibernian finish 13-2-2 in league play for their second title in four years.

Battle of McCraths Won by SPU
October 23, 1999

Seattle Pacific jumps on top early to score a 1-0 win over Barry in a match billed as father vs. son. Cliff McCrath’s 4th-ranked Falcons, by virtue of Grant Falco’s strike in the eighth minute, defeat Steve McCrath’s No. 7 Buccaneers at rain-swept Interbay Stadium. Johann Noetzel gets his eighth shutout. A small trophy, the Millennium Cup, was awarded to the elder McCrath. Steve played for Seattle Pacific (1986-89) and served as his father’s assistant for two seasons before taking the Barry position in Miami.

BigFoot Aligns with Sounders, Rebrands
February 9, 1999

Seattle BigFoot owner Bill Hurme announces that the PDL club is now affiliated with the Seattle Sounders, providing greater opportunities for the A-League team's developmental players. As part of the arrangement, the BigFoot becomes the Sounders Selects.

WIAA Will Stay With Girls in Fall
October 26, 1999

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association reaffirms that its girls' state championship tournaments will remain in the fall. The Washington State Youth Soccer Association had requested it be changed to the spring to alleviate field shortages and injuries caused by playing both club and high school concurrently. WIAA argues there’s a field shortage in spring as well. In Idaho and Oregon, girls play their club season in the spring.

Eastern's Katie Grothkopp Saves 20
October 10, 1999

Eastern Washington finds its goal under siege at Missoula, with Montana levying a record 37 shots in a 4-0 Big Sky win. Eagles keeper Katie Grothkopp manages to save 20 shots, an EWU record. Eastern has lost 11 of its first 12 matches, allowing 35 goals.

Late Penalty Decides Girls 3A for Holy Names
November 20, 1999

Jennifer Bosa's penalty kick with eight minutes remaining settles the state girls' 3A championship at rain-soaked Federal Way Stadium. Holy Names secures its first state title over Mount Rainier, 1-0. Bosa's kick comes after Heidi Safadago is fouled. Her spot kick, the first of the season, goes low to the right corner. While both teams are playing in their first final, the Rams had advanced to three straight semifinals.

Goal Frame Denies SPU Advancement
November 13, 1999

Scoreless for the first time at home, Seattle Pacific dominates UC Davis yet goes out of the NCAA Division II tournament, 1-0, in a first-round game at Interbay Stadium. The Falcons, who had scored 23 times in their previous six home dates, fire 20 shots. Joel Malick hits both the crossbar and right post in the second half. It’s the 10th straight postseason trip for SPU and only the second time it fails to reach the second round over that stretch.

Pasco Pounces to Win Boys' 4A
May 29, 1999

Pasco pounces on a pair of rare breakdowns in Evergreen's defense and earns a 2-1 win in the state 4A boys' championship match at Vancouver's Kiggins Bowl. Pasco becomes second school from the east side of the state to win 4A in as many years, following Spokane's Ferris. Daryl Kelly puts the Bulldogs ahead by running onto a Skyler Allen shot in the 27th minute. Early in the second half, an Evergreen turnover is quickly converted from 12 yards by Mike Pardini following a pass from David Hileman. The previously unbeaten Plainsmen pull back a goal when Hai Nguyen heads in Nathan Overguard's long free kick with 21 minutes left.

Chicago Denies Spokane PDL Title
August 15, 1999

The Chicago Sockers strike twice in the first half and deny the Spokane Shadow a PDL national championships, 3-1, at Joe Albi Stadium. A club-record crowd of 3,843 sees Chicago go in front after 18 minutes, double it by halftime and add a third goal at 74 minutes. The Shadow averts a shutout when Jeff Rose scores with two minutes remaining. Dave Berto's penalty kick is saved. Rose, Zane Higgins and Billy Sleeth of Spokane all make the all-tournament team.

UW Wins 10th Straight, Eliminates UP
November 21, 1999

Jake Sagare scores twice to send Washington into the second round of the NCAA tournament with a 3-2 victory over Portland at Husky Soccer Field. Sagare, who had only scored two goals previously, puts UW up, 3-1, in the 83rd minute. It's the third unanswered goal for the Huskies, winners of 10 straight. Portland scores in the first minute, but Washington gets goals from Sagare and Rees Bettinger six minutes apart to take the lead by halftime.

Akers, Keller, Durgan Make All-Century
December 27, 1999

Sports Illustrated names U.S. national team stars Michelle Akers, Kasey Keller and Jeff Durgan to its all-century list of Washington sports personalities. Shoreline's Akers is listed ninth, Olympia's Keller 28th and Tacoma's Durgan 46th. No other state has more than two soccer representatives, and there are 11 total nationwide. Spokane's John Stockton, the NBA career leader in assists and steals, tops the state list.

It's a nicer stadium, the parking's free, it's easier to get to. It's more intimate. I think when people finally figure out that we're down here, the walk-up (ticket sales) will be a lot better.
Sounders Coach Neil Megson on the team's new home, Renton Stadium
As much as I downplayed this ahead of time, now that it's occurred it's really made an impact. They don't believe in Gatorade up here (in Canada), so halfway through the postgame speech the guys pushed me in the shower and turned it on.
Seattle Pacific coach Cliff McCrath on his 500th career win, at Simon Fraser
It's my full-time job. I love watching the kids make improvement. When the light bulb turns on in their heads, it's exciting.
Justi Baumgardt on her role of coaching youth
I studied a lot before I came, and at first I kind of learned how to talk on the field and what to say in what situations, but then I got a little lazy with the rest of it. I can pretty much read articles and figure out what's being said, but when someone whips it out at you in conversation at a hundred miles an hour, it's a little different.
Kasey Keller on learning to speak Spanish with his move to Rayo Vallecano
The more in public we are, the more influence we have as role models. It's something we work hard on, but the substance was there before the world saw it. It wasn't like we said we'd better get ready to be role models. The core group has been together since 1989, and we've been aware of our opportunity to improve the game worldwide and improve people's lives. It's been our ambition for a long, long time.
Michelle Akers on USWNT players' readiness to take center stage during the 1999 World Cup
People in Seattle have to understand if you want soccer to thrive, you need developmental teams. Unfortunately, fans have a hard time realizing that (some of our players) are going to be in MLS...They can watch them develop right before their eyes. The fans need to reach a point where they say: `I need to support that.' I think people expect a lot out of the Sounders. Then they say, `Oh, well, we're getting an MLS team.' But MLS won't come unless Seattle can show it can back an A-League team.
Sounders co-owner and chief executive Neil Farnsworth
I was totally incoherent at the end. The medical team was working on me and I was pretty close to being carted off to the emergency room, so I was battling for more than a World Cup championship. But I remember (Brandi Chastain's) penalty kick and the medical team jumping up and down. I had them pull everything out of me and went to celebrate with my teammates.
Michelle Akers on witnessing the final moments of the World Cup final
The hype is one thing women's athletics haven't had. It's what's needed to take women's sports to the next level...This is a chance for exposure and for legitimacy.
Dr. Robert W. Duff, a University of Portland sociology professor who studies gender and sports participation
That was my last World Cup. One more year and I'm done. I want to use this chance to influence people in a positive way because this opportunity is something special.
Michelle Akers, citing the game's physical punishment during 1999 in determining she will retire in 2000, following the Olympic Games
(The Sounders') whole point is to get people to the MLS. That's what they want to happen. It's definitely a goal of mine, and I wouldn't feel bad, if I got a chance, to leave the team. I think they'd be happy.
Sounders midfielder Ian Russell, an MLS hopeful
It is indescribable. Guys were crying - and these were big, tough guys. They were hugging. It was just amazing. I just laid in the center circle and soaked it all in. It's something that I'll never, ever forget.
FC United's Andy Stromberg on the moments immediately after winning a national championship
We all know where it's going to end up if I'm going to have a future after college. I've (played both) all my life, so it's not that big of a deal to me. I'm sure in college I'll have to train that much harder to keep doing it.
UW Freshman Hope Solo on whether she will play in goal or the field
People certainly appreciate the purity of these athletes. Nobody on the field is getting rich playing soccer. They're here because they love the sport, it's how they express themselves. And I think the fans understand that.
Marla Messing, Women's World Cup USA president
The main reason for going to Spain was that I'd been in England for seven and a half years. I just turned 30, so I have five or six years left, and I didn't necessarily want to spend my whole [professional career] in England. The way it's been, I couldn't have asked for a better situation.
Kasey Keller, explaining his move from England to Spain's Rayo Vallecano
I like to be out in front. If I'm not, I'm not having fun. So the soccer just kind of fits into that category. The fun thing about this team is that we're all in the boat together, leading the way as a group, and that's a neat thing to be part of. My goal is not only to be the best player and be on the best team, but also to make a difference in people's lives.
Michelle Akers on her objectives in playing for the USWNT
We're excited about being a team. We're a team in life, and that's the way we've looked at our jobs in the past as well. We're two totally different people and will bring our own strengths to the program, but I think we'll complement each other when it comes to kind of viewing each other as another assistant coach.
Shannon Cirovski (née Higgins) on joining her husband as a head coach at Maryland
We're at the epicenter of a big rock being thrown into a huge pond. We just don't know what the ripple effect will be.
Michelle Akers on the newfound fervor for women's sports following the 1999 World Cup
Some of the A-League teams complain that we play on AstroTurf, but I'll take AstroTurf any day over useless grass. People always say, `That's why you win so many games because you play on AstroTurf.' But over the last three years we have a better road record than we do at home.
Sounders player-coach Neil Megson on club's use of artificial turf home fields
It's amazing. Now everyone identifies women's soccer as being fun to watch, great role models. It's just taken off. It's unbelievable to me that it's come this far.
UW Coach Lesle Gallimore on growing fan interest in women's soccer ahead of 1999 World Cup
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) College (Div/Team/Pos)
Wes Hart (Littleton, Co.) Washington (D1-3rd/M)
Johann Noetzel (Burien, Wa.) Seattle Pacific (D2-2nd/G)
Tye Tolentino (Federal Way) Puget Sound (D3-1st/M)
Ryan Wittstruck (Spokane) Puget Sound (D3-3rd/G)
Nichole Sauvageau (Issaquah, Wa.) Seattle Univ. (NAIA-3rd/F)
Trisha Tateyama (Pearl City, Hi.) Seattle Univ. (NAIA-3rd/F)
Melissa Bennett (Bellevue, Wa.) Seattle Christian (F)
Devvyn Hawkins (Olympia, Wa.) Capital (F)
Nancy Mikacenic (Seattle, Wa.) Lakeside (F)
Hope Solo (Richland, Wa.) Richland (G)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 0-18-1
Gonzaga 9-8-1
Northwest 9-10-1
Pacific Lutheran 5-10-3
Puget Sound 20-2-0
Seattle University 7-9-4
Seattle Pacific 15-4-2
Washington 15-5-2
Western Washington 11-6-1
Whitman 5-13-0
Whitworth 11-6-3
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 9-10-1
Eastern Washington 1-17-0
Evergreen 0-17-0
Gonzaga 7-13-0
Pacific Lutheran 7-10-0
Puget Sound 12-6-3
Seattle University 16-5-1
Washington 8-8-2
Washington State 7-12-0
Western Washington 9-9-2
Whitman 7-12-0
Whitworth 9-8-2
Commissioners Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 YMCA Goal Rush (TPCJSA)FCRoyals 87 Blue (TPCJSA)
U12 Parma 87 (KYSA)Angels (ECYSA)
U13 Scorpions (MRSA)Spectre 85 (NYSA)
U14 EV Fireballs (CYSF)Harbor FC 84 (TPCJSA)
U15 Surge NC (CYSF)Tsunami (LWYSA)
U16 Blackhills FC 82 (TCYSA)FWU Reign 82 B (FWSA)
U17 Brazil Nationals (SSCYSA)Cascade Select Divas (SnVYSA)
U18 Dragons (SYSA)Eclipse (SSCYSA)
U19 Pumas (FWSA)ISC FC Alliance (EYSA)
PDL Records
Seattle Sounders Select 8-8, 4th Div.
Spokane Shadow 10-6, 2nd Div.
Yakima Reds 6-10, 5th Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Mark Baena Sounders (AL-1st)
Seattle Times All-Century Girls High School
Name School (City)Grad Year
Michelle Akers Shorecrest (Shoreline)1984
Justi Baumgardt Federal Way (Federal Way)1993
Mary Boerner Bellarmine Prep (Tacoma)1996
Gina Casella Mariner (Everett)1984
Lori Henry Shorewood (Shoreline)1984
Shannon Higgins Mount Rainier (Des Moines)1986
Michelle French Kennedy (Burien)1995
Nancy Mikacenic Lakeside (Seattle)1999
Shelly Separovich Shorecrest (Shoreline)1986
Tammy Westinghouse Lakeside (Seattle)1997
Seattle Times All-Century Boys High School
Name School (City)Grad Year
Nick Downing Eastlake (Redmond)1998
Jeff Durgan Stadium (Tacoma)1979
Jason Farrell Shorecrest (Seattle)1989
Chance Fry Sammamish (Bellevue)1982
Brent Goulet Foss (Tacoma)1982
Marcus Hahnemann Newport (Bellevue)1990
Peter Hattrup Seattle Prep (Seattle)1982
Chris Henderson Cascade (Everett)1989
Bernie James Bellevue (Bellevue)1976
Kasey Keller North Thurston (Lacey)1988
Jeff Stock Stadium (Tacoma)1978
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Crossfire II (Dist 6Thunderbolts (Dist 3)
U12 Ed-Lynn Earthquake (Dist 1)Hotshots
U13 Sharks (Dist 6)Lady Hawks (Dist 2)
U14 Rockets (Dist 3)Bandits (Dist 2)
U15 Impalas (Dist 2)Eastside Bengals (Dist 2)
U16 Lakewood Passers (Dist 3)Juanita Strikers (Dist 2)
U17 Cheetahs (Dist 5)Fascination (Dist 3)
U18 Shamrocks (Dist 2)
U19 Fury (CBYSA)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Snohomish United (NCYSA)FC Royals (TPCJSA)
U13 Snohomish United (NCYSA)FC Royals 85 Blue (TPCJSA)
U14 FWU Bullets (FWSA)Emerald City FC 84 (SYSA)
U15 FWU Storm (FWSA)Eastside FC 83 (EYSA)
U16 Nemesis Nationals (SSCYSA)FC Royals 82 (TPCJSA)
U17 FWU Solaris (FWSA)Eagles 81 (HSA)
U18 United Bullet/Soccer West (FWSA)FC Royals 80 (TPCJSA)
U19 FC United (TPCJSA)Washington SC (NYSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Pasco 2Evergreen 1
Boys 3A West Valley 4Liberty 2
Boys 2A East Valley 3Steilacoom 3 (4-3)
Boys 1A Bellevue Christian 1Overlake 0
Girls 4A Shorewood 2Kamiakin 0
Girls 3A Holy Names 1Mount Rainier 0
Girls 2A Klahowya 2Riverside 0
Girls 1A Seattle Christian 4Bellevue Christian 1
WWC Final

VIDEO: WWC Final

On this Day in History
December 19, 1970
Sailors from Russian and West German ships moored in Seattle play to a 2-2 tie before their cheering crew mates at Lower Woodland. The local immigration office, shipping agents, a tour bus company and Seattle Parks partner to bring about the match between the supply ship Kulmerland and the Vladimir Mayakovsky. The Kulmerland weighs anchor two hours after the match's completion. Port officials note that seamen from about 60 different nations visit each year.
More from 1970 ›
September 29, 1979
An eight-game road trip stretching across all four domestic time zones ends with Seattle Pacific capturing the Far West Classic title in Santa Barbara, 6-2, over San Francisco State. Tourney MVP Bruce Raney scores twice. The Falcons' trip lasts 17 days. It began at Harvard, then Yale before swinging through Texas, Nevada and onto southern California. They go 5-3-0 with six of the games against Div. I programs.
More from 1979 ›
October 29, 1987
Six days before the season opener Alan Hinton conducts a 30-minute team meeting in an effort to calm a volatile atmosphere a day after stars Preki and Steve Zungul storm out of practice. Both players were incensed that fellow Yugoslav Cico had been released. Preki, who initially demanded a trade, relents and says he will make a decision in the coming weeks. Zungul shares that the squad is rife with "misunderstandings and disagreements." Cico's release, claims Hinton, is salary cap related.
More from 1987 ›
September 21, 1997
Tim Lawson and Ian Russell each score and assist on each other's second-half goals in No. 4-ranked Washington's 3-1 victory over No. 12 Cal State Fullerton in the UW home opener at Husky Soccer Field. The Huskies remain undefeated at 5-0-2. Joe Franchino scores on a first-half rebound.
More from 1997 ›