Washington State
Legends of Soccer

Curated by the Washington State Legends of Soccer, providing information and history of the Beautiful Game in Washington State. Just as the game evolves, so will this site. We continuously add new content, so be sure to return often.

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Explore our history. Click on any of the panels below to learn what happened that year.
Sounders Postpone Match, Defiance Closes Doors
March 11, 2020

Tacoma Defiance plays its second match of the season behind closed doors at Cheney Stadium to comply with Governor Jay Inslee's mandate earlier that day to halt all gatherings of more than 250 people in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties. San Diego Loyal defeats Tacoma, 2-1, with a few determined fans watching from beyond the fences. Also, the Sounders postpone their March 21 home match with Dallas. The Governor ordered the measures to slow the spread of COVID-19. Earlier in the day, Washington's Coronavirus-related deaths reached 29.

Fans to Name Seattle's New Team
December 16, 1973

Walt Daggatt, managing general partner for Seattle's new NASL franchise, announces fans will have until Dec. 31 to send in their suggested names. Team officials will screen the list and select finalists which fans will vote on. All those voting for the winning name will receive two tickets to a home game.

Bellingham United is Born
February 14, 2011

Bellingham United is formed, with plans to play in a yet-to-be-determined adult amateur men’s league in 2012. The club is owned by Jeff McIntyre and Erin O'Brien, founders of Seattle-based Ruffneck Scarves.

Only Win for SeaTac Comes by Forfeit
August 23, 1970

SeaTac SC manages its first win in the final game of the season, yet there is little satisfaction. They are awarded a forfeit when Vancouver Cougars arrive 1 hour 40 minutes late at Tacoma's Baker Stadium. All 500 fans are given refunds and players attempt to entertain them with a football field-goal kicking exhibition. After the Cougars arrive, they win a non-counting exhibition, 4-1. SeaTac finishes a distant fourth in the WCSL at 1-13-1.

SPU Women Clinch GNAC Title in 2nd Season
November 5, 2002

Megan Lienhard's goal 12 minutes into sudden death overtime lifts Seattle Pacific to a 2-1 victory over host Seattle University, clinching the Great Northwest Athletic Conference championship for the Falcons in just the program's second year. Lienhard, a freshman from Everett, scores both SPU goals. Despite winning the final nine matches and going undefeated in 11, Seattle Pacific (13-4-2) is denied an NCAA berth.

Nathan Hale Cops First AA Crown
May 25, 1985

Nathan Hale lays claim to the state’s first AA boys’ trophy by dispatching North Thurston, 2-0. Walter Schmetzer sets-up twin brother Andy early in the second half, then picks out Keith Piccirilli less than two minutes later to double the lead. The Raiders had finished third in the 1984 all-division tournament. O’Dea wins the consolation final, 3-1, over Franklin Pierce.

Sarah Martinez, All-America forward, Seattle Pacific.
2005
The Brougham End was alight with a bonfire tifo prior to the 2013 Sounders-Timbers rivalry match (Courtesy Sounders FC)
2013
With the distinctive star over their heart, E&E Meats delivered one of the few blemishes to the Bakers' 1953 championship campaign. (Courtesy Seattle Times)
1953
Michelle French guided the U.S. to the 2016 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Papa New Guinea, where they finished third. (Courtesy Michael Janosz / ISI Photos)
2016
Summer Yates scored eight goals to earn all-Pac-12 distinction in 2019. Yates also was called in to the U.S. Under-20 National Team. (Courtesy Washington Athletics)
2019
Sehome prevailed over Squalicum in an all-Bellingham 3A state final in 2002. (Courtesy Sehome High School)
2002
Washington Huskies team photo. (Courtesy Washington archives)
1993
Vincent Akhimie of the University of Washington. (Courtesy UW Tyee archives)
1965
Washington's state select team awaiting their SeaTac departure. (Courtesy Shannon Higgins Cirovski)
1982
Kai Carroll helped lead Washington to its sixth straight NCAA tournament in 2000. (Courtesy University of Washington Athletics)
2000