Reaching a Fever Pitch

2019 – Around the World and Close to Home

Donald Trump becomes the third U.S. president to be impeached Boeing’s 737 Max is grounded after two crashes kill a total of 346 and Great Britain’s parliament approves a withdrawal agreement to leave the European Union. In Washington, the State Route 99 tunnel replacing the Alaskan Way Viaduct opens under Seattle commercial passenger flights begin using Everett’s Paine Field and six separate snowstorms dump over 20 inches on Seattle and Puget Sound from February 3-11.

Reaching a Fever Pitch

It many ways it’s a celebration of everything that’s come to pass over some 125 years of playing and watching the beautiful game of association football, socker or whatever else soccer has been known throughout Washington. When 69,274 are shoehorned into CenturyLink Field on November 10, history is being made, both on the field and in the stands. When Seattle Sounders host Toronto FC in the MLS Cup final, it’s truly a magnificent convergence of the masses with the most meaningful afternoon of footy our state has ever seen.

It is a moving experience. There are tears of joy and also a detectible temblor, three of them, in fact. Seismographs squiggle after each of the three Sounders goals, with the biggest jolt saved for fans bursting from their seats and jumping up and down at the sight of Victor Rodriguez curling the second goal into the right corner with 15 minutes remaining. It is a stadium-record attendance and surpasses the state soccer record by nearly 2,000, and it stands to reason.

For the first time, Seattle is hosting a national championship match with its home side playing. Two weeks earlier it seemed folly, the notion that everything, all semifinal results, would align to produce this rare occasion. It required two upsets, including the Sounders somehow leaving LAFC, the runaway Supporters’ Shield winner, with a victory. In a masterpiece performance, they spot LA an early goal before replying with two quick scores and then adding another, Raul Ruidiaz’s second, in the second half.

When Atlanta is beaten by Toronto the following day, Seattle becomes the remaining high seed. Minutes later, seats become available to season ticket holders. Less than one after going on sale to the public, the inventory evaporates completely, and the secondary market is listing prices over $1,000 per seat.

Sounders sporting director Chris Henderson and head coach Brian Schmetzer, both natives and members of families immersed in the game for many decades, are struck by the sense that a soccer heaven is being revealed.

“It just brings me back to 'we have this history in this city,'” Henderson says. “My parents were big fans of the game, I'm a fan of the game, my kids are fans. It's generational. To be able to now have probably the biggest game in Seattle soccer history and pack the stadium in minutes, it just shows how important this club is to the city.”

“This right now is a pretty high point for all of us that put in the work back in the 70s, 80s, the lean years in the early 2000s,” notes Schmetzer. “This is all a culmination for the people who stayed here.”

And so, when the final whistle pierces the mid-autumn, and the throng’s mighty roar reverberates for minutes around the spacious arena, it is a scene to savor, to absorb into the psyche. Never before in the existence of soccer in this state has such a cause and a crowd of such lofty stature conjoined to hit such a fever pitch.

Year in Review
SEATTLE SOUNDERS
Season Record
16-10-8, 2nd MLS West, MLS Cup Champion
Coach
Brian Schmetzer (4th year)
Top Scorer
Raul Ruidiaz (11 goals)
REIGN FC
Season Record
10-6-8, 4th, NWSL semifinals
Coach
Vlatko Andonovski (2nd year)
Top Scorer
Bethany Balcer (6 goals)
U.S. Open Cup
Seattle Sounders, 4th Round
TACOMA DEFIANCE
8-19-7, 16th USL 1 West
Tacoma Stars
11-11, 2nd MASL Pacific, 1st Round
COLLEGIATE
Men's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle U., D1 2nd rnd Washington, D1 quarterfinals Western Washington, D2 2nd rnd Pacific Lutheran, D3 1st rnd
Women's Collegiate Postseason
Seattle U., D1 1st rnd Washington, D1 2nd rnd Washington State, D1 semifinals Western Washington, D2 runner-up Pacific Lutheran, D3 1st rnd
Men's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran (NWC), Seattle U. (WAC), Washington (Pac-12), Western Washington (GNAC)
Women's Conference Champions
Pacific Lutheran (NWC), Seattle U. (WAC), Western Washington (GNAC)
NWAC Men's Champion
Peninsula d Tacoma, 1-1 (3-1)
NWAC Women's Champion
Highline d Peninsula, 1-0 OT
YOUTH
Girls Regional Champion
Snohomish United 05 Black (U14)
Largest Attendance
69,274, Seattle v Toronto, MLS Cup Final
Largest Amateur Attendance
2,621, Washington v Washington State (w)

2019: Reaching a Fever Pitch

When Seattle hosts Toronto before a record crowd in the MLS Cup final, it’s truly a magnificent convergence of the masses with the most meaningful afternoon of footy our state has ever seen.

Lightning Start, Lightning Delay for Reign
September 7, 2019

Darian Jenkins returns to the starting lineup for the first time in three months and delivers two goals as Reign FC lights-up Orlando for a season-best goal total, winning 3-1 in a lightning-delayed match at Cheney Stadium.All three goals come in the first 17 minutes, before a two-hour weather delay. Jenkins scores for the first time since the April 4 opener after Bethany Balcer's steal and feed in the 2nd minute. Nine minutes later, Jenkins doubles the lead by smashing her shot off the crossbar. Beverly Yanez tallies in the 17th minute. Some lights are knocked out by a power surge in the 23rd minute, prompting teams and officials to retreat from the field. As the lightning intensifies and downpours begin, fans take refuge in the concourses. At 9:20 p.m. the Reign and Pride return to the pitch to complete the match.

Marshall Retires Due to Knee
May 22, 2019

Three-time MLS defender of the year Chad Marshall announces his retirement from Sounders FC, bringing an end to a 16-year career. Rapid degeneration in Marshall's knee forced him to the sideline after eight starts. The second overall selection in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft, Marshall's accolades include MLS Defender of the Year (2008, 2009, 2014), four MLS Best XI selections (2008, 2009, 2014, 2018) and 12 appearances for the U.S. National Team. His teams account for two MLS Cup championships (2008 Columbus 2016 Seattle) four Supporters' Shields and one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup.

Calkins Named Puget Sound Coach
June 25, 2019

Kim Calkins is appointed interim head coach for Puget Sound's women’s program. Calkins was formerly technical director for Reign FC Academy, Sounders Women head coach and coaching director for Washington Youth Soccer. After going 13-4-3, Calkins's interim tag is removed Nov. 26.

Dorrance, Past USWNT Members Form WA Legends Panel
August 31, 2019

Washington State Legends of Soccer presents a sold-out forum entitled From Washington to the World Cup at The NINETY in Seattle's Pioneer Square. Past Washingtonians who either played or vied for places in the first few years of the U.S. Women's National Team program join a panel along with Anson Dorrance, the winning coach in the 1991 Women's World Cup. UW coaches Amy Allmann Griffin and Lesle Gallimore serve as emcees. Griffin and Shannon Higgins Cirovski are among the panelists.

Wurzberger Gets 200th 'W'
September 21, 2008

Raphael Cox scores the tying and winning goals in Washington's 3-2 overtime victory over New Mexico on Montlake. It marks Dean Wurzberger's 200th win in 17 seasons with the Huskies. Cox forces extra time in the 79th minute and his second strike wins it 8 minutes into the first overtime period.

Reign Completes Portland Sweep, Clinches Playoffs
September 29, 2019

Jodie Taylor notches her third game-winning goal of the season in the first half and rookie Bethany Balcer adds a late insurance goal, allowing the Reign to sweep all three matches against Portland with a 2-0 home win over the Thorns. The victory clinches a playoff berth for the second year in a row under Vlatko Andonovski with one game remaining in the regular season. A crowd of 7,370 roars as Taylor puts RFC in front in the 27th minute with her fourth goal of the season and second in as many games. Balcer enters in the 74th minute and gets her team-leading sixth goal seven minutes later. It is the first season sweep of Portland.

Puget Sound Gets Second 300 WInner
October 5, 2019

Puget Sound becomes the first school to boast two 300-win coaches as Reece Olney surpasses the milestone with 2-0 win over Willamette. Sean Hamel and Angel Herrera-Flores score on either side of halftime for the Loggers. In 2015, former women's coach Randy Hanson preceded Olney with 300 victories at UPS.

Sounders Beat Toronto for MLS Cup Before Record Crowd
November 10, 2019

Playing before a record home crowd and second-largest ever for an MLS Cup final, Seattle capitalizes on its second-half opportunities to win a second MLS Cup in four years, 3-1 over Toronto at CenturyLink Field. The throng of 69,274 is loud but shakes the stadium when Kelvin Leerdam's 57th-minute shot caroms into the net to break a scoreless tie. It's bedlam in the 76th minute, when substitute Victor Rodriguez curls his top-of-the-box shot into the far corner. Then Raul Ruidiaz fights off a challenge for a third goal – and his fourth of the postseason – in the 90th minute. The Sounders become the sixth club to win multiple championships and it's their seventh major title in 11 seasons.

S2 Becomes Tacoma Defiance
January 30, 2019

Tacoma Rainiers and Sounders FC unveil the new brand for the organizations' USL club: Tacoma Defiance. For its first four seasons, the second team had been known as Sounders FC 2 or S2. The team moved its home matches from Starfire to Cheney Stadium for 2018. Besides bearing the name of its hometown, Defiance pays homage to Tacoma's maritime roots and civic identity, including 760-acre Point Defiance Park. In addition, MultiCare Health System becomes the Defiance shirt sponsor.

Minus Stars, Reign Keeps Rolling
May 27, 2019

Although many of its stars are away on international duty, Reign FC (2-1-3) keeps rolling, beating defending NWSL champion North Carolina, 2-1, at Cheney Stadium. RFC takes the lead in the 13th minute on rookie Bethany Balcer’s goal. Then in the 86th minute, Shea Groom scores her first goal of the season to make it 2-0. Carolina (2-2-3) cuts the deficit with a goal by Abby Ercreg in the 89th. Jess Fishlock starts and plays the full 90 minutes in her first match after returning from loan with Olympique Lyonnais. Casey Murphy makes four saves in her debut in goal.

Kitihara Sparks USA U16 Fight Back
November 14, 2019

Sota Kitihara of Edmonds fuels a late comeback for the U.S. U16 Boys National Team for a 3-3 draw with The Netherlands at Lakewood Ranch, Fla. A second-half substitute, in added time Kitihara smashes a shot off the post for Kevin Paredes to score on the rebound, close the Dutch lead to 3-2. Then in the dying seconds, Kitahara gets free in the box to score from close range for the stunning equalizer.

Road Win Takes Sounders to 3-0-0
March 16, 2019

For the first time since their inaugural season, Sounders FC move to 3-0-0 after winning, 4-2, at Chicago. As in the first two victories, Seattle starts strong, overwhelming the Fire. Jordan Morris leads the way with a goal and assist. Following Victor Rodriguez's 8th-minute opener, Morris takes Nicolas Lodeiro's pass in the 15th and gets behind the defense for a 2-nil lead. Lodeiro's penalty makes it 3-0 shortly after halftime. Raul Ruidiaz scores late to blunt any comeback hopes. Seattle already has 10 goals, a total not reached until the 13th match of 2018.

Bodily, Bartlow Take Top Pac-12 Honors
November 20, 2019

Blake Bodily becomes Washington’s first Pac-12 Player of the Year in 12 seasons, and Ethan Bartlow is the first UW defensive player of the year. Bodily’s 10 goals are the most for the Huskies since 2011.

Sigi Schmid Memorial
January 18, 2019

Nearly a thousand friends, family and some notable members of the American soccer community gather to pay tribute to the late Sigi Schmid American Martyrs Catholic Church in Manhattan Beach, Calif. Schmid, who guided Sounders FC to five major trophies and seven playoff berths in seven-plus seasons, died Dec. 25, 2018 at age 65. In Seattle, he became the all-time winningest coach in MLS history and also guided UCLA to its first NCAA championship. His service fittingly brought out a who's who of American soccer, including three former US national team managers and several fellow Hall of Famers. Several of his Seattle friends attended, including Gary Wright, one of the eulogists. “He’s remembered as a Hall of Fame coach,” said Wright, another close friend. “But he should be remembered as a Hall of Fame person.” A week before, MLS named the annual Coach of the Year award in honor of Schmid.

Defiance Breaks Scoring Record
August 30, 2019

Behind Justin Dhillon's brace, Tacoma establishes a club goal-scoring record in a 5-1 victory over San Antonio FC at Cheney Stadium. It's also the biggest winning margin since the inaugural season of 2015. Dhillon now totals nine goals. Danny Robles, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez and Ethan Dobbelaere each add goals for the Defiance, now 3-2-0 in their last five home games.

UW Advances in Women's NCAA Play
November 16, 2019

In the first-ever crosstown postseason meeting, Washington ousts Seattle University in the first round of the NCAA women's tournament at Husky Soccer Stadium. Shae Holmes's first career goal pushes UW to Tallahassee, Florida, to meet against South Florida. Siena Ruelas is outstanding in goal, especially during a big Seattle U first-half push. Ruelas makes two saves in under a minute following the Redhawks' first corner. Then, in the 21st minute, she races off her line for a sliding stop on a SU breakaway. Ruelas ends up with five saves and her second straight shutout. It's Washington's first postseason win since 2014. However, the Huskies lose, 2-0, to South Florida.

WA Unified Team Takes Special Olympics Bronze
March 20, 2019

Special Olympics Washington's unified team takes the bronze medal, defeating Bharat, 5-0, at the World Games in in Abu Dhabi. In all, 16 players and unified athletes from throughout the state compete under coach Rich Schreiner.

Reign, Defiance Play Cheney Doubleheader
May 18, 2019

Cheney Stadium has been around since 1960 and has hosted many baseball doubleheaders. However today is the first twin bill for soccer as Reign FC host Sky Blue at 1 p.m. and Tacoma Defiance face Reno 1868 at 7. Reign post their first win, 2-1, before 3,036 while the Defiance settle for a 1-1 draw with Reno before 2,121.

UW Downs No. 2 Stanford in Overtime
October 3, 2019

Lucas Meek scores the golden goal in the 105th minute as No. 7 Washington knocks off No. 2 Stanford away, 2-1. It's the Huskies' (9-1-0) fifth straight and they remain perfect in the Pac-12. Meek's goal is his sixth in the last seven matches. His diving header comes from a cross by Blake Bodily. Gio Miglietti opens the scoring in the 16th minute, but the Cardinal pulls even just after halftime.

Schulenberg, WSU Named National Staff of the Year
December 21, 2019

Todd Schulenberger and his Washington State staff are named the NCAA Division I Coaching Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches. Schulenberger guided the Cougars to their first College Cup, falling to No. 2 North Carolina in the semifinals. Earlier in the month, senior Morgan Weaver was named a third team All-American after scoring 14 goals and five assists.

WA Legends, Hinton Raise Funds, Have Fun
March 19, 2019

Hundreds fill the Kirkland Performance Center as Washington State Legends of Soccer presents A Night with Alan Hinton & Friends. Emcee Mark Wright of KING 5 interviews Hinton, the past Sounders coach, and invites the likes of Brian Schmetzer, Bernie James, Ty Keough, Peter Hattrup and Marcus Hahnemann onstage to exchange stories. The fundraiser enables WA Legends to expand its history website and purchase video equipment for future interviews. A WA Legends/Alan Hinton scholarship fund for underserved youth is also established with proceeds.

Former Sounders GM Daley Dies
March 7, 2019

Jack Daley, the founding general manager of the NASL Seattle Sounders, dies in San Diego at age 82. Daley served as GM from 1974-81, when Seattle became the first NASL club to host a sell-out and later moved to the Kingdome where they attracted record crowds. From 1981-84, Daley was a managing partner for the San Diego Sockers, who won two NASL indoor titles and an MISL crown.

Andonovski Steps Down, Takes USWNT Post
October 28, 2019

Vlatko Andonovski's ability to guide an injury- and absence-riddled Reign FC back to the playoffs does not go unnoticed. Two days after being named NWLS Coach of the Year, Andonovski ends weeks of speculation by accepting the reins of the U.S. National Team. Andonovski used 31 different players to fill holes created by injuries to such stalwarts as Jess Fishlock and Rumi Utsugi, plus the loss of 10 players, including Megan Rapinoe, to World Cup call-ins. Andonovski was 21-11-16 in regular season matches during his two seasons since replacing Laura Harvey. He succeeds Jill Ellis with the USWNT.

Yedlin Sparks Newcastle Comeback
November 9, 2019

An acrobatic header by DeAndre Yedlin sparks Newcastle's comeback to beat Bournemouth, 2-1, at St. James' Park. Yedlin levels in the 41st minute with his third career goal for the Magpies, and Cieran Clark strikes seven minutes into the second half.

Koroleva Chosen as World Cup Referee
April 9, 2019

Seattle's Katja Koroleva is chosen as a match referee for the upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup in France. Koroleva serves as the fourth official in five matches, including a knockout round match between the Netherlands and Japan.

Sounders Pull Away Supporters Walk Out
September 15, 2019

Victor Rodriguez returns from a long absence due to injury to figure in the late tie-breaking goal, and the largest Sounders supporter group walks-out halfway through a 4-2 win over New York Red Bulls. At halftime, an Emerald City Supporters leader is escorted out by CenturyLink Field security after waving an Iron Front flag, citing that the banner is political and thus against MLS policy. Hundreds of ECS members quickly empty the Brougham End. Despite a much less vibrant atmosphere, Seattle pulls away late when Rodriguez's 83' shot deflects into the net and Nicolas Lodeiro adds a stoppage time breakaway.

Rapinoe Brace Beats Host France
June 28, 2019

A brace from Megan Rapinoe gives the defending champion USWNT a 2-1 victory over host France in the World Cup quarterfinals in Paris. Rapinoe's goal celebrations are statuesque displays with arms extended and face beaming. She connects on on a free kick in the fifth minute that bounces between French players and past goalkeeper Sarah Bouhaddi. Rapinoe does it again in the 65th minute, blasting home from Tobin Heath cross. It's her fifth goal of the tournament.

Lakeside Blanks Bellevue To Take Boys' 3A
May 25, 2019

Lakeside's march to the boys' 3A state title culminates with a fourth straight tournament shutout, 2-0 over Bellevue at Sparks Stadium. Justin Blachman's 15th goal of the year gives the Lions the vital first goal in the 19th minute. Blachman finds Joe-Joe Richardson at the half-hour for a 2-nil cushion. Will Johnson secures his 15th shutout of the season. Undefeated Lakeside outscored playoff foes 9-0 for their second championship in six seasons.

White Scores Again, Reign Tops Thorns
August 7, 2019

Rosie White scores in her second straight start and Reign FC absorbs Portland pressure without allowing a goal to win, 1-0, before 5,865 at Cheney Stadium. It's the first match back for Allie Long and Jodie Taylor since their World Cup duties were completed. In the 55th minute, Ifeoma Onumonu makes a strong run into the box and then sends a cross far post that was headed back before landing at the feet of White. She gets just enough of a touch to roll the ball past Thorns keeper Adrianna Franch. White, the New Zealand National Team forward signed three weeks earlier, also scored the winner at Houston August 2.

Unified Team Takes Special Olympics Bronze
March 20, 2019

The United States men’s Unified soccer team, which is made up of Washington athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, defeats India, 5-0, to take the bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first Unified soccer team to ever represent the U.S. in a World Games competition.

Snohomish United Girls Win Regional
June 24, 2019

Snohomish United 05 Black gets a first-half goal from Maki Quiyono and holds on to beat Utah's Forza FC 05, 1-0, to earn the U14 Girls Far West Regional Championships title at Boise. Quiyono scores in the 31st minute. Snohomish scores 19 during the tournament while allowing just two, both in the first group game. They are joined at the USYSA nationals by Seattle United 03 Copa boys U16 and Washington Premier 02 Black boys U17. Both qualified via the National League.

Shorn Torres Scores, Seattle Gets 2 Seed
October 6, 2019

Making his first start in more than two months, Román Torres heads home the winner and controls air traffic in front of Seattle's goal during a vital 1-0 victory over Minnesota United. The win, coming on the final day of the regular season in front of 47,297 at CenturyLink Field, earns the Sounders the West's No. 2 seed. It's also Osvaldo Alonso's first visit to Seattle since signing with the Loons in January. A searching, long cross from Joevin Jones finds Torres for a running header that flies into the net off newly-close-cropped skull the 29th minute. Torres, who has just returned from a 10-match suspension for violating MLS substance-abuse policy.

Seattle Signs 15-Year-Old Leyva
April 9, 2019

Sounders FC sign their youngest Homegrown player to date, 15-year-old Danny Leyva. A midfielder from Las Vegas, Leyva has started four of his five appearances for Tacoma Defiance. He was part of the U17 SFC Academy squad that captured the 2017-18 USSDA National Championship. Seattle's 12th Homegrown Player, Leyva became the youngest player in club history to start a USL match in 2018, and the second-youngest in league history to earn a start, at San Antonio.

Seattle U Wins NCAA Opener On Road
November 22, 2019

Seattle University wins its NCAA men's first-round match again, knocking off Loyola Marymount, 3-1, on the road. Connor Noblat, Jesse Ortiz, and Harrison Kurtz score as the Redhawks advance. SU settles into the game early and goes in front when Hamish Ritchie, finds the streaking Noblat in the 41st minute. Loyola pulls even in the 53rd minute, but just over a minute later, Declan McGlynn is fouled, and Ortiz bends in a 22-yard free kick to regain the lead. In the 79th minute, Noe Meza picks out Kurtz at the back post for the 3-1 advantage. Seattle U later succumbs at No. 7 Stanford in penalties, 1-1 (2-1).

Reign's Rapinoe Scores Twice v Spain
June 24, 2019

Reign FC's Megan Rapinoe converts two penalty kicks to lead the United States past Spain in a World Cup knockout match, 2-1 at a steamy Reims, France. Rapinoe’s first comes in the seventh minute. With it tied, 1-1 in the 75th minute, video review is used to confirm a foul on Rose Lavelle that gives the pink-haired Rapinoe the game-winner, slotting the ball just under the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Sandra Panos. It's the captain's second and third goals of the tournament.

U.S. Soccer Hit With Class Action Suit
March 8, 2019

Reign FC’s Megan Rapinoe and Allie Long are among 28 USWNT members filing a gender discrimination lawsuit against U.S. Soccer in Los Angeles. The class-action lawsuit will allow any players from the team since February 2015 to join the suit. Rapinoe, one of the suit’s lead plaintiffs, was also one of five players who had filed a 2016 wage discrimination through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Washington Ends Apple Cup Draught
November 8, 2019

For the first time in 15 years, Washington secures the Boeing Apple Cup Series, edging No. 24 Washington State, 1-0, in Seattle before a season-high crowd of 2,621. The victory virtually assures the Huskies an NCAA tournament berth. A Summer Yates penalty kick proves the difference. Siena Ruelas makes five saves for the clean sheet. Makena Carr is tripped as she cuts into the middle of the box, prompting the penalty call. Yates converts in the 82nd minute for her eighth goal. It's UW's first win over WSU since 2003.

Western Lands Three on All-America Teams
December 11, 2019

Western Washington University celebrates three players being named United Soccer Coaches All-Americans. Forward Karli White and goalkeeper Natalie Dierickx are voted to the first team and defender Emily Nelson, makes the second team. White came back from missing 2018 due to an injury to score six goals and add 8 assists. Dierickx ranked among the national leaders with 12 shutouts and Nelson took part in a record-tying 17 team shutouts.

Seattle U Women Repeat as WAC Champs
November 10, 2019

Jessie Ray scores in the 99th minute to lift Seattle University to the 2019 WAC Tournament Championship in a come-from-behind effort at home against Utah Valley, 2-1. Leahi Manthei ties the match in the 86th minute, and then Ray wins the Redhawks' second straight WAC title and automatic NCAA postseason berth. Olivia Ovenell sends a looping ball towards the box, where tournament MVP Ray corrals it and smashes it to the left side of the net. It's the seventh win in eight games for Seattle U, which had earlier won its fifth conference regular-season title since 2013 .

Sawatzky Goes to Richmond Kickers
November 6, 2019

Darren Sawatzky is appointed sporting director and head coach of USL League One Richmond Kickers. Sawatzky goes east after one year at FC Tucson. Before that, Sawatzky guided the Tacoma Stars through most of their first four MASL seasons and seven years with the Sounders U23s.

Cairns, Hahnemann Enshrined at SPU
February 1, 2019

Scott Cairns, Marcus Hahnemann and Sarah Martinez are among eight inductees to the Seattle Pacific University Athletics Hall of Fame. Cairns helped lead the Falcons to NCAA national championship games each of his four years, and came away winning three titles (1983, 1985 and 1986). He graduated as the school record-holder for single-season and career assists, and he was a three-time all-region selection. Hahnemann is the only three-time All-American in any Seattle Pacific team sport. He led the Falcons to the 1993 NCAA Division II championship and still ranks No. 1 on the school's career list for shutouts (46). Hahnemann went on to earn three caps for the U.S. national team and played with Reading and Wolverhampton in the English Premier League. Martinez scored 49 goals and 25 assists in leading SPU to three GNAC titles and its first two trips to the NCAA finals. She as an All-American as a senior.

Hacker Enters Coaches' Hall of Fame
January 18, 2019

Former Pacific Lutheran head coach and U.S. Women's National Team assistant Colleen Hacker is inducted to the United Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame in Chicago. Hacker, the first female coach of a collegiate champion, guided the Lutes to three NAIA titles and five regional championships. Her teams were 233-59-18 from 1981-1995. She was a five-time gold medalist as mental skills coach and performance psychology specialist for women's soccer, field hockey and ice hockey teams.

WA Youth Soccer Inducts Its Largest HoF Class
February 24, 2019

Washington Youth Soccer inducts its largest field yet into its Hall of Fame at Accesso ShoWare Arena in Kent. At halftime of the Tacoma Stars-Dallas Sidekicks game 30 coaches, players, officials, past presidents, administrators and volunteers from all corners of the state are recognized. It's the first induction since 2010. The WYS Hall of Fame opened in 1999.

Muse Holds New Mexico to Draw
October 16, 2019

Thanks to 13 record-tying saves from Trey Muse, Tacoma Defiance earns a 1-1 road draw at New Mexico United. In the dying seconds of second-half added time, Muse pulls off a quadruple save to keep Tacoma's late four-game unbeaten string (2-0-2) alive. He goes on to set a season record of 101 saves. Azriel Gonzalez's scores the Defiance goal in the seventh minute.

Vikings Victorious in Overtime
November 24, 2019

Grace Eversaul's golden goal just under three minutes into the second overtime period lifts Western Washington to a 1-0 victory over Cal State LA at Rohnert Park, Calif., advancing the Vikings to the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship for the fifth consecutive season. Third-seeded Western finally solves the CSLA defense in the 103rd minute, when Peyton Chick lofts a high ball into the box from the left flank. Liv Larson flicks it towards the goal, and Eversaul touches it home for the 20th win of the year. The victory avenges a loss to the Golden Eagles two months earlier.

Lutes Win 200th for Yorke
October 5, 2019

Pacific Lutheran's Keeton Heggerness converts two penalty kicks in a 4-0 home defeat of Linfield, which gives Lutes coach John Yorke his 200th win. Yorke is in his 18th season at PLU, and his teams have won or shared the past two Northwest Conference championships.

UW Women Take Down No. 7 USC
October 27, 2019

Summer Yates summons her fourth multi-point game of the year for Washington to upset 7th-ranked USC in Los Angeles, 2-0. The fourth win over a nationally-ranked opponent allows the Huskies to take sole possession of second place in the Pac-12. It's the first UW victory versus a top-10 since 2017, when it beat No. 2 Florida. Yates scores a goal and an assist while Helena Reischling gets her first collegiate goal. Siena Ruelas does most of her work in the first half, making six saves and finishing with a career-best nine. Yates puts a perfect pass to the feet of Reischling, who makes it 1-0 at the half. Washington grows in confidence from there, and in the 70th minute, Yates doubles the lead.

Huskies Wrap-Up Pac-12 Title
November 15, 2019

Joey Parish's brace helps seal the Pac-12 championship for No. 6 Washington with a 3-1 road win over Oregon State. Parish's two goals come in a 29-second span of the second half to break a 1-1 tie in the regular season finale. In the 78th minute, Dylan Teves sends a high cross into the box where Parish puts it home. Off the restart, the Huskies win the ball back and Parish scores again. The Huskies never trail as Blake Bodily scores in the 10th minute. . It's Bodily's 10th of the season, making him the first Husky to reach double-figures since Brent Richards in 2011. It's just the second time the UW has won 15 or more matches since 2000.

UW Sophomore Added to Reggae Girlz
June 3, 2019

Mireya Grey, a sophomore at Washington and member of Sounders Women, is called in as injury replacement for Jamaica’s World Cup squad, where she joins Dominique Bond-Flasza, who played for the Huskies from 2014-17, and ex-Reign midfielder Havana Solaun. Grey later plays in two matches, totaling 138 minutes for the Reggae Girlz.

Hiatt, Harber & Stanford Women Win NCAA
December 8, 2019

Sam Hiatt skippers Stanford to the NCAA women's national championship by virtue of a shootout over North Carolina, 0-0 (5-4), in San Jose. It's the 15th shutout of the season for Newcastle native Hiatt, a senior defender, and the Cardinal defense. JoJo Harber of Seattle is a part-time starter for Stanford. North Carolina had eliminated Washington State, 2-1, two days earlier. The Tar Heels have reserve forward Madison Schultz of Edmonds.

Western's Milburn Scores Four
October 5, 2019

Zoe Milburn becomes Western Washington's first four-goal scorer in 24 years as the Viking belt Montana State Billings, 8-0, at Harrington Field. Milburn gets a brace in both halves, including her third and fourth just two minutes apart of the second period. WWU's eight goals is the most since 1998.

Ruidiaz, Bwana Extend Rave Unbeaten Run
May 15, 2019

Raul Ruidiaz and substitute Handwalla Bwana score in each half for Sounders FC, extending the Rave Green's unbeaten run to five games with 2-1 win over Orlando City. In his second game back in the starting lineup since March, Ruidiaz finds the net for the fourth time this season in the 19th minute. It's also his 17th goal in 23 appearances since joining Seattle the previous summer. Bwana comes off bench in the 53rd minute for Jordan Morris (hamstring) and scores what proves to be the winner in the 68th on Nicolas Lodeiro’s MLS-leading assist.

Sounders Icon Alonso Departs
January 10, 2019

Osvaldo Alonso, 33, Sounders FC captain and MLS era leader in appearances, is acquired by Minnesota United after 10 seasons in Seattle. After the Sounders opt not to pick-up their option several weeks earlier, MNUFC out-maneuvers FC Cincinnati to sign Alonso, a four-time all-star selection and 2012 Best XI. He is the last remaining member of the 2009 inaugural SFC squad and played 339 times across all competitions.

Two Goals for Morris vs Cuba
November 19, 2019

Jordan Morris scores twice in a 4-0 rout of Cuba at George Town, Cayman Islands as the USMNT wins first place (3-0-1) in their group in the Concacaf Nations League. Morris finds the net in the 26th and 39th minutes. He had five goals and six assists in 14 games for the U.S. this year. The second Morris goal makes it 3-0 and it's his 10th goal in 39 international appearances and fifth in five games.

Reign Relocates to Tacoma
January 30, 2019

Five years after their birth, Reign FC leaves Memorial Stadium, drops 'Seattle' and moves to Tacoma's Cheney Stadium. Reign FC will join the Sounders' USL affiliate Defiance and AAA baseball Rainiers as a tenant. Owners Bill and Teresa Predmore also welcome new investors, including Adrian Hanauer and his mother, Lenore. Furthermore, a partnership between the soccer clubs and Tacoma-based MultiCare Health System will spearhead development of a 60,000 square-foot facility that will provide medical care to the team and the general public on the site where a proposed soccer stadium will be built.

Western, PLU Men Take League Titles
November 9, 2019

No. 19 Western Washington posts a third consecutive shutout to clinch its first GNAC men's championship since 2008, 1-0 over Montana State Billings in Bellingham. With the title comes the second NCAA berth since 2016. Jeremiah Lee first-times a low volley from 6 yards off a corner from Georg Cholewa. The same day, Pacific Lutheran books its place in the Division III postseason by downing Puget Sound, 2-0. The Lutes had shared the NWC title the previous two seasons. Keeton Heggerness opens the scoring in the ninth minute and Jackson Moore tallies 15 minutes later.

Bruin Brace Beats Toronto
April 13, 2019

In a battle of unbeatens, Seattle shrugs off an early deficit. They get contributions from key bench player, gets two goals from backup forward Will Bruin and defeats Toronto, 3-2 at CenturyLink Field. Filling in for the injured Raul Ruidiaz, Bruin ties the game with his header in the 24th minute. Midway through the second half, he scores again, and less than two minutes later, with crowd still roaring, Seattle (5-0-1) goes ahead 3-1 through Cristian Roldan.

Roldan's Second Goal Win Scoring Fest
September 1, 2019

Cristian Roldan's second goal comes in the 89th minute of a scoring fest, with Sounders FC emerging on top of the LA Galaxy, 4-3, for a much-needed win before 46,673 entertained fans at Century Link Field. Four of the seven goals are scored in the final 15 minutes, but Seattle never trails after a Raul Ruidiaz opener in first-half stoppage time. Zlatan Ibrahimovic leads to visitors back to 2-2 before Jordan Morris briefly regains the lead. Roldan runs onto sub Brad Smith's pass at the 6-yard box and he finishes for his sixth goal and third in two games.

Leerdam's Late Goals Beats Whitecaps
June 29, 2019

Just when it seems to be ending in a scoreless draw, Kelvin Leerdam tucks away his chance in the sixth minute of added time for Seattle to beat Vancouver, 1-0, at CenturyLink Field. Sounders FC have been winless in five matches and are playing without seven regulars. Leerdam combines with Brad Smith on a give-and-go inside Vancouver's area, allowing the Dutchman to finish cleanly from 12 yards for his fifth goal. Danny Leyva, 16, makes his first start and has his apparent 35-yard rocket disallowed for a foul on Justin Dhillon. Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, 17, is a second-half sub.

WSU Stuns NCAA Top Seed Virginia
November 22, 2019

Washington State sends shockwaves through the NCAA tournament by eliminating No. 1 seeded Virginia, 3-2, to advance to the third round in Charlottesville. It's unquestionably the biggest upset in program history. The Cavaliers enter the game ranked No. 3 in the country having lost just once in 21 games. Morgan Weaver volleys home the Cougs' second goal and assists on the winner by MacKenzie Frimpong-Ellertson. Weaver drives into the area and fires. The UVA keeper could not hold the shot, allowing Frimpong-Ellertson to poke in the rebound. WSU advances to the Round of 16 for just the second time in program history.

PLU Women Clinch NWC Early
November 2, 2019

Freshman Meghan Michels nets her second goal in 12 minutes to lift Pacific Lutheran to a 2-1 victory over George Fox at East Field. The win, coupled with a Puget Sound loss allows PLU to clinch its fourth straight Northwest Conference Championship with still three games remaining.

Defiance Close-Out Season Strong
October 19, 2019

Marlon Vargas comes off the bench for a goal and an assist to lead Tacoma to a season-ending 3-1 home win over Austin Bold FC. The Defiance close-out the campaign on a five-match unbeaten run (3-0-2), their best such run since 2016. Azriel Gonzalez and Jesse Daley each add goals. After Gonzalez opens the scoring in the 21st minute, it remain 1-nil until Vargas scores in the 77th, just three minutes after substituting. In the 79th minute he sets up Daley for a 3-nil lead. Five players under the age of 20 see action for Tacoma.

Lake Washington Girls Crowned in 3A
November 22, 2019

A goal and assist from Jen Estes helps propel Lake Washington to a 3-1 triumph over Bellevue in a contest of Kingco rivals for the WIAA girls' 3A championship at Puyallup. It's the first title for the Kangaroos, who have never advanced beyond the quarterfinals previously. Lake Washington never trails, going up after 23 minutes on Abby Nikfard's shot from 24 yards. Estes scores her 20th goal from an even greater distance four minutes before halftime. Her 18th assist is to Ari Issa in the 63rd before Bellevue replies via Audrey Miller three minutes later.

Western Stopped in NCAA D2 Final
December 14, 2019

A golden goal in the 107th minute gives Grand Valley State a 1-0 victory over Western Washington in the NCAA Division II women's championship game at Pittsburgh. The Vikings fire-off 26 shots yet are held scoreless for just the second time on the season. Lakers goalkeeper Jessica Radice stops eight of those shots to secure the crown. WWU also generated 11 of its 12 corner kicks in the second half. WWU ended the 2019 season with a 23-3-0 record, recording the second-most wins in program history. Gianna Parlove is the hero for Grand Valley State, which win its Division II-leading sixth national championship and its first since 2015. With the game scoreless, Payton Neal hits the crossbar from distance in the 51st minute and just four minutes for the winner, Western's Karli White sends a shot off the left post. The Vikings had beaten Flagler College, 2-0, for their 23rd win in the semifinals. Grace Eversaul and White scored for WWU.

Cougars topple South Carolina to Reach College Cup
November 29, 2019

Washington State slays still another giant, upsetting NCAA tournament No. 2 seed South Carolina, 1-0, in overtime at Columbia, S.C. For 95 minutes, the Cougars could not break through the vaunted South Carolina defense which entered the night having not relinquished a goal in seven straight games. Mykiaa Minniss roofs a volley to end the quarterfinal in overtime. Hanna Goff sets up the score, serving a corner into a scrum where it deflected to the awaiting Minniss. Ella Dederick extends her program record with her 53rd career win in goal while picking up her 29th career shutout. It's Washington State's first trip to the NCAA College Cup.

WSU Beats #20 Cal Away
October 6, 2019

Makamae Gomera-Stevens works her magic to score her first career golden goal just 1:11 into extra time, earning Washington State a 1-0 road victory over No. 20 California. It's the Cougars' fifth win in six games, the only loss coming at No. 2 Stanford three days earlier. Averie Collins flicks to Gomera-Stevens, who chests the ball down to her left foot and sends a bending ball into the side netting. It's the first WSU win over a top-20 team this season and first win in Berkeley since 2014 .

Reign Forces Extra Time in Carolina
October 20, 2019

A stoppage-time goal from Ifeoma Onumonu momentarily gives Reign FC visions of a monumental playoff upset before top-seed North Carolina restores order and wins, 4-1, in extra time. Onumonu comes in as a substitute in the 79th minute and gets the equalizer three minutes into stoppage time. Debinha's free kick in the 99th minute restores the Courage lead. in the second overtime period, Reign hopes are dashed with an own goal and a Crystal Dunn score coming less than two minutes apart. North Carolina, undefeated at home, proceeds to win the NWSL title a week later, 4-0 over Chicago.

Reign Acquired by OL Groupe
December 19, 2019

Reign FC is acquired by OL Groupe, the parent company of French powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais, for a reported $3.1 million. OL Groupe will hold an 89.5 percent operating stake and current Reign FC majority owners Teresa and Bill Predmore will own 7.5 percent. Former NBA star Tony Parker will have a 3 percent share. Bill Predmore will remain CEO and Teresa Predmore will remain as president of the Reign Academy youth programs. Olympique Lyonnais, more commonly known as Lyon, plays in France's Ligue 1 on the men's side and Division 1 Feminine on the women's side. Reign players Megan Rapinoe and Jess Fishlock of have played for Lyon previously.

Huskies Reach NCAA Quarterfinals
December 1, 2019

Ethan Bartlow scores a pair of goals and Blake Bodily gets his 12th of the season as sixth-ranked Washington beats No. 11 Marshall, 4-1, in an NCAA third round match at Husky Soccer Stadium. Washington erupts for four goals, giving the Huskies nine in their last three matches. Bodily gets the UW on the board in the eighth minute, scoring off a corner kick from Lucas Meek. Following the Herd's equalizer, Bartlow puts the Huskies back on top in the 43rd minute, and just 45 seconds into the second half Christian Soto caps a strong run with his first collegiate goal. Bartlow caps the scoring from the spot in the 73rd minute. It's just the second time the Huskies have reached the NCAA quarterfinal stage.

S2: Little Takes Over for Hutchinson
January 23, 2019

Sounders FC promotes Chris Little to head coach of S2, replacing John Hutchinson. Little retains his position as Academy Director of Coaching, where he oversees the development of Sounders FC's youth system. Hutchinson is returning to coach in his native Australia. Little guided the Academy U-17 squad to the 2017-18 U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Championship in July, then captured the 2018 U-17 Generation Adidas Cup championship in March. Hutchinson's teams were 14-40-14 over two seasons.

Whitworth Honors Bushey, Hagerott
October 5, 2019

Sean Bushey and Jael Hagerott are inducted into the Whitworth Heritage Gallery hall of fame. Bushey coached Pirates' men's program for 17 seasons (1996-2013) and women for 12 (1997-2008). The men went 209-86-35, reaching the NCAA Division III tournament semifinals in 2005 and the quarterfinals in 2009. Hagerott is consider one of Whitworth greatest female players. She is the only four-time first-team All-NWC honoree and led the Bucs to their first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance in 2007.

Gallimore Era to End on Montlake
January 16, 2019

Washington women’s coach Lesle Gallimore announces that the 2019 season will be her last on Montlake. It will be Gallimore’s 26th season at the helm of the Huskies, making her the longest-tenured Pac-12 coach. It's the longest term of any women's coach at any state four-year collegiate program. She, longtime associate head coach Amy Griffin and assistant Nikki Washington are later named West regional staff of the year after finishing 12-7-2 and reaching the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Shipp, Sounders Sail Past Atlanta
July 14, 2019

A spectacular Sounders FC goal, followed by a much simpler finish fends off the MLS Cup holder Atlanta at Century Link Field. Harry Shipp scores the match-winner in the 71st minute on the end of a lofty cross from Nicolas Lodeiro to the far post. The win extends Seattle's home unbeaten streak to 13 games (11-0-2), just one shy of the club record. Raul Ruidiaz, playing his first MLS match since returning from a runner-up finish at the 2019 Copa América, opens the scoring in the 58th minute with a dazzling individual effort. Josef Martínez equalizes seven minutes later with his 13th goal of the year.

Rapinoe Scores Winner in World Cup Final
July 7, 2019

In a tense World Cup final, Megan Rapinoe breaks open a scoreless stalemate and the United States goes on to defeat the Netherlands, 2-0, for its second straight championship and fourth overall before 57,900 in Lyon. Rapinoe scores her sixth goal of the tournament and — thanks to three assists and playing fewer minutes — finishes as the Golden Boot winner over Alex Morgan. Replays confirm Dutch defender Stefanie van der Gragt's high challenge on striker Morgan, and Rapinoe converts the penalty kick in the 61st minute for her 50th international goal. It's the first penalty scored in a FIFA Women's World Cup final. Rose Lavelle all but seals the victory eight minutes later.

Redhawks' Woodward Reaches 300th Win
October 10, 2019

Goals from Leahi Manthei and Jessie Ray give Seattle University a 2-0 verdict over Cal State Bakersfield at Championship Field. For Redhawks coach Julie Woodward, now in her 23rd season, it's her 300th win.

Hundreds Watch WWC With WA Legends, Reign
July 7, 2019

More than a thousand World Cup fans join representatives of Reign FC and Washington State Legends of Soccer to watch the USA-Netherlands final at Rhein Haus locations in Seattle and Tacoma. The two organizations partner to promote and provide pregame and halftime analysts during each of the seven USWNT match days. For the final, both Rhein Haus locations are packed to capacity with 850 on Capitol Hill and 530 in Tacoma.

Western Women Win GNAC, Again
November 16, 2019

Karli White kicks in the late winner as Western Washington denies Seattle Pacific an NCAA bid by winning the GNAC tournament and automatic berth, 2-1, at Interbay Stadium. It's the Vikings' fifth conference title in eight years. They also had won the regular season title. In the 81st minute, Makenzie Burks sees her shot rebound out to White, who ensures Western's 14th win in a row. White is named tournament MVP. She also scored the opening goal in the semifinal. Seattle Pacific got on top with Chloe Gellhaus tallying in the 19th minute. Jordyn Bartelson answers for WWU in the 26th.

Sounders Academy First MLS Affiliate to Win GA
April 20, 2019

Sounders FC Academy becomes the first MLS-affiliated club to win the Generation Adidas Champions Division, edging Spain's Valencia, 1-0, in Frisco, Tex. With the match seemingly destined for penalties, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez’s cross finds the head of Ray Serrano, who guides his shot past the goalkeeper with only seconds remaining in the second period of extra time. Ocampo-Chavez, wins the tournament's Golden Boot with six goals and one assist in six matches. Valencia, had defeated Seattle in the opening match of the group stage. After that the Rave Green reeled off wins over Brazil's Flamengo, Argentina's River Plate and England's West Ham to reach the final.

PLU's Hacker First Women's 200 Winner
September 24, 1993

Colleen Hacker of Pacific Lutheran raises her career win total to 200 games after a 1-0 home win over Linfield. The Lutes out-shoot the Wildcats 35-0 but Keri Allen's late first-half goal is the difference. Now in her 13th season, Hacker is the state's first women's coach to reach 200.

Dhillon Helps Deliver Defiance Road Win
October 5, 2019

Behind Justin Dhillon's brace Tacoma Defiance registers its first road win in 15 games, 4-1, at Fresno. Dhillon scores each half to bring his season total to a club-record 12. Seventeen-year-old Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez gets the third goal and Danny Leyva, 16, adds his first professional goal for Defiance.

Stars Clinch MASL Playoff Berth
April 12, 2019

Nick Perera scores four times and adds an assist as the Tacoma Stars romp over Turlock, 14-4, to clinch an MASL playoff berth for the second year in a row. It's a scoring record for the Stars, who win two of their final three regular season games, all on road. Lamar Neagle, who has three assists in the game, scores his first goal of the season. San Diego eliminates Tacoma in two games.

Legislative Bill Seeks to Track Concussions
February 19, 2019

State Senator Reuven Carlyle of Seattle sponsors a bill during the legislative session in Olympia requiring the University of Washington to maintain a website of concussion-related information and resources. This information will include a set of best practices on topics like concussion recognition, parent teacher and coach information, and information on concussions in non-high impact sports such as soccer. The website would be created and maintained in conjunction with the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association.

Defiance Adds Reinforcements, Upsets Sacramento
April 1, 2019

Hours after bringing aboard six members of Sounders FC on short-term loan, the Tacoma Defiance snaps a three-match losing string, downing previously undefeated Sacramento, 2-1, at Cheney Stadium. The imports figure heavily, with Will Bruin assisting on Henry Wingo's goal and then scoring the 78th-minute winner on a feed from Saad Abdul-Salaam.

Huskies Climb to No. 1
October 22, 2019

Washington moves into the top spot in the NCAA/United Soccer Coaches Top 25, holding down the No. 1 position for the fifth time in program history and the first time since 2014. The Huskies are riding an eight-match winning streak and sit at 12-1-0 and 5-0-0 in Pac-12 play with just five matches remaining in the season. Washington is off to its best start since 1982. The UW defense has recorded more shutouts (9) than goals allowed (6).

FIFA Rejects Crossfire Claim on Yedlin Move
June 14, 2019

Nearly four years after the issue was first raised, FIFA rejects Crossfire Premier’s claim for a portion of DeAndre Yedlin's transfer fee from MLS to Tottenham. However, the judgement leaves open the possibility other American players could be subject to development payments. Crossfire sought 30 percent of 5 percent of the transfer fee when Yedlin moved from the Seattle Sounders to Tottenham in January 2015. Tottenham refused to pay and said Crossfire's claim should be rejected because it paid the entire transfer fee to MLS, because Crossfire's pay-to-play business model meant the club was not entitled to a development payment and because it failed to prove it was entitled to any payment.

Puyallup Doubles Up, Wins 4A Girls
November 22, 2019

Sydney Evans scores with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation time for Puyallup, 2-1 winners against Auburn Riverside at Sparks Stadium. It's the school's second 4A state championships in six months. Matt White had also coached the Vikings to the boys' crown in May. Evans shoots and scores from 13 yards out in the 80th minute after great hustle and a cross from Meredith Udovich. Kaelee Huetten put the Vikings on the board in the 36th minute. The Ravens, unbeaten in 16 games, tie it through Emma Lane in the 59th minute.

Heidelberg Sports Complex Moves Forward
July 9, 2019

Tacoma's $300 million project to create a soccer stadium, sports complex and more recreational fields takes another step forward. A feasibility study conducted by the Tacoma City Council determines the Heidelberg Sports Complex is financially feasible and has community support. The mixed-use sports village will include a 5,500-seat soccer stadium on the Cheney Stadium campus, where the Reign and Tacoma Defiance will play.

Sounders Women Reach WPSL Semifinals
July 14, 2019

Sounders Women go ahead early before adding three late second-half goals to secure a return trip to the WPSL finals by routing California Storm, 4-0, in Whittier, Calif. Kaylee Yao collects her third goal of the regional for the defending champions. Sounders Women later fall to Pensacola FC, 3-2, in the semifinals at Stillwater, Ok. That loss snaps a nine-match wins streak following a season-opening loss.

Reign Goes Top of the Table
July 5, 2019

While the World Cup and many of their top performers play on, Reign FC keeps piling up points, winning their third match in a row at Portland, 1-0, to take over the top spot in the NWSL. Celia Jimenez Delgado opens her RFC (5-1-5) account, smashing a rocket off of a rebound into the net in the 55th minute, momentarily quieting the crowd of 19,116 at Providence Park. All three wins have come on the road, and all shutouts for the defense and Casey Murphy.

Morris Hat Trick Ousts Dallas
October 19, 2019

Jordan Morris sends FC Dallas out of the MLS Cup playoffs with a dramatic extra-time goal, his third of the match, sending Seattle on to the seconds round, 4-3, at CenturyLink Field. It's the first postseason hat trick in any era of Sounders history, going back to 1974. Raul Ruidiaz, scorer of the opening goal, has his shot blocked in the 113th minute, but Morris nods in the loose ball. He scores in the 22nd and 74th minutes. It's his first professional hat trick and the most combined goals for Seattle in MLS postseason history.

Cougs Receive Nation Team Invitations
December 10, 2019

Washington State's Morgan Weaver and Makamae Gomera-Stevens are called in to the U.S. Women's National Team for Identification Camp in Bradenton, Florida, later this month. Mykiaa Minniss, another member of the Cougars, has been called up to play for the U-20 U.S. National Team to play in the 2019 Nike International Friendlies.

Kasim's Heroics Lift SU to WAC Title
November 17, 2019

No. 19 Seattle University punches its ticket to the NCAA men's tournament for the fourth time in seven seasons by winning the WAC Tournament championship on penalties. The top-seeded Redhawks come from behind, tying Utah Valley on Julian Avila-Goood's goal just before halftime, then advancing in the shootout, 2-1, at Colorado Springs. Akili Kasim won WAC Tournament MVP after making three penalty saves. Seattle U also stretches its unbeaten streak to 14 matches, second-longest active streak in the nation. In the tiebreaker, James Morris and Hal Uderitz convert, and Kasim does the rest.

Huskies' Bodily Voted All-America
December 12, 2019

For only the second time in program history, Washington has two players voted All-American. Blake Bodily earns first-team United Soccer Coaches honors and Ethan Bartlow is named to the second team. Bodily scored 12 goals and added six assists to become Washington's first 30-point scorer in 13 years. Bartlow helped the UW defense record 12 shutouts.

Rapinoe Receives Ballon d'Or
December 2, 2019

Megan Rapinoe, 34, is named the second recipient of France Football magazine’s top women's accolade at a glitzy ceremony in Paris. Rapinoe, the Reign FC and USWNT midfielder, out-polls England and Lyon defender Lucy Bronze for the Ballon d'Or, while U.S. teammate Alex Morgan finishes third. Rapinoe also scooped the FIFA Best Women’s Player prize in September, on the back of captaining the US to World Cup glory in France in the summer, where she won the Golden Boot for top scorer and the Golden Ball for best player.

Puyallup Boys Claim First State Crown
May 25, 2019

Logan Oyama's game-winner comes with just seconds remaining to hand Puyallup its first boys' state 4A state championship, 2-1 over Mount Si on the Vikings' home field, Sparks Stadium. Oyama scores from 20 yards out on a free kick in the 79 minute to cap a comeback. After a missed penalty by Puyallup, Mount Si's Sullivan Smith opens the scoring. The lead holds until the Vikings' Andrew Irby's goal in the 53rd minute. It's the final game for Wildcats coach Darren Brown after 15 years.

Sounders Ownership Group Changes, Swells
August 13, 2019

Eleven new families join the Sounders FC ownership group as original majority owner Joe Roth departs after 12 years. Each of the families have direct ties to Seattle and bring a wealth of expertise in sports, entertainment, technology, broadcast, finance and many other fields. The new group of investors is led by former Microsoft executive Terry Myerson and also includes Grammy Award-winning artist Ciara and Seahawks Super Bowl-winning quarterback Russell Wilson Seattle-bred hip hop superstar Macklemore and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Majority owner Adrian Hanauer's group makes an additional investment. Drew Carey and Jody Allen remain as partners. Forbes pegs the club's value at $405 million. Families of Tod Leiweke and Ken Griffey Jr. join shortly thereafter.

Western Washington Bound for Final Four
December 7, 2019

Western Washington is heading to the NCAA Division II Women's Championships Final Four for a fourth time following a 3-0 quarterfinal triumph over Utah's Dixie State at Harrington Field. After securing three consecutive 1-0 victories to open the NCAA tournament, the Vikings explode for three goals against the Trailblazers to punch their ticket to Pittsburgh. Dayana Diaz opens the scoring with a goal in the 30th minute on a rebound. Four minutes into the second half Liv Larson give WWU some cushion with her seventh goal of the season and 20th of her career. Grace Eversaul tallies the third goal in the 69th minute. Western's 17th shutout features only three shots allowed by Dixie State.

Stars' Perera Voted MASL MVP
May 4, 2019

Nick Perera, Tacoma Stars player/coach, is voted the MASL Most Valuable Player after leading the league in scoring. Perera accumulated 80 points by scoring 39 goals and 41 assists, the latter also tops in MASL. He came to Tacoma in 2017-18 and in December 2018 replaced Darren Sawatzky as coach.

Ten Reign Players on World Cup Rosters
June 7, 2019

FIFA's eighth Women's World Cup commences in France, and a total of 10 Reign FC players are on rosters of participating teams: Steph Catley (Scotland), Celia Jimenez Delgado (Spain), Elise Kellond-Knight (Australia), Allie Long (USA), Rebecca Quinn (Canada), Megan Rapinoe (USA), Jodie Taylor (England), Rumi Utsugi (Japan), Lydia Williams (Australia) and Rosie White (New Zealand). Randy Hanson of Eastside FC serves as a scout for the USWNT.

Northwest's Rassier Gets Goals Record
October 5, 2019

Rylee Rassier is involved in every goal, scoring four and assisting on the fifth, in Northwest's 5-0 defeat of Northwest Christian at Kirkland. Rassier got the Eagles started in the sixth minute and doubled it in the 17th. She added two second-half goals, including a penalty to achieve the single game record, as NU won its ninth in a row. A week later Rassier adds another hat trick, versus Multnomah.

Lightning Stops, Cancels SPU Game
September 7, 2019

Lightning forces abandonment of the Seattle Pacific-Chico State men’s game at Interbay Stadium. Play is halted in the 35th minute with the Falcons leading, 1-nil, when lightning becomes visible. Spectators are instructed to leave the metal bleacher and seek shelter while teams and officials retreat to their respective locker rooms. By 9:31 the storm, having intensified, prompts officials to cancel the game. Another electrical storm Sept. 13 interrupts the Seattle U-Portland men's match for more than an hour at Championship Field. The Redhawks, up 1-0 in the 55th minute before lightning and a downpour, later return to finish the match and win, 2-0.

SeaTac Mini Pitch Opens
August 28, 2019

The RAVE Foundation opens a mini-pitch futsal court at Valley Ridge Playfield in SeaTac. Sounders players Cristian Roldan and Luis Silva take part in the ceremonies. Another RAVE mini-pitch opens later in the year at Roxhill Elementary in White Center.

Seattle's Rothrock Aids Georgetown Title Run
December 16, 2019

Georgetown University gets a key goal from Seattle junior Paul Rothrock to win the NCAA Division I National Championship at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, North Carolina. The back-and-forth affair with Virginia ends in a 3-3 tie after 110 minutes of play and then goes to penalty kicks where GU gets the 7-6 win. Rothrock nets the Hoyas' first goal, tying the score, 1-1, in the 16th minute. It's his third goal of the tournament, having scored a brace vs. Louisville. He makes the all-tournament team. Georgetown had eliminated Washington, 2-1, in the quarterfinal at Washington, D.C.

Weaver Celebrates WSU Senior Day in Style
November 3, 2019

Morgan Weaver celebrates her final home match for Washington State by tying a record with four goals in a 4-1 win over Colorado at Pullman's Lower Field. Weaver, whose first goal comes in the third minute, ties a record first set by Kim Lynass in 1990. She goes on to finish No. 2 in career goals with 43.

Strong Seasons For Gonzaga Women, Whitman Men
November 9, 2019

Gonzaga women's soccer team ties the program record for most season wins with a thrilling 3-2 victory at Pacific. Madeline Gotta scores a goal and an assist in the win. The 12 victories is the most since 2007. A week before, Joe Wall scored in the 84th minute to cap Whitman’s comeback versus Linfield, 2-1, tying the program record for season wins at 13. It's the Blues' eighth straight win and 10th in 11.

Sounders Shock LAFC Away, Return to MLS Cup
October 29, 2019

Behind the orchestrations of Nicolas Lodeiro and finishing of Raul Ruidiaz, Seattle shocks Supporters' Shield holder LAFC, 3-1, at Banc of California Stadium to reach the MLS Cup final. After allowing LAFC to score first, in 17th minute, Ruidiaz (22') and Lodeiro (26') and quickly respond to put Sounders ahead, then Ruidiaz's second goal (64') cements advantage. Although Rave Green is kept under pressure for final 20 minutes, MVP Carlos Vela is held to one shot on goal after scoring 11 times in his past 11 games. When Toronto upsets Atlanta the following night, Seattle emerges as the top remaining seed and will host the final.

We respect our opponents, but we don’t have any fear.
Brian Schmetzer on his Sounders' mindset
It is a massive, massive opportunity for our club. We've built a passionate fan base and I want to ask them to make that journey down to Tacoma. And can promise them that their experience will be exponentially better than what we were able to deliver in Seattle.
Reign FC president Bill Predmore on relocating the club
This diverse, passionate group of new partners wants to continue developing the club's community-first approach, while also furthering its proud winning tradition on the field. Collectively, we believe that Seattle is the greatest city in the world and that Sounders FC has a responsibility to both preserve our region's unique spirit while also leading our community by fostering an environment that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
Sounders owner Adrian Hanauer in announcing changes to the ownership group
He was a great American center back, a great American defender, arguably one of the best our league has had. I'm obviously biased, but I think he's pretty terrific.
Brian Schmetzer saluting Chad Marshall upon his retirement
I got a little teary-eyed, not so much for winning the trophy but winning it at home with our fans and having that positivity and joyous moments that you can share with everybody.
Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the aftermath of winning 2019 MLS Cup
It makes me excited that we have created a great atmosphere for people to come. It makes me so happy that everyone is happy to come and enjoy what we do. I get chills every time the place goes up the walls.
Rhein Haus general manager Jeremy Walcott on Women's World Cup watch party atmosphere
We have seen many great players that have played for our club, but none have had as much influence as Osvaldo Alonso. His drive and determination to win was evident from the first day of training, his first game, and continued throughout all of the successful years he had with Sounders FC.
Brian Schmetzer on the departure of Osvaldo Alonso after 10 seasons
I hope that this shows that with hard work, determination, and a great group of people supporting you, you can make your dreams a reality. Everyone's path is different, but at the end of the day you should be doing something you love with people you love. That's where I'm currently at, and I couldn't be happier.
Reign FC forward Bethany Balcer on being voted NWSL Rookie of the Year
He had the technical ability, the awareness, the savvy. Once he got around the final guy he finds the goal and the goalkeeper and puts it into the back of the net. That was not an easy goal and he made it look easy.
Brian Schmetzer on Raul Ruidiaz's sensational individual effort to score vs. Atlanta
Joe was the inspiration of Sounders FC as we know it. He came to the Northwest, chose Seattle, decided on his partners, and I was lucky enough to be one of those partners. His vision, drive, partnership, his caring about the community and our fans, delivering a first-class experience, atmosphere and product - he was the lynchpin in putting this whole thing together and for that I will forever be grateful. Joe thought big about this club.
Adrian Hanauer on departing Sounders owner Joe Roth
We locked down defense. We scored on our few opportunities. In other games, maybe we would play pretty. But we knew it was going to be a tough opponent away from home. We adjusted accordingly. Sometimes we would press. Sometimes we would sit back. Overall, it was just a fantastic performance.
Cristian Roldan, Sounders midfielder, on strategy to beat LAFC in MLS semifinal
He has this unique ability to really get the best out of every player. His tactical flexibility and knowledge is tremendous. Even being in the NWSL, I don't think he is really able to put on his full arsenal of what he knows.
Reign FC's Megan Rapinoe on U.S. Soccer choosing Vlatko Andonovski as new USWNT coach
I became a fan of the team when I was 4 years old. And the connection between the fans and the players is the best of any in North America.
Chris Henderson, Everett native and Sounders technical director, after winning 2019 MLS Cup before record crowd
Without you guys and without the vision you had, and the grittiness and tenacity to make it come to life … just how you approached this club was to make it the best club in the world.
Megan Rapinoe on Bill and Teresa Predmore's vision for Reign FC and going forward with OL Group ownership
Let's be frank with one another, women haven't got the most investments in sports. Here in Tacoma, we're going to get it right and not just in the sport, the women who play the sport. They deserve to play on fields and spaces that are just as good as the ones the men play on.
Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards in announcing the Reign's relocation to Tacoma and the prospect of new playing facilities
This is great for the league, I think it’s great for football in this country. This whole chess game of not conceding at home…this is now two teams trying to utilize their strengths whether you’re home or away, you have to go for it. You can’t just sit back and hope for something else. You really have to go earn it.
Stefan Frei, Sounders goalkeeper, on new MLS knockout playoff format
College & High School All-America (USC)
Player (Hometown) School (Div/Team/Pos)
Ethan Bartlow (Woodinville) Washington (D1/2nd/D)
Blake Bodily (Eagle, Id.) Washington (D1/1st/F)
Morgan Weaver (University Place) Washington State (D1/3rd/F)
Natalie Dierickx (Kirkland) Western Washington (D2/1st/G)
Emily Nelson (Puyallup) Western Washington (D2/2nd/D)
Karli White (North Bend) Western Washington (D2/1st/F)
Madelynn Mak (Renton) Embry-Riddle (NAIA/2nd/D)
Collegiate Men's Records
Evergreen 9-10-0
Gonzaga 4-10-2
Northwest 9-9-1
Pacific Lutheran 14-5-2
Puget Sound 9-7-3
Saint Martin's 9-8-2
Seattle University 15-3-5
Seattle Pacific 7-9-1
Washington 17-4-0
Western Washington 13-5-1
Whitman 13-7-0
Whitworth 10-9-1
Collegiate Women's Records
Central Washington 8-9-1
Eastern Washington 11-8-2
Evergreen 5-11-0
Gonzaga 12-6-1
Northwest 13-6-0
Pacific Lutheran 16-3-2
Puget Sound 13-4-3
Saint Martin's 4-13-2
Seattle University 12-8-2
Seattle Pacific 12-8-0
Washington 12-7-2
Washington State 16-7-1
Western Washington 23-3-0
Whitman 4-15-0
Whitworth 6-12-2
Founders Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U10 Crossfire Select B09 Black-Park (LWYSA)Cascade FC G09 Green
U11 NSC B08 Green RaptorsCrossfire Select B08 Black-Fillippini (LWYSA)
U12 NSC B07 Green FuerzaNSC G07 Green Xtreme
U13 NSC Knights B06 GreenCrossfire Select G06 Black-El Zein
U14 Bainbridge Island FC B05 BlueHSA Select G05 Foulk
U15 HSC Rebano 04 Lopeznot awarded
U16 Seattle United SH B03 Bluenot awarded
U17 Crossfire Select B02 Lunanot awarded
U19 NSC Impact B00not awarded
NPSL, WPSL Records
Issaquah SC Gunners 2-4-2, 7th Div.
Pac NW 4-3-1, 4th Div.
Pac NW-OSA 4-4-0, 6th Div.
Seattle Sounders U23s 7-3-4, 2nd Div.
Seattle Sounders Women 7-1-0, 1st Div.
Spokane Shadow 5-3-0, 3rd Div.
Washington Crossfire 7-2-1, 1st Div.
Professional All-League
Player (Pos) Team (Lg-Tm)
Lauren Barnes (D) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Bethany Balcer (F) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Megan Rapinoe (F) Reign (NWSL-2nd)
Nick Perera (F) Stars (MASL-1st)
State Youth Presidents Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U9 Crossfire PremierWashington Premier FC
U10 Federal Way FCSeattle United
U11 Washington Premier FCCrossfire Premier
U12 Seattle UnitedSeattle United
U13 Crossfire YakimaWashington Premier FC
U14 Federal Way FCBellevue United FC
U15 Seattle UnitedWashington Premier FC
U16 Eastside FCCrossfire Premier/Seattle United
U17 Three Rivers SCWhatcom FC Rangers
U18 Washington Premier FC
U19 Washington Premier FCWhatcom Rangers FC
State Youth Recreational Cup Winners
Age BoysGirls
U11 Stanwood-Camano Destroyers (D1)Norpoint Dragons G09 (D3)
U12 Ellensburg (D6)Everett Blue Panthers (D1)
U13 VW B07 Big Green (D5)IFC G07 Blue Thunder/Anderson (D2)
U14 NK1 B06 BU14 Eclipse (D4)TCYSA OUSC Lacey Jaguars (D7)
U15 SL Blueberries (D1)GHFYSA MYSC Bulldogs (D7)
U16 LSDSC Lakewood United 04 White (D3)GHFYSA HYSC Crushers (D1)
U17 NYSC Wolfpack FC (D2)Terrace Brier Red Royals (D1)
U19 Queen Anne Sonic Panthers (D1)VUSA 01G Thunder (D5)
WA Youth Soccer Hall of Fame
Name HometownRole
Doug Andreassen Federal WayAdmin
Debbie Barlow AuburnCoach
Louis Bond PoulsboCoach/Admin
George Craggs SeattleOfficial
John Duggan TacomaCoach
Jeff Durgan TacomaPlayer
Michelle French KentPlayer/Coach
Peter Fewing SeattleCoach
Lesle Gallimore SeattleCoach
Booth Gardner TacomaCoach
Helga Grosch Federal WayAdmin
Colleen Hacker TacomaCoach
Chris Henderson EverettPlayer
Dick Henderson EverettCoach
Alan Hinton KirklandCoach
Sandra Hunt BellinghamOfficial
Bill Hurme KirklandCoach/Board
Kasey Keller OlympiaPlayer
Cliff McCrath SeattleCoach
Fred Mendoza Normandy ParkLegal
Fran O'Brien TacomaPlayer/Coach
Mark Peterson TacomaPlayer
Walter Schmetzer SeattleCoach
Mark Schuur TacomaPlayer/Board
Ray Smith TacomaCoach
Jeff Stock TacomaPlayer
Hope Solo RichlandPlayer
Ted Stiles SpokaneLegal
Dan Vaughn TacomaPlayer
Gary Wright SammamishExecutive
Washington State Youth Champions
Age BoysGirls
U12 Crossfire Premier 07 A (LWYSA)Seattle United 07 Copa (SYSA)
U13 Crossfire Yakima 06 A (YYSA)Washington Premier 06 Pre-ECNL (TPCJSA)
U14 Crossfire Premier 05A (LWYSA)Snohomish United 05 Black (SSCYSA)
U15 Three Rivers 04 Black (TCYSA)Eastside Reign Acad 04 (SSCYSA)
U16 Eastside FC 03 Red A (EYSA)Eastside Reign 03 (EYSA)
U17 Crossfire Premier 02 A (LWYSA)Washington Rush 02 (NCYSA)
U18 Washington Premier 01 Black (TPCJSA)Spokane Sounders 01 Rave (SSYSA)
U19 Seattle United 00 Copa (SYSA)Washington Rush 00 (NCYSA)
WIAA Championship Games
Boys 4A Puyallup 2Mount Si 1
Boys 3A Lakeside 2Bellevue 0
Boys 2A Sehome 1Columbia River 0
Boys 1A Vashon Island 3Winlock/Toledo 1
Boys 1B-2B St. George's 0 (6-5)Life Christian 0
Girls 4A Puyallup 2Auburn Riverside 1
Girls 3A Lake Washington 3Bellevue 1
Girls 2A Columbia River 1Hockinson 0
Girls 1A Seattle Academy 1Cascade (Leavenworth) 0
Girls 1B-2B Davenport 0 (4-3)Onalaska 0
Highlights: Sounders at LAFC, MLS Playoff

VIDEO: Highlights: Sounders at LAFC, MLS Playoff

Highlights: Sounders at Portland, Aug. 23, 2019

VIDEO: Highlights: Sounders at Portland, Aug. 23, 2019

Highlights: OL at Portland

VIDEO: Highlights: OL at Portland

Highlights: Washington vs UCLA

VIDEO: Highlights: Washington vs UCLA

Highlights: NCAA Quarterfinal, Washington State at South Carolina

VIDEO: Highlights: NCAA Quarterfinal, Washington State at South Carolina

USMNT at Cuba, Concacaf Nations League

VIDEO: USMNT at Cuba, Concacaf Nations League

Highlights: NCAA Quarterfinal, Western Washington vs.Dixie State

VIDEO: Highlights: NCAA Quarterfinal, Western Washington vs.Dixie State

WA Legends: A Night with Alan Hinton with Friends

VIDEO: WA Legends: A Night with Alan Hinton with Friends

Highlights: Sounders v Toronto MLS Cup Final

VIDEO: Highlights: Sounders v Toronto MLS Cup Final

Raul Ruidiaz MLS Goal of the Week vs. Atlanta

VIDEO: Raul Ruidiaz MLS Goal of the Week vs. Atlanta

Highlights: Sounders vs Dallas, MLS Playoff

VIDEO: Highlights: Sounders vs Dallas, MLS Playoff

Highlights: OL Reign vs. North Carolina, May 27, 2019

VIDEO: Highlights: OL Reign vs. North Carolina, May 27, 2019

Highlights: OL Reign at Utah

VIDEO: Highlights: OL Reign at Utah

FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal: USWNT at France

VIDEO: FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal: USWNT at France

FIFA World Cup Round of 16: USWNT vs. Spain

VIDEO: FIFA World Cup Round of 16: USWNT vs. Spain

FIFA World Cup Final: USWNT vs. The Netherlands

VIDEO: FIFA World Cup Final: USWNT vs. The Netherlands

Highlights: Washington vs. Oregon State

VIDEO: Highlights: Washington vs. Oregon State

Highlights: NCAA Quarterfinal, Washington at Georgetown

VIDEO: Highlights: NCAA Quarterfinal, Washington at Georgetown

Highlights: NCAA Second Round, Washington State at Virginia

VIDEO: Highlights: NCAA Second Round, Washington State at Virginia

Highlights: NCAA First Round, Washington vs Seattle University

VIDEO: Highlights: NCAA First Round, Washington vs Seattle University

On this Day in History