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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Busy Best Returns from Europe
April 20, 1974

Sounders coach John Best returns to Seattle from a 12-day trip to Europe during which he signed 10 players ahead of the May 5 NASL opener at Los Angeles. Among those signed, most on loan terms, are Jimmy Gabriel, David Gillett, Willie Penman, John Rowlands, Alan Stephens, Tjeert Van't Land, Barry Watling. Stockport County later refuses to loan Ian Lawther and Harry Kirk.

UW Men Shock No. 1 UCLA
September 15, 1991

Eric Penner scores in the 111th minute as Washington shocks top-ranked and defending NCAA champ UCLA, 2-1, in overtime of the Husky Classic title game at Interlake High School. Tournament MVP Shannon Murray, who grabbed four goals vs. SMU in the tourney's first round, scores an 83' equalizer before 1,165. It's UW's first win in six tries vs. the Bruins.

Eagles' Open Cup Win Protested
May 29, 1983

No sooner does FOE Eagles beat San Francisco Greek-American, 1-0, in the U.S. Open Cup West Region final and the losers file a protest with U.S. Soccer. The Greek-Americans cite the Eagles listing former Sounders forward Pepe Fernandez as an amateur. U.S. District Judge Walter McGovern rules on June 29 it is merely a procedural error and reinstates the victory.

Pro Soccer Arrives in Spokane
February 4, 1995

Spokane secures a USISL Pro Division franchise for the coming season. The Shadow will play their home games at Spokane Falls Community College and will be coached by Einar Thorarinsson. Jeff Heimbigner, president of the Skyhawks Sports Academy, is general manager. Although there are veterans Chris Stiles and Dave Berto, many players will come from the local colleges and will receive no pay.

Huskies Score Record Rout
September 27, 1978

Behind Ron Dorn's four goals, Washington pummels Pacific Lutheran 12-0 at Husky Stadium. It's not only a UW record margin but also the largest by any program in the state to date. Mike Browne adds a brace.

Ching's Goal Wins MLS Cup Final
November 12, 2006

Former Gonzaga and Sounders star Brian Ching scores with seven minutes remaining in extra time and converts the deciding penalty kick in the resulting shootout to lift the Houston Dynamo over New England, 1-1 (4-3), in the MLS Cup final in Frisco, Texas. Ching's header comes 71 seconds after Taylor Twellman puts the Revolution in front. Ching, who scored three postseason goals, is named man of the match. Former Sounder and Washington alum Craig Waibel plays the entire 120 minutes in Houston's central defense. Dynamo coach Dominic Kinnear played for Seattle's 1995 championship side.

Tommy Jenkins gives pregame instruction to FC Seattle players during the 1987 U.K. tour. (Courtesy John Hamel)
1987
Many fans from throughout Washington traveled to see 1994 World Cup matches. Here, on July 4, the knockout round featured the USMNT facing eventual champion Brazil. (Frank MacDonald photo)
1994
Identical twins James (left) and Jason Dunn of Seattle Pacific. (Courtesy Seattle Pacific)
1993
Born-again Sounders made their home debut at the Tacoma Dome.
1994
Trace 'socguards' came into vogue in 1975.
1975
Jordan Morris scored a late equalizer for the U.S. in a 1-1 draw with Uruguay at St. Louis in 2019. (Courtesy Bill Barrett / ISI Photos)
2019
Team America's Bobby Moore, far right, pumps the ball upfield against Brazil in a Bicentennial Cup match in the Kingdome. (Frank MacDonald Collection)
1976
Columbia River completed a perfect 24-0-0 season by winning the Washington 2A boys’ championship on May 27, 2023. First-year Coach Matt Newman’s Rapids outscored opponents 114-9. (Courtesy Matt Newman)
2023
A record crowd of 69,274 celebrates the final whistle of the Sounders' 3-1 MLS Cup victory over Toronto at CenturyLink Field. (Courtesy Sounders FC)
2019
From the pages of Soccer America magazine.
1983