The Big Test

2003 – Around the World and Close to Home The United States and Britain launch war against Iraq, citing its Weapons of Mass Destruction as a threat to world security. Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrates during re-entry, killing seven astronauts, including former Washington residents Michael Anderson and William McCool. The FIFA Women’s World Cup is moved from China to the U.S. following a SARS outbreak in southern China. Captured serial Green River Killer Gary Ridgway pleads guilty to murdering 48 women between 1982-1998. Spokane Valley incorporates to become the state’s ninth-largest city. Washington experiences its driest summer on record, receiving just 1.09 inches of precipitation. Seattle Storm center Lauren Jackson, at 22, becomes the youngest WNBA player to score 1000 points in a season and is voted MVP.

A World-Class Stadium, Right Here

For many, it would be the sea of red and green spectacle which would trigger feelings of new or restored pride in our soccer community’s power of passion. However, for Fred Mendoza the Aha-moment arrived a couple days before Manchester United and Celtic met before a packed house in Seattle.

Essentially the sport’s dedicated representative on the Washington State Public Stadium Authority board, Mendoza visited then-Seahawks Stadium to survey the match setting and inspect for himself the newly laid sod.

He had taken off his shoes and walked toward the center of the pitch. “I stood there in the middle for the longest time,” he remembers. “That’s when it hit me: Standing on that grass I thought, man, we really built a world-class soccer stadium right here, in the middle of Seattle.”

While the $400 million stadium had opened 11 months earlier and since had hosted more than a dozen games, including a U.S. Men’s National Team friendly, the Man United-Celtic meeting was truly seminal. It had been a generation since a Seattle soccer crowd topped 50,000, and now regional attendance record would be broken, and the world reawakened to the level of fervor in these parts.

Bypassed for the 1994 World Cup and Major League Soccer because a suitable stadium was lacking, Seattle would reenter the conversation as 66,722 cheered and chanted their way through a warm summer evening, with United fans smiling the most following their 4-nil win. Mendoza soaked-in that thick atmosphere and enjoyed it immensely. There had never been any question of the turnout over 50,000 tickets were sold in the first few hours, back in March. The biggest variable was that trucked-in lawn.

Originally, in 1997, the soccer community voted the stadium into existence by the slimmest of margins, and they did so after being promised a natural grass surface which would lure back a professional team and international dates. Then came the catch. Midway through construction, Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren wanted FieldTurf installed. The soccer community bristled, with Mendoza receiving a daily deluge of emails and phone calls reminding him “not to dare give in” to artificial turf.

After months of back-and-forth and after several key community leaders relented, favoring compromise, Mendoza entered negotiations with Paul Allen’s First and Goal, operators of both the Seahawks and stadium, toward amendments to the lease. First, no permanent gridiron lines to be stitched into the turf. Next, if there’s an international match and soccer organizers want a grass surface, it will be installed – and if the crowd exceeds 40,000, First and Goal will pay for it. Finally, if MLS comes to Seattle and requires a grass surface, F&G will install grass permanently.

Twelve hours before the September 27, 2001, PSA vote, with the meeting extending late into the night, Mendoza’s terms were agreed upon. The board’s vote was 6-1. When Seahawks Stadium opened the following August, community leaders presented Mendoza a trophy inscribed, “Fred Mendoza: Builder of dreams, keeper of promises.”

The real test of that lease language was Manchester United-Celtic. These were two sides of world-class talent, with managers of exacting standards, and an international audience would join the capacity crowd in judging how the temporary grass performs. While a few players remarked that it played a bit slippery on the flanks (Mendoza attributes that to over-watering rather than the sod itself), Seattle’s new venue passed the test.

“That match was so huge,” testifies Mendoza. “We had built that stadium on promises. I had told our community that this stadium would bring back international soccer, that we will get MLS and that now the World Cup could come to Seattle.”

With the first two promises kept the opportunity for the latter will come in 2026. Mendoza noted that the permanent grass surface required by FIFA can be accommodated much of the underground elements and drainage components already exist, under the carpet. By the time that field would be developed, Mendoza will mark 29 years on the PSA board. He could check-off the last box, all his promises kept.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
16-7-5, 3rd A-League (Semifinals)
Coach
Brian Schmetzer (2nd year)
Best XI
Andrew Gregor, Brian Ching, Danny Jackson
Top Scorer
Kyle Smith (8 goals)
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Washington D1, 3rd rnd Seattle U D2, 1st rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Washington D1, 1st rnd Seattle Pacific D2, 1st rnd Puget Sound D3, Qtrfnl rnd
Men's Conference Champions
Seattle University (GNAC)
Women's Conference Champions
Puget Sound (NWC), Seattle Pacific (GNAC)
NWAC Men's Champion
Skagit Valley d North Idaho, 1-0
NWAC Women's Champion
North Idaho d Highline, 1-0
WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
President
Ron Copple
Member Associations
37
Players
124,330 (89,518 boys 34,812 girls)
Largest Attendance
66,722, Manchester United vs. Celtic, Seahawks Stadium

2003: The Big Test

In its first full year of operation, Seattle's new soccer/football stadium attracts a record crowd and international attention for Manchester United-Celtic.

St. Louis Eliminates UW in Overtime
November 30, 2003

Fourth-ranked St. Louis gets an overtime winner from freshman Vedad Ibisevic to end Washington's season in the third round of the NCAA tournament. Ibisevic gives the Billikens an early lead, but Troy Ready gets the first of his two goals nine minutes later. However, in the 97th minute Ibisevic intercepts an attempted clearance and shoots past Danny Waltman. It's the best postseason finish for UW and the 13 wins more than doubles the previous year.

Dream Come True: Diverse Communities Unite
August 24, 2003

It was Jessica Beznau's dream to bring together the area's diverse communities through the game of soccer, and today it becomes a reality. Over 2,000 people converge on Ingraham High School for the inaugural World Cup Seattle. It brings together male amateur players representing 12 nations. Brazil prevails, 4-0, over Ethiopia in the next day's final. Mexico and Honduras are the other semifinalists. Ethiopia is recognized for the best community participation and Denmark's side is lauded for its sportsmanship.

Martinez, Cedar Park Christian March On
November 22, 2003

Sarah Martinez caps a sensation senior season by scoring the deciding goal for Cedar Park Christian in the girls' 1A/B championship game, 1-0 over Archbishop Murphy. It's the Eagles' third straight title. Martinez finishes the year with 30 goals and 12 assists, including four goals and an assist in the semifinal victory over Liberty Bell.

Hahnemann Returns to USMNT, Starts
June 8, 2003

Nearly nine years after his last cap, Marcus Hahnemann starts for the U.S. in 2-1 win over New Zealand in Richmond, Va. Hahnemann is beaten by New Zealand's Vaughan Coveny in the 23rd minutes but then denies him with a kick save in the 37th. Hahnemann serves as backup to Tim Howard during the subsequent FIFA Confederations Cup in France.

Lacey, Thurston County Finalize Complex Financing
December 21, 2003

The City of Lacey and Thurston County will spend as much as $660,000 more than anticipated to construct the first phase of their regional sports complex. The project's first phase now features four soccer fields, restrooms and concessions. Now pegged for $2.2 million for the initial phase of development, the complex is located near the intersection of Marvin and Steilacoom roads. The second phase will complete the remaining two soccer fields, five ballfields and a community park. The entire $8 million project will be ready for use in 2005 or 2006.

Seattle U Edges SPU, Wins Cup
November 1, 2003

Ian Chursky's penalty kick with 5:24 left in overtime gives Seattle University the edge, 3-2, over Seattle Pacific for the inaugural Caffe D'arte Cup in a cold rain at Interbay. The Redhawks also get a goal and assist from Alex Chursky in rallying from 2-1 down in the final 15 minutes of regulation. Seattle U also wins the GNAC title with a perfect 6-0-0 mark, but for the second year in a row the state doesn't send a representative to the Division II tournament.

Frimpong Bang-Bang Goals Upset Texas
September 21, 2003

Scoring two goals 29 seconds apart, Tina Frimpong leads 20th-ranked Washington over No. 6 Texas at Husky Soccer Field. Frimpong opens the match with a 12-yard shot at 16:02. She then rounds the keeper and walks it in at 16:31. Frimpong, who also scored two goals in a 3-0 win over Fresno State, is named the Husky/Nike Invitational MVP.

Bellingham Buys Sportsplex
December 11, 2003

The City of Bellingham buys the Sportsplex ice and soccer arena for $4.2 million, then leases it to the Whatcom Soccer Commission. The Soccer Commission has been running the Sportsplex since August under an agreement with owner Thom Fischer. Commission President Chet Lackey says the group plans to raise money for improvements to the Sportsplex and hopes to improve scheduling at the facility. The deal poses no risk to taxpayers because Sportsplex revenue would cover the payments if the city had to take over the complex.

WUSA Folds on Eve of World Cup
September 15, 2003

Five days prior to the FIFA Women's World Cup opener, WUSA folds after three seasons. The nation's first professional women's league cites falling attendance and poor sponsorship sales. It burned through $100 million in initial investments, eventually forcing salary cuts for players such as Michelle French (San Jose), Devvyn Hawkins (Boston) and Hope Solo (Philadelphia).

Starfire Opens $10M Complex
November 16, 2003

Starfire Sports, a $10 million soccer complex, opens at Fort Dent Park in Tukwila. The centerpiece is a 2,000-seat stadium appropriate for youth and adult regional tournaments. An open house is set for Nov. 29. Eventually the the non-profit Starfire will offer eight soccer fields, four of which will feature FieldTurf and lighting. An 80,000-square-foot athletic center with two indoor FieldTurf fields, locker rooms, a weight training gym, meeting rooms, physical therapy facilities, a pro shop, game room and food court will open in the spring of 2004.

Shorthanded Spokane Flames Out
July 26, 2003

Despite peppering Fresno with fusillade of shots, shorthanded Spokane Shadow goes out of the PDL playoffs at the first stage. The Fuego gets strong goalkeeping from Jeremy Proud, and a Jose Luis Espindola goal past Chris Eylander with seven minutes remaining in the Western Conference semifinals before nearly a thousand fans at Joe Albi Stadium. The Shadow are without suspended starters Garth Cummings and James Everall.

Crossfire Eliminated Yet Wins Award
July 27, 2003

Bowing out of the U.S. Youth Soccer Championship at the group stage, Redmond's Crossfire Sounders are bestowed the Boys U14 Fair Play Award in Germantown, Md. Crossfire fall, 3-0, to the Nether Providence Mustangs. Crossfire, outscored 8-1 in its three matches, was Washington's first entry in the national championship tournament since 1999, when Tacoma-based FC United Premier won the under-18 boys national title.

UPS Defeats PLU, Off to NCAAs
November 8, 2003

Perrin Schutz puts Puget Sound up early, and Cortney Kjar adds on to a 2-0 win over visiting rival Pacific Lutheran in the regular season finale. The victory sews up the third Northwest Conference championship in four years and establishes a new win record of 16. It also extends the UPS home unbeaten run to 41 games. Schutz scores at 4:55 and Kjar tacks on a penalty in the 32nd minute.

Federal Way Dedicates Grosch Field
November 16, 2003

The City of Federal Way dedicates Karl Grosch Field at Steel Lake Park. A longtime city resident, Grosch co-authored the U.S. Youth Soccer bylaws, rules and regulations in 1974. The German immigrant first became involved locally as a volunteer coach while his two sons played. He served as Washington Youth Soccer president from 1971-1977, operating the organization from his home, alongside wife Helga. During that term they initiated girls' cup play and opened the organization’s first office. He also co-founded the Washington State Youth Soccer Referees Association.

Sounders Women Start Strong
May 11, 2003

Early goals from Janelle Munnis and Nikki Gamble get Sounders Women off and running, starting their fourth season with a 3-1 win at Vancouver. Brenda Mueller assists on two goals and Wynne McIntosh scores on a penalty kick after Mueller is fouled. Munnis and Gamble score in the 11th and 13th minutes, respectively.

Roy Anderson Field Use Triples
December 31, 2003

Game and training use by varsity and community teams at Peninsula High School's Roy Anderson Field has more than tripled since a $1.3 million improvement project was completed four months ago. Pierce County Parks and Recreation provided more than $1 million to install new artificial surfacing at the field. Youth soccer and football groups used the site for 300 hours from October through December, up from 60 hours for the same span in 2002. Soon, nearby Gig Harbor High School will undergo a $2.6 million expansion and lighting project, leaving the school with two soccer fields and two softball/youth baseball fields.

Carolina Holds Off Huskies in Overtime
August 31, 2003

Lori Chalupny's second goal comes two minutes into overtime, enabling top-ranked North Carolina to hold off Washington, 2-1, before 2,656 at Husky Soccer Field. Tina Frimpong's third goal in two games takes UW to the early lead, but Chalupny ties it by halftime. She then fires from 30 yards for the winner. Frimpong had scored twice to open the year with a 2-1 overtime upset of 18th-ranked Maryland. The Terrapins are coached by Kent's Shannon Higgins-Cirovski.

Japan Cancels Seattle Friendly
March 21, 2003

Eight days before a scheduled meeting with the United States in Seattle, Japan pulls out due to security concerns because of the war in Iraq. A day later, U.S. Soccer announces Venezuela will fill the March 29 date at Seahawks Stadium. Japan was also set to face Uruguay in San Diego but canceled that as well. Initially interest in the friendly was strong, but when the JFA first indicated concerns in February ticket sales stalled at 17,000.

Crossfire Boys Win U14 Regional
June 28, 2003

An overtime winner from Kyle Montgomery secures Crossfire Sounders U14 boys' passage to the U.S. Youth Soccer Championships with a 2-1 victory over Arizona Golden Eagles at the Far West Regional in Honolulu. A.J. Gonzalez scores the Crossfire regulation time goal. Crossfire defeated New Mexico in the quarterfinals and upset defending national champion and No. 2 South California United, 4-1, in the semifinals. Bernie James has coached the team to four straight state cup titles.

Fight Mars Spokane Coronation
July 19, 2003

What should have been a coronation devolves into a melee that puts Spokane Shadow in a pickle going into the PDL playoffs. In the dying seconds of a 2-0 home win over Yakima, Shadow defender James Everall and Reds forward Alonzo Rojas begin pushing and shoving each other and then swinging. More players come off the bench, and once order is restored, Everall and Garth Cummings are shown red cards. Both be unavailable for the upcoming playoff vs. Fresno. Jason Kuska and Jake Moug score for Spokane, which ties the club record for wins (14), first set in 1997.

Brazil Tops Keller, U.S. in Gold Cup
July 23, 2003

On the verge of beating Brazil for only the second time, the United States allows a late tying goal and then falls, 2-1, in extra time of their Gold Cup semifinal in Miami. It's the first home loss for Kasey Keller in 23 matches. His stretch of 801 scoreless Gold Cup minutes is snapped in the 89th minute when Kaka taps in a rebound. Diego then hits a penalty 10 minutes into overtime. The U.S. and Keller later take third by defeating Costa Rica.

Loggers Advance to Elite Eight
November 16, 2003

Third-ranked Puget Sound strikes twice in the second half to blank Iowa's Loras College, 2-0, for the NCAA Division III women's West Regional title in Dubuque. Lea John puts the visitors in front from a Kelsey Lau corner kick in the 50th minute. Elizabeth Pitman finds Tera Anderson 18 minutes later for the final margin. It's the Loggers' fifth straight shutout.

Preki is MLS MVP at 40
November 21, 2003

Onetime Tacoma Stars standout Preki becomes the first two-time MLS Most Valuable Player at age 40. Pedrag Radosavljevic of Kansas City becomes the oldest MVP of a major American sports league. Preki, an MVP in the MISL and CISL previously, led the league in scoring with 12 goals and 17 assists.

Deja Vu as SPU Wins GNAC on Final Day
November 8, 2003

For the second year in a row, the GNAC women's title race comes down to the final day of the regular season at Championship Field, and once again it's Seattle Pacific earning an overtime decision over Seattle University. Shannon Lovejoy's header from a Jessica Henson corner comes six minutes into the extra period for a 2-1 win. Winners of 10 straight (eight by shutout), the Falcons, beat SU earlier on a Lovejoy goal, will become the first GNAC team to play in the NCAA Division II tournament.

Seattle Captures Pacific Division Again
August 31, 2003

Seattle's Roger Levesque tallies in the final minute of regulation to win the game and the Pacific Division championship for the second year in a row. Levesque redirects Sean-Michael Callahan's 20-yard blast to beat the El Paso Patriots, 3-2, before nearly 4,000 at Seahawks Stadium. The Sounders had twice trailed, with Callahan and Levesque bringing them level, the latter in the 85th minute. The Sounders, who had lost three straight across all competitions, finish one point ahead of Vancouver.

Sounders Women Stun Vancouver
August 2, 2003

Tina Frimpong scores two goals just a minute apart, and Meghan Miller comes up big in the shootout for Sounders Women, who claim the W-League Western Conference title at Vancouver. Seattle advances to the league semifinals, 2-2 (3-1), over the Whitecaps. Frimpong puts the visitors up, 2-1, late in the first half, her fourth and fifth goals in four games. Vancouver forces overtime with a 66th-minute equalizer. After the Whitecaps' first PK gets past her, Miller comes up with three straight saves, while Wynne McIntosh, Rachel Rodrick and Haley Van Blommestein all make good on their shots.

Hibernian Saints Win U.S. Women's Amateur Title
July 20, 2003

Seattle Hibernian Saints win its first women's national championship in resounding fashion in Milwaukee. Gina Brewer puts the Saints ahead for good in the 45th minute as they go on to defeat New York United, 6-2, in the U.S. Amateur Soccer Association final.

Wazzu Loses Tobias, Promotes Potter
June 25, 2003

Just 65 days before the season opener, Washington State loses head coach Dan Tobias to Arizona. Tobias, hired in 1998, took the Cougars to a pair of NCAA tournament appearances in the past three years. Thirteen days later, assistant coach Matt Potter is named the successor. Potter only joined the program in February after eight successful years with Sereno SC in Arizona. WSU meets 17-time national champion North Carolina in Seattle on Aug. 29.

Shadow Wraps-up Division Title
July 12, 2003

Spokane Shadow wraps-up the Northwest Division in style, pummeling second-place Cascade Surge, 6-0, at Joe Albi Stadium. It's also the Shadow's 100th victory in franchise history. Spokane puts on a passing clinic to score five first-half goals. Garth Cummings gets three of them, becoming the fourth Shadow player to do so. Recent addition Kieran Barton scores on a free kick and Elliott Fauske gets the other two.

Tissue Inducted to Whitworth Hall of Fame
September 27, 2003

Jennifer Tissue, a four-time first-team all-Northwest Conference selection and the league's player of the year in 1995 and 1996, is inducted into Whitworth's Heritage Gallery Hall of Fame. Tissue was named to 1996 NAIA All-America team. She led the Pirates to conference championships in 1993 and 1996 and graduated with five school records - including career goals (60) and points (145).

Huskies Beat No. 16 Beavers, Get Bid
November 16, 2003

Brett Wiesner strikes in the 75th minute in Washington's 1-0 victory over No. 16 Oregon State in the regular season finale at Husky Soccer Field. The next day the Huskies earn their ninth NCAA tournament bid in 10 years. of their four losses, two have come to UCLA, now ranked No. 1 in the nation.

Big Crowd for Sounders-Galaxy Cup Tie
August 27, 2003

A season-best crowd of 7,542 turns out at Seahawks Stadium for the Sounders' U.S. Open Cup quarterfinal against the L.A. Galaxy, but it's not much of a contest. Major League Soccer MVP Carlos Ruiz sends injury-plagued Seattle out of the tournament with a hat trick, starting the third minute. After Jason Farrell pulls the hosts back to 3-1, Ruiz adds two more goals in the final three minutes.

Falcons Lose First NCAA Encounter
November 15, 2003

Seattle Pacific only allowed six goals during the regular season, but Cal State Dominguez Hills scored two of them, and in San Diego they tack-on two more to beat the Falcons, 2-1, in an NCAA first round game. The Toros scores just before halftime and again in the 78th minute, before Shannon Lovejoy's reply in the dying seconds. It snaps a 17-game (15-0-2) unbeaten run by SPU since another 2-1 loss to CSDH. Lovejoy, scoring in each of the last eight games, finishes with 17.

Seattle Not Among Women's World Cup Cities
June 12, 2003

After moving the Women's World Cup from China to the United States because of the SARS virus earlier in the year, organizers bypass Seattle and select Portland's PGE Park as one of six venues. The tournament begins Sept. 20. Seattle's bid included both Seahawks Stadium and Safeco Field. In all, Portland hosts three doubleheaders, including group stage games, quarterfinals and both semifinals.

Connell to Coach Both Western Teams
June 3, 2003

Travis Connell, already head coach of the Western Washington men's program, is also given the reins of the women's team. Connell replaces Railene Thorson, who resigned after two seasons in May. Connell is 44-28-3 in four seasons guiding the Vikings men.

Newport Crashes Camas Party in 3A Boys
May 31, 2003

An overflow crowd at Doc Harris Stadium is sent home largely stunned as nationally-ranked Newport crushes hometown favorite Camas, 5-0, in the boys' 3A state championship game. Tony Berkau, a senior playing his first season, scores twice in the first 34 minutes, and Pedro Batres adds a brace plus an assist for the Knights, ranked seventh in the nation. Batres totals 28 goals for the year, including six goals and five assists during the playoffs. It's Newport's first unbeaten season (20-0-1) and first title since 1982. Mirza Memic gets the fifth score, making it the largest winning margin for a championship game in 3A or 4A boys' history.

Cities, County Pledge Support for Fife Complex
August 17, 2003

Fife, Milton, Edgewood and Pierce County have agreed to spend $1.4 million in county money toward a 12-field soccer complex in Fife and a skate park in Milton. Local youth leaders hope corporate sponsorships could bridge the gap. Fields with synthetic surfaces could open in September 2005, and grass fields in the spring of 2006, says Doug Andreassen of Tacoma-Pierce County Junior Soccer Association. Washington State Youth Soccer Association, which would locate its headquarters at the complex, will seek grant money from the U.S. Soccer Federation.

Olympia's Hawkins Lifts U.S. to Tourney Win
January 29, 2003

Devvyn Hawkins of Olympia scores the vital goal for the U.S. National in a 1-0 victory over Germany for the Four Nations Cup title in Shanghai. In the 18th minute, Brandi Chastain drives a ball into the box that Hawkins hits first-time into the net for her first international goal in nine appearances. She was a substitute in a 3-1 win over China earlier in the tournament, which featured the world's top four teams, including Norway.

Sounders Women Stopped in Semifinal
August 8, 2003

Unbeaten Hampton Roads rallies in the second half to down Seattle Sounders Women, 4-1, in the W-League semifinals at Virginia Beach. Tina Frimpong opens the scoring in the 15th minute, but the Piranhas come out strong in the second half. Darci Borski gets the tying and go-ahead goals for the Piranhas by the 55th minute and the coast from there. Sounders Women reverse the scoreline the following day, placing third by beating Ottawa, 4-1, behind two Frimpong goals in the first six minutes.

Washington Advances Over Portland
November 26, 2003

Ten seconds into the second half Troy Ready connects on what proves to be the game-winner in Washington's 1-0 second-round NCAA victory over Portland at Husky Soccer Field. It's the first time the 10th-seeded Huskies have advanced to the third round. Danny Waltman makes three saves for his seventh shutout.

Keller Skippers U.S. Victory Over Venezuela
March 29, 2003

Following a sluggish first half, the United States brings on key veterans and defeats Venezuela, 2-0, in the first international match played at Seahawks Stadium. Kasey Keller wears the captain's armband before 17,819, yet he's rarely tested before added time, when a save is required. Following a scoreless first half, Earnie Stewart comes on, and his free kick is headed off the post by Carlos Bocanegra. Brian McBride puts the rebound off the crossbar before Jovan Kirovski buries it in the 52nd minute. Landon Donovan replaces Kirovski and scores in the 76th. Officials believe the attendance lags due to the late switch of opponents.

Hahnemann Dodges Incoming Missile
February 1, 2003

Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann narrowly escapes being hit by a missile at Turf Moor during a 5-2 win over Burnley. Hahnemann pulls off a string of fine saves in the first of five straight Championship wins for the Royals. Burnley face a heavy fine or a points deduction after referee Roy Pearson confirmed he had reported the incident. Hahnemann's first season with Reading ends in a playoff promotion loss to Wolves.

Sounders Complete Season-Opening Sweep of Timbers
May 2, 2003

Getting goals two minutes apart from Kyle Smith and Sean-Michael Callahan, Seattle Sounders complete a season-opening sweep of rival Portland Timbers. A crowd of over 5,000 at Seahawk Stadium sees Smith and Callahan break open a scoreless deadlock with goals in the 78th and 80th minutes of a 2-0 win. Smith also got the winner one night earlier in Portland, when goalkeeper Preston Burpo suffered a fractured jaw.

Last-Minute Goal Lifts Sounders
July 4, 2003

Ryan Edwards completes his brace by scoring the game-winner in the 90th minute of a 3-2 comeback road win over Minnesota. After Edwards equalizes in the 61st minute, he leaps to meet Jason Farrell's deep throw-in and head it in. Seattle picks up points for 10th time in 11 games and remains atop the Pacific Division at 8-2-4.

Keller Breaks U.S. Shutout Mark
July 19, 2003

Kasey Keller goes to the top of America's shutout list as the U.S. National Team downs Cuba, 5-0, in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarterfinals in Foxboro, Mass. Landon Donovan scores four of the goals – the team's first four-goal effort in 10 years. Keller surpasses Tony Meola with his 33rd clean sheet and fifth in a row in 2003, a streak that started in Seattle vs. Venezuela.

Longview Opens New Field Complex
September 7, 2003

Six acres of new fields are dedicated and opened on Seventh Avenue in Longview. The vacant land is loaned by Kaiser Permanente, and over four years, funds from the Longview Rotary Club and Weyerhaeuser Foundation allowed for clearing and developing the space for the thousand girls and boys who play in Longview Soccer Club. In 2015, the complex is dedicated to Tom Hutchinson, city council member and youth soccer advocate.

Sekyra Named New SPU Coach
February 24, 2003

Chuck Sekyra, assistant women's coach at Washington the past three seasons, is named Seattle Pacific head coach. Sekyra, 37, succeeds Bobby Bruch, who resigned after two years. A 1989 graduate of SPU, Sekyra played on two NCAA championship teams and was an assistant on the men's team from 1998-99.

Bombers Blank Bellarmine in 4A Girls
November 22, 2003

Capping a most dominant campaign, Richland beats Bellarmine Prep, 3-0, in the girls' 4A title game at Lakewood. Ashley Dernbach, Justine Jones and Hayley McCoy score for the Bombers, who finish 20-0-0, outscoring foes, 88-5. Bellarmine (21-1-0) had also entered the game undefeated. The Lions lose top scorer Colby Branham after 12 minutes. Richland had won the boys' 4A crown six months earlier.

Record Throng Sees Man United-Celtic
July 22, 2003

A Pacific Northwest record crowd is treated to a spectacle on a warm summer night at Seahawks Stadium, with star-studded Manchester United winning a friendly with Celtic, 4-0, on a freshly-laid carpet of grass. United, coming off their eighth Premier League title in 11 years, get goals from Ruud van Nistlerooy, Ryan Giggs and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to go up 3-nil by halftime before 66,722. Celtic, second to Rangers on goal-difference, miss a penalty kick that would have tied the score in the 18th minute. Intermittently during the second half, red-clad fans generate choruses of 'Glory, Glory, Man United,' and after the final whistle the team takes a lap of honor. United are without David Beckham, sold to Real Madrid in June. New Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo, 18, joins the team three weeks later.

Woodward Notches 100th Win
October 27, 2003

Tafara Pulse puts away a penalty kick for her 12th goal of the season, and Seattle University pulls away for a 3-1 win at Northwest Nazarene. It earns Julie Woodward her 100th coaching victory. Woodward has averaged over 14 wins during her first seven seasons at her alma mater.

Gjertsen Hits Five for Evergreen
September 6, 2003

Joey Gjertsen scores a record five goals for Evergreen in a 6-0 rout of George Fox. For Gjertsen, a transfer from Yavapai Junior College, it's his third hat trick in four games, and he already has 12 goals.

Totev Tags South Carolina for Unbeaten UW
September 28, 2003

Leo Totev twice scores on 11th-ranked South Carolina in Washington's convincing 3-0 win at Husky Soccer Field. Totev scores his second goal past Brad Guzan from 30 yards in the 56th minute, just two minutes after Kevin Murray made it 2-nil. At 6-0-1, UW is off to its best start since 1998, with Totev scoring five times.

Pulse Powers Redhawks Past Western
October 15, 2003

Tafara Pulse scores goals on either side of halftime, then delivers an assist on Seattle University's final marker in a 4-2 road win at Western Washington. Pulse puts the Redhawks ahead for good in the 41st minute, then pads the lead in the 53rd with a 15-yard shot. Seattle U extends its unbeaten run to nine (8-0-1). Five days later, Pulse's hat trick paces a 10-0 rout at Grand Canyon.

Waibel, Russell Feature in Quakes' MLS Cup Win
November 23, 2003

San Jose Earthquakes collect their second MLS Cup in three years, and once again West Seattle's Ian Russell is part of the equation. Russell, who had assists in earlier playoff wins over Los Angeles and Kansas City, plays the final 20 minutes of the 4-2 win over Chicago at Carson, Ca. Spokane's Craig Waibel starts on the Quakes defense. Landon Donovan gets two of the San Jose goals.

Loggers Get Past Pirates
October 26, 2003

Ninth-ranked Puget Sound converts a pair of first-half goals in a 2-1 victory over 23rd-ranked Whitworth. Tera Anderson scores on assists from Cortney Kjar fat 3:16 and 28:23 for the Loggers, now 13-1-1.

Lakeside Wins Fourth State Girls' 3A
November 22, 2003

Lakeside wins its fourth girls' 3A crown, completing a perfect season by blanking Mercer Island, 1-0, at Harry Lang Stadium. Mary Kuder's 35th assist of the year is a corner kick that Zoe Victor knocks home in the 54th minute. Kuder is one of six seniors who were part of the Lions' (21-0-0) 2000 championship. It's the final game for Mark Kovats as coach.

Sounders, Whitecaps Tie Again, But Shootout Settles It
September 7, 2003

The Sounders and Whitecaps draw for the fifth time, but Rich Cullen saves Vancouver's sixth penalty attempt in a playoff-deciding tiebreaker at Swangard Stadium. Viet Nguyen hits the top right corner on Seattle's final kick to win the deciding first-round game, 1-1 (6-5). Roger Levesque stakes the visitors to a lead in the second minute, yet Dave Morris ties it in added time. The two sides finished the first leg 0-0.

Hawkins Paces Zags Past Montana
October 10, 2003

Annie Hawkins finds the net in the 102nd minute, giving Gonzaga its fifth straight victory, 3-2, over Montana at Spokane. Hawkins tucks away a cross from Walker Loseno for her ninth goal of the year. It ends a 12-game win streak for the Grizzlies, and the Bulldogs' eighth win in 12 starts already ties the program record.

Chicago Eliminates UPS in Quarterfinal
November 22, 2003

Chicago's Jacqui DeLeon scores in the 106th minute, lifting the Maroons over Puget Sound, 2-1, in an NCAA quarterfinal at Baker Stadium. The Loggers, eliminated in the elite eight for the second year in a row, hold the lead for nearly a half-hour. Perrin Schutz opens the scoring in the 54th minute. Chicago ties it on a questionable non-call. A collision sends UPS star Cortney Kjar sprawling but there's no whistle and the visitors get a free header in the 83rd minute. DeLeon's golden goal comes after a corner kick is deflected to her feet. It's the first UPS home loss since 1999.

Sounders Turn Attention to Kent
August 4, 2000

Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer confirms discussions with the City of Kent regarding development of an eight- to 10-field complex with the centerpiece being an 18,000-20,000-seat stadium. A piece of property had been targeted, but it is not the previously reported spot of the former Midway landfill. Price tag is $35 million, and once an MLS ownership group is in place, construction could begin. Sounders earlier considered sites in Fife, east of Lake Washington, and more recently at the Midway Landfill.

Sounders Women Begin Stretch Run
July 13, 2003

Melissa Bennett helps set-up two goals, and Tina Frimpong scores in her debut at Sounders Women begin the final month of the regular season by beating Denver Lady Cougars, 3-0, at Seahawks Stadium. Bennett finds Shannon Forslund for a first-half header and Frimpong for another header in the 67th minute. It's the start of a three-game win streak to finish league play, with the combined wins against the Colorado a 13-0 goal differential.

Sounders Upset Earthquakes in Open Cup
August 5, 2003

Seattle Sounders advance to the U.S. Open Cup quarterfinals with a 1-0 upset of the MLS San Jose Earthquakes. Kyle Smith score's the game's only goal four minutes before halftime before sellout crowd at Husky Soccer Stadium. The Quakes finish with a 19-4 advantage in shots and 11-0 in corner kicks. Sounders keeper Rich Cullen makes nine saves, and Seattle is the only A-League team among the tournament's last eight.

The Seahawks were willing to get creative with us to help us save a few bucks in rent, but more importantly, to partner with us on helping us drive the revenue. They made a commitment to help us build the revenue base.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer on deciding to renew their Seahawks Stadium lease beyond 2003
That's one challenge we have in Seahawks Stadium:. We're never going to create urgency to get tickets, because there are always going to be 60,000 left.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer on the downside of moving to Seahawks Stadium in 2003
To have what is probably the No. 1 team in the world playing locally where everyone can see them is an unbelievable opportunity for youth.
Jill Hummels, among the fans seeing Manchester United in Seattle
We think very highly of the Seattle market. It's had a successful team in the A-League for a number of years. The stadium is obviously a beautiful facility and one that was designed with soccer in mind...We are very interested in the market, and it would be fair to say that if an ownership group came forward it would be heightened, we'd like to find a way to get into Seattle.
MLS chief operating officer Mark Abbott on the virtues of exploring expansion to Seattle
This is like coming home. For many years the league played our games and championships at Fort Dent Park, but we never dreamed someday the park would become this beautiful.
Exequiel Soltero, Liga Hispana president, on the opening of Starfire
I respect Kasey so much. Kasey should be playing. It's his stage. He's made big-time saves, game-winning saves, over a long period of time and that's hard to do. A lot of people can make big saves in a little game or make a save at a non-crucial point in the game, but Kasey seems to come up with the big save in the big games consistently.
Tim Howard on his respect for fellow Premier League and USMNT keeper Kasey Keller
It was a great atmosphere. There was a lot of action, which I think was terrific for the fans in the USA. And there was no negative play.
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson following his team's 4-0 win vs. Celtic in Seattle
We have gone out of our way to open up new markets. We think soccer is not only big in New York, and L.A., and Boston, but there are some other great cities in this country that have tremendous drawing power. I won't say Seattle is overlooked, but it hasn't had professional soccer there at the highest level for quite some time. The response from Seattle has been extraordinary.
ChampionsWorld CEO Charlie Stillitano on Puget Sound's response to hosting Manchester United-Celtic
No one even expected us to be here. But after we got here, it would have been nice if we had gotten a little further.
Seattle Pacifc's lone senior, defender Nicole Ruiz, after the third-year program falls in the NCAA tournament first round
The population of Los Angeles alone is probably bigger than the population of our whole state. Just by the sheer numbers, it's an uphill battle. It's like Belgium taking on Brazil. They have a much larger player pool. But we've got a good team with a lot of talent.
Crossfire Premier coaching director Bernie James after Crossfire U18 boys upset a Southern California team for the regional championship
Eddy taught me what it was to be a true soccer fan. He made me watch it and appreciate it. I came over to UW as more of a good athlete than a good soccer player. Living with him, I had no choice but to watch soccer.
San Jose's Craig Waibel sharing how Sounders' Ryan Edwards, his former UW roommate, influenced his greater love for soccer
We've been dreaming about doing something special for soccer for a while. Our hearts were in the place of trying to create a special place for kids to play.
Chris Slatt, Starfire co-founder and CEO
It was a storybook night. Seattle is just a jewel of a place for soccer. We have tremendous fans, passionate players and it’s wonderful to see it happening.
Fred Mendoza, Public Stadium Authority chair, after a record throng sees Manchester United meet Celtic
I was surprised with the support in the game. You don’t expect that when you come to America, to have the stadium filled like this.
Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy on the Seahawks Stadium atmosphere
It looks like it's going to be a first-class facility. That should lend itself to regional and possibly national tournaments. The new turf will allow much more (usage) than grass fields. Plus, the location is close to the airport.
WSSA president Tim Busch on Starfire
The Sounders have really well-recognized, well-received and emotionally charged roots in the '70s and we love those roots and we wanted to get back to them. We think that the logo is a very cool logo. To soccer fans who followed the Sounders for years, that's the Sounders.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer on the decision to revert to the NASL era logo for the 10th A-League season
I'd love to have five minutes on the phone will Paul Allen. I'd love to finish my career on a Seattle MLS team, and Paul Allen can make it happen...As for Seattle, it has everything — the stadium, the crowds, the weather. It just needs someone with money to step up.
Chris Henderson on wanting to see MLS come to his home state soon
You don't really become a technical awesome player when you're young. You develop more a love for the game that you want to continue to develop. Then, moving to the FC Royals was a huge change for me. It developed my skills, my playing ability - especially with Brian (van Blommestein), he taught me a lot. He got me into college. He got the recruiting process going for me, having me look at different schools that I could play at and talking to college coaches. That totally helped me. My big soccer background came from playing in Washington.
Olympia's Devvyn Hawkins, former FC Royals player, on what led her to the U.S. National Team
We’re now sowing seeds that are going to reap some crops that are going to be huge crops for us in the future. This is exactly the dream I had years ago when I was on that soccer stadium committee and we were trying to find a location. This is what I dreamed the stadium would do for soccer, and this is what most of us who love soccer knew that soccer would do for Seattle.
Public Stadium Authority chair Fred Mendoza surveying the capacity crowd at Seahawks Stadium for Manchester United-Celtic
It's pretty much a thumbs-down at this point. MLS's preference is not to play in Seahawks Stadium.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer explaining why he's pursuing a soccer-specific stadium option in Kent
I never thought I would hear myself say this, but soccer needs its own facilities. It is not so much about intimacy it is about revenues, concessions, parking, suite rentals and renting the stadium to others. With your own stadium, you can really build a business model that works...Should Paul Allen in his benevolent wisdom decide to operate a franchise here, then having the MLS in Seahawks Stadium could make sense. Beyond that, I'm not sure it does.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer on what would make for a successful MLS team in Seattle
I am coming home. To have the opportunity to come back to where I was first inspired to become a coach is very motivating. I have very high goals for this program. The potential for Seattle Pacific to be one of the top programs in college soccer is realistic and exciting, and I welcome the challenge.
Chuck Sekyra on returning to his alma mater to coach the SPU women
It's always the tricky part. There's two people for one position and only one can play. Nine times out of 10 in the past, that was me. It was hard to swallow.
Kasey Keller on Bruce Arena choosing Brad Fiedel for all five 2002 World Cup matches
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
C.J. Klaas (Cherry Valley, Il.) Washington (D1/1st/M)
Jennifer Hull (Eugene, Or.) Seattle Pacific (D2/3rd/G)
Shannon Lovejoy (Seattle) Seattle Pacific (D2/2nd/M)
Tyler Niemack (Altadena, Ca.) Puget Sound (D3/1st/M)
Bridget Stolee (Palo Alto, Ca.) Puget Sound (D3/3rd/D)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 8-9-1
Gonzaga 5-11-1
Northwest 2-15-1
Pacific Lutheran 11-7-2
Puget Sound 13-3-3
Seattle University 11-6-0
Seattle Pacific 9-8-2
Washington 13-5-2
Western Washington 8-8-2
Whitman 6-13-0
Whitworth 12-5-1
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 5-16-0
Eastern Washington 3-12-2
Evergreen 6-10-2
Gonzaga 11-8-0
Pacific Lutheran 9-11-0
Puget Sound 18-2-1
Seattle University 14-5-1
Seattle Pacific 17-2-2
Washington 11-7-3
Washington State 6-11-2
Western Washington 6-13-1
Whitman 10-9-0
Whitworth 14-5-0
Commissioners Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Crossfire James (LWYSA)Crossfire McCormick (LWYSA)
U12 CW Hurricanes (ECYSA)SC Eclipse (NCYSA)
U13 SMB Flyers (GRJSA)Streaks (TPCJSA)
U14 NC Blast (CYSF)FC Aanvallen (AYSA)
U15 FCA Avalanche (NYSA)Shoreline Fusion (SYSA)
U16 Crossfire Jenkins (LWSYA)Roadrunners (TPCJSA)
U17 OR Alliance (ECYSA)FC Kitsap White (KPYSA)
U18 OR Missiles (ECYSA)Columbia Impact (CYSF)
PDL, W-League Records
Seattle Sounders Women 8-3-1, 2nd Div.
Spokane Shadow 14-2-2, 1st Div.
Yakima Reds 9-8-1, 3rd Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Danny Jackson (D) Sounders (AL-1st)
Andrew Gregor (M) Sounders (AL-1st)
Brian Ching (F) Sounders (AL-1st)
Rich Cullen (G) Sounders (AL-2nd)
Shaun Kalnasy (G) Shadow (PDL-NW)
Paul Johnson (M) Shadow (PDL-NW)
Jason Kuska (F) Shadow (PDL-NW)
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Hurricanes (LWYSA)/SHSC Centurion ((TPCJSA)Dixie Kicks (CYSF)/Tidal Waves (GRJSA)
U12 FC (Fire ((TPCJSA)Speeders (TPCJSA)
U13 Hurricanes (SSCYSA)Apollos (FWSA)
U14 Scorpions (FWSA)Dolphins (LWYSA)
U15 Pumas (LWYSA)Kangs (LWYSA)
U16 Sharks (NYSA)FC Breeze (LWYSA)
U17 Rockets (NYSA)Spirit (NYSA)
U18 Panthers (LWYSA)Westside Foxes (CYSF)
U19 Tsunami (FYSA)Rage (NYSA)
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Eastside Red (EYSA)Crossfire Lombard (LWYSA)
U13 Crossfire James (LWYSA)MV Marauders (MPVSA)
U14 Crossfire James 88 (LWYSA)Shooting Stars (NCYSA)
U15 FC United (TPCJSA)FC Royals (TPCJSA)
U16 Snohomish United (NCYSA)Crossfire McCormick (LWYSA)
U17 Emerald City (SYSA)FC Royals (TPCJSA)
U18 FWU Solaris (FWSA)FC Royals (TPCJSA)
U19 Eastside FC 84 (EYSA)CSC Saints (GRJSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Richland 2Snohomish 1 (6-5)
Boys 3A Newport 5Camas 0
Boys 2A Connell 2Sultan 0
Boys 1A Archbishop Murphy 2Charles Wright 1
Girls 4A Richland 3Bellarmine 0
Girls 3A Lakeside 1Mercer Island 0
Girls 2A Connell 0South Whidbey 0 (4-2)
Girls 1A Cedar Park Christian 1Archbishop Murphy 0
On this Day in History
February 6, 2000
Washington midfielder Wes Hart is taken with the seventh overall pick by Colorado in the MLS SuperDraft. It's the earliest selection yet for a player from a state college. Ricci Greenwood of Seattle Pacific went 20th to Columbus in 1996.
More from 2000 ›
October 8, 2018
Stretching its unbeaten run to nine games, No. 18 Western Washington defeats No. 6 and GNAC rival Concordia, 2-1, at Harrington Field. The Vikings strike first in the 38th minute through sophomore Alice Hiebert. After the visitors tie it, sophomore Grace Eversaul nods in the game-winner from Peyton Chick. WWU is 8-0-1 since a loss to Concordia in Portland and goes on to clinch the conference regular season title by one point over the Cavaliers.
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October 27, 2012
Northwest University completes a transformative second half by defeating Warner Pacific, 2-0, for the Cascade Conference women's regular season title in Portland. Jessica Oliver scores in her third straight game and the Eagles, who started 1-8-0, go 7-0-1 down the stretch, beating No. 3-ranked Concordia along the way. Concordia later avenges that loss by winning the Cascade tournament final, 2-1, in overtime at Kirkland.
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November 28, 1997
Stan Thesenvitz's late goal forces overtime and Sean Cassidy delivers the vital winner for Seattle University in a 3-2 victory over William Carey College (Ms.) in an NAIA semifinal at Birmingham, Al. The Chieftains trail in the first half until Tom Hardy scores in the 33rd minute. After going behind in the 85th, they get a close-range equalizer from Thesenvitz with 2:30 to go in regulation. Cassidy finally puts SU over the top with a sudden-death winner 9:26 into the first extra period, his fourth goal of the postseason.
More from 1997 ›