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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Sounders' CCL Win Over UNAM Pumas Makes History
May 4, 2022

Raul Ruidiaz strikes twice before a roaring record crowd and Seattle Sounders FC makes history, becoming the first MLS club to claim the Concacaf Champions League. Before 68,741, the Sounders defeat Mexico's UNAM Pumas 3-0 in the second leg for a 5-2 aggregate score. Seattle overcomes the loss of Nouhou (11') and Joao Paulo (29') to injury, beginning with Ruidiaz's deflected shot moments before halftime. He pounces to double the lead in the 80th minute, and Nicolas Lodeiro seals it at 88'. Stefan Frei posts his fourth shutout of the tournament and is voted its outstanding player.

Huskies Start Strong, Upset UCLA
October 22, 2006

Ely Allen and midfielder George John put Washington ahead early and the Huskies proceed to upset No. 10 UCLA, 2-0, before 2,303 fans at Montlake. The Bruins had been unbeaten in six. Allen connects on a penalty kick in the sixth minute, and John scores his fourth goal of the season in the 18th minute. Redshirt freshman Rylan Hawkins, makes five saves, including a penalty attempt in the 84th minute.

Sounders Win Top-Two Battle Soundly
July 4, 1995

Top-of-the-table Seattle extends over second-place Atlanta just before the all-star break, routing the Ruckus, 4-0, on the road. Shawn Medved, who hadn't scored a goal this season in 11 games, drills a 24-yard shot over Bill Andracki in the 12th minute. three minutes later all-Star defender John Doyle is sent off for tackling Dick McCormick on a breakaway. Later, McCormick suffers torn knee ligaments after his studs stick when he tries to change direction. Peter Hattrup scores a pair of second-half goals and Chance Fry gets a goal in his third straight match.

Trump Threatens to Move World Cup Games
November 17, 2025

President Donald Trump warns host cities including Seattle and Los Angeles may be in danger of having their games relocated due to “safety” concerns. Alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office, Trump says, “If we think there is going to be a sign of any trouble, I would ask Gianni to move that to a different city.” He then mentions newly elected Seattle mayor Katie Wilson and adds: “Gianni, can I say we will move the event to some place it will be appreciated and safe?”

Boom! Cannon Scores Historic Goal
July 6, 1974

Newly-acquired Otey Cannon scores four minutes after coming off the bench, and his 77th minute goal gives the Seattle Sounders 1-0 win over St. Louis. Cannon becomes the NASL's first Black American to score. He had been signed by his former Dallas teammate John Best after being released by the Tornado. It is Seattle's seventh straight win.

NCAA Region Proves Fluid
November 19, 1978

Washington, which is making its second postseason appearance in three years, is seeded No. 4 in the West. Originally it was paired with USF (24-1-0) ranked No. 2 nationally, however, both San Jose State and UC Santa Barbara are deemed ineligible, so UW meets Santa Clara at Buck Shaw Stadium, falling 2-0, in a cold rain.

Sounders U23 and Sounders Women rebranded as Sound FC in early 2020. (Courtesy Sounders U23)
2020
Blake Bodily became just the third player in Washington history to earn first team All-American honors and was also the Huskies' first Pac-12 Player of the Year in 12 seasons. Bodily, a junior, scored 12 goals and added six assists. (Courtesy Washington Athletics)
2019
(Courtesy The Seattle Times)
1956
1972
Western Washington standout Delanee Nilles was 2015 GNAC Defender of the Year and a first team All-American as a senior. (Courtesy Western Washington)
2015
Tacoma rookie Mark Peterson, right, was a key figure in the Sounders' 1980 success. (Frank MacDonald Collection)
1980
Whitman College at play in Walla Walla. (Whitman digital archives)
1976
Lowenbrau Zurich forward Joan Dunlap tests the Rochester keeper.
1983
Many Washingtonians attended 1999 World Cup matches, including the record 90,185 in the Rose Bowl for the USA-China final. (Frank MacDonald)
1999
Denise Bender driving forward for the PCI Sharks at the national finals. (Frank MacDonald Collection)
1980