Chris Henderson signs a four-year contract with Nottingham Forest of the England First Division, pending a British work permit. Henderson will remain with the Colorado Rapids, at least for the rest of the season. The British government allows for “exceptional talent” in determining work permits to non-citizens. Henderson has 73 appearances for the U.S. National Team and started the MLS All-Star Game eight days earlier.

Freshman Jose Reyes scorers a pair of goals to separate Seattle Pacific from Washington, 3-1, in the NCSC opener at Queen Anne Bowl. It's the first time that the Falcons have won consecutive meetings in the series, and it comes a week after SPC gave up nine goals in Far West Classic losses to Chico State and Biola.

Gonzaga scores three times in a 9-minute stretch of the second half to down Western Washington, 3-0, at Martin Field. The victory enables the Bulldogs to complete the biggest reversal in WCC history, going from 1-16-3 in 1996 to, eventually, 8-12-0. In fact, it betters the seven total wins in Ric Grenell's first five seasons with the Zags. Betsy Platt, Megan Keaty and Sara Streufert all get goals between the 49th and 58th minutes.

Matti Niemela busts loose for six goals in Loyal Realty's 10-1 sinking of winless Holland America at Lower Woodland. The Finnish-born Niemela gets support from Reidar Olsen's brace as the Vikings stay within a point of Buchan.

Jordan Morris elects to stay at Stanford University for his junior season rather than accept an offer from Sounders FC. To preserve their homegrown rights, the MLS club is obligated to tender a written offer to players such as Morris.

Backers of House Bill 1302 stress the need for soccer facility before a hearing before the House Committee on Trade and Economic Development in Olympia. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Ken Jacobsen of Seattle, seeks state matching funds of up to $3 million for an international-class facility, to be used by teams and leagues as well as a successful 1994 World Cup bid. Communities playing host to World Cup competition also must provide three high-quality grass fields for practice.