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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James, Megson Earn First U.S. Caps
June 1, 1988

Bernie James and Neil Megson make their U.S. National team debuts in Clasico International opener vs. Chile (1-1) at Stockton, Ca. It is the first competitive outdoor play for either since 1983 and comes five weeks after completing the indoor season with Tacoma. James starts in defensive midfield and is replaced by Megson after 45 minutes. Two days later vs. Chile (1-3) in San Diego, James and Megson start together as center backs.

Sockers Consider Moving to Seattle
July 4, 1984

San Diego Sockers GM Jack Daley says the club is considering moving its outdoor operations to Seattle for NASL play in 1985. The Sockers would continue playing indoor games in San Diego. they are averaging just 6,000 for games at Jack Murphy Stadium. Eventually, the Sockers cease all outdoor play and join three other former NASL franchises in the MISL for 1985-86. Daley was the Sounders' GM from 1974-81.

Eastern's Katie Grothkopp Saves 20
October 10, 1999

Eastern Washington finds its goal under siege at Missoula, with Montana levying a record 37 shots in a 4-0 Big Sky win. Eagles keeper Katie Grothkopp manages to save 20 shots, an EWU record. Eastern has lost 11 of its first 12 matches, allowing 35 goals.

Sounders 2 Top USL Cascadia
September 2, 2016

Darwin Jones scores the winner four minutes into stoppage time as Sounders 2 come from behind to beat Vancouver, 2-1, in the home finale at Starfire. Seattle proves superior to its Cascadia rivals over the campaign, going 5-1-2 versus Portland and Vancouver. While S2 has reversed fortunes to close within a point of the playoff line over the summer, they take just two points in the final four, all on the road.

Dempsey Suspensions Mount
June 25, 2015

Clint Dempsey is dealt his second major suspension in six days as U.S. Soccer bans him from U.S. Open Cup play for six matches or two years, whichever is greater. Since his red card for grabbing and ripping up referee Daniel Radford's notebook in an Open Cup loss to Portland, Dempsey was fined and suspended three games by MLS Commissioner Don Garber on June 19. He also lost his captaincy of the USMNT.

Deja Vu as SPU Wins GNAC on Final Day
November 8, 2003

For the second year in a row, the GNAC women's title race comes down to the final day of the regular season at Championship Field, and once again it's Seattle Pacific earning an overtime decision over Seattle University. Shannon Lovejoy's header from a Jessica Henson corner comes six minutes into the extra period for a 2-1 win. Winners of 10 straight (eight by shutout), the Falcons, beat SU earlier on a Lovejoy goal, will become the first GNAC team to play in the NCAA Division II tournament.

Peninsula College celebrates going 15-0-0 and winning the NWAC championship after defeating Bellevue College. The Pirates were later voted the nation’s No. 1 Division II women’s junior college team. (Starfire Sports)
2024
Real Madrid's David Beckham poses with Sounders owners and match promoters Rick Cantu (center) and Adrian Hanauer prior to the Qwest Field friendly vs. D.C. United. See the back story in the 2006 Year in Review. (Courtesy Rick Cantu)
2006
1992 FIFA Futsal World Cup runner-up United States, featuring Seattle's Andy Schmetzer (back row, fourth from right).
1992
Sounders captain and original team member Osvaldo Alonso presents the MLS Cup to thousands of fans at Seattle Center. (Courtesy Sounders FC)
2016
Seattle Pacific celebrates a fifth NCAA championship. (Courtesy Seattle Pacific)
1993
(Courtesy Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
1971
After an injury-shortened rookie season, Ian Russell rebounded with 14 goals and eight assists for the Sounders in 1999.
1999
Chris Henderson scored a career-high nine goal for Kansas City in 2000. (Courtesy Sporting Kansas City).
2000
Everett native Chris Henderson was voted 2004 MLS Humanitarian of the Year. (Courtesy Colorado Rapids)
2004
Ethan Dobbelaere, 18, was among an MLS-record five teenagers started by the Sounders in a 1-0 win at Austin. (Courtesy Austin FC)
2021