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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Explore our history. Click on any of the panels below to learn what happened that year.
Seattle Pacific Record Performance Thrashes Seattle U
October 28, 1987

Danny Machado and Chris McDonald spearhead a record goal onslaught by Seattle Pacific in a 15-0 thrashing of Seattle University at Memorial Stadium. Machado's five assists is a new record, and he also scores three goals. McDonald, a 6-foot-5 center back, becomes the first SPU defender to achieve a hat trick. The 5th-ranked Falcons are now unbeaten in 10 games.

Klinsmann Keynotes FC United Showcase
June 15, 2001

Former German world champion Jurgen Klinsmann delivers the keynote address at FC United's Northwest Showcase of Champions. The showcase offers college coaches an opportunity to see the Northwest's top players, as well as workshops and lectures. Klinsmann, 36, retired in 1998 and now resides in southern California.

Soccer a Threat to Football?
January 20, 1972

Junior high school principals in Kingco approve adding boys soccer, and since it is not yet a sanctioned sport for WIAA, players can participate in both school and club games during the fall.

Van Gaver Ties Seattle U Record
October 6, 1973

Steve Van Gaver and Seattle University pull no punches in an 11-0 beating of Puget Sound in a steady rain at Lower Woodland Park. Van Gaver, a freshman, ties the Chieftains record by scoring four goals. Scott Shoemaker, Tim Allen and Mikko Niemela each add two goals.

Hansen's Bid for National Team Goes Sour
March 31, 1950

Earling Hansen, the dynamic left half for Acme Tyee, sees his bid for a place on U.S. National Team evaporate before arriving for tryout. Hansen had been nominated and was to take part in an East-West game in St. Louis April 2, only to learn the World Cup team had already been chosen.

Gonzaga Rolls On, Earns Record 12th Win
November 5, 2005

Gonzaga's late-season surge continues as the Bulldogs blank San Francisco, 3-0 in the final regular season game at Martin Field. Beth Drollinger and Nanda McCormick notch first-half goals and Jamie Blanche adds another in the second half. Ashley Haugen's five saves earn her sixth straight shutout and 11th of the season, a program record. Gonzaga also sets a program record with its 12th win and has not allowed a goal since Oct. 9, going unbeaten (3-0-3) during that span.

Located just beyond Seattle's southwestern city limits, White Center became a regular soccer venue beginning after World War II. Here a team goes through pregame warmups. (Courtesy Pep Peery/Mike Mikkelsen)
1949
(Courtesy Seattle Times)
1959
A ticket to the U.S. Challenge Cup tie at Pop Keeney Field. (Courtesy George Craggs family)
1970
Barney Kempton, who would become Washington's first National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, is pictured in 1935 with sons George and Jim, players for both O'Dea High School and Westerman's youth entry in the Seattle Soccer League. (Courtesy Seattle Times)
1949
Preki splits a pair of Scotland defenders during a U.S. National Team friendly at Washington, D.C. (Courtesy U.S. Soccer)
1998
Scenes from a North Sound SeaWolves vs Tacoma Tide PDL game. (Courtesy USL)
2008
(Courtesy Soccer America)
1985
Gonzaga celebrates winning its first WCC women’s championship after defeating Pepperdine at Malibu. (Courtesy Gonzaga Athletics)
2023
Michelle Akers lifts the Chiquita Cup trophy.
1992
Gary Heale of the Tacoma Stars. (Courtesy NASL Jerseys)
1985