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.
Pacific Lutheran's first year of varsity men's play ends with a share of the Northwest Conference of Independent Colleges title. The Lutes finish tied three ways with Whitman and Lewis & Clark following a 1-1 draw with the Missionaries. Harold Kutz scores for PLU and John Vernon answers for Whitman. Coach Dave Asher goes out on a high note after five seasons as Lutes coach.
Clint Dempsey pulls level with Landon Donovan for United States men's national team goal-scoring record with a free kick in the 82nd minute that earns his side a 2-0 Gold Cup semifinal win over Costa Rica at Arlington, Tex. Dempsey hits a 27-yard free kick in the 82nd minute that curls around a four-man defensive wall and skips into the net on two bounces. It's his 57th international goal. In the 66th minute he came on as a substitute and immediately set-up Jozy Altidore, who breaks a 0-0 deadlock in the 72nd minute
After being held to a lone Larry Petersen goal in Week 7, Norselander Vikings run rampant on the attack in their final two games of the state league's first half. The Vikings tied Buchan, 5-5, the following week and now clinch the title by smashing Norden Club, 7-2. They go 8-0-1 to finish three points clear of the Bakers. Norselander wins five trophies plus the Five-a-Side prize for 1956.
Seattle native Tony Crudo, 20, is acquired by the California Surf from Tampa Bay in exchange for a draft choice. Crudo, who signed with the Rowdies in 1977, has earned a starting job at the outset of the season, but after returning from the Pan American Games had lost his spot. He earns an assist in his Surf debut, a 6-3 home loss to Fort Lauderdale.
A Pacific Coast League between the Hungarians and Victoria United is abandoned with three minutes remaining due to a melee. Police responded and escorted the officials from the field after the referee was allegedly attacked by a Seattle player while a linesman was reportedly struck by a fan. Victoria had been leading, 4-1, at the time play was halted. One member of the Hungarians was later suspended indefinitely and charged with assault.
Two scores allowed within a four-minute span puts 17th-ranked Washington out of the NCAA women's tournament, and Portland is once again the culprit. Lisa Casagrande (23:55) and Christine Sinclair (27:23) goals give the Pilots a 2-0 win at Merlo Field. The Huskies manage just four shots and fall to 1-13-1 vs. UP, including four postseason losses in eight seasons. It's the final collegiate game for Hope Solo, who had allowed just three goals in her last 676 minutes.