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.
Once more exhibiting an ability to shift into a higher gear come the second half, the Sounders remain undefeated and win their fourth in a row, 2-0, over LAFC. It matches 2019 for the best start in the MLS era (5-0-1). Xavier Arreaga flicks a near-post header from Joao Paulo's corner kick in the 57th minute. Then in the 73rd, Seattle’s wingbacks combine when Alex Roldan dinks a lofted ball for Brad Smith’s late-arriving run. Stefan Cleveland makes his first start with for the injured Stefan Frei and makes three saves. Seattle has outscored opponents 10-1 in the second half.
Ezra Hendrickson is introduced as the first head coach of Seattle Sounders 2, the club's new USL-Pro team. Hendrickson served as an assistant to Sigi Schmid the past six seasons, as well as coach of the Sounders Reserves. They went 19-13-7 under his direction.
Grace Burke finds joy early, and Northwest University goes on to upset Eastern Oregon to secure an automatic NAIA tournament berth, 1-0, over Eastern Oregon in the Cascade Conference semifinals. Fifth in the regular season, the Eagles' third straight win and second by shutout earn their fifth national tournament appearance at the expense of the No. 3 seed Mountaineers in Springfield, Ore. Burke scores in the 15th minute. NU falls via penalties, 1-1 (2-0), to College of Idaho in the CCC title match.
Fred Hamel of state champion Blanchet and Brian Schmetzer of Nathan Hale, both members of seven-time state club champion Lake City Hawks, sign with the Sounders.
Sounders FC majority owner Adrian Hanauer outlines a six-year growth strategy while also naming experience sports executive Hugh Weber as president of business operations. Weber, a Tacoma native, comes from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, where he served as president for the parent company of the NBA Philadelphia 76ers, NHL New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and other holdings including Premier League club Crystal Palace. Peter Tomozawa, who had served as Sounders president of business operations, has been appointed CEO fo SEA 2026, the local World Cup organizing committee.
Sounders FC Reserves complete the season in strong fashion by beating Portland, 4-1, at JELD-WEN Field behind David Estrada's goal and assist. With the victory, Seattle vacates the basement of the MLS Western Conference on points per game, finishing 4-6-2. The reserves go 3-1-1 over the final five matches.