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.
With attendance on the decline, Kitsap Pumas owner Robin Waite ceases club operations after 10 seasons. The Bremerton club had begun as a USL Premier Development League franchise, then moved to the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL) in 2017. Waite said Kitsap needed to average crowds of 1,000-1,500, but only 150 attended the final home game.
Seattle University wins its first national championship, beating Rockhurst (Mo.), 2-1, in the NAIA final at Birmingham, Al. Less than 20 hours after advancing from the semifinals with an overtime victory, George Czarnowski’s 12-yard shot 17 minutes into overtime is the difference. Kurt Swanson opens the scoring for Seattle U in the 7th minute, and Jason Palmer makes 11 saves. The Chieftains finish on a 27-game unbeaten run, winning more games than any program in state annals (25-1-2).
Betty Ellis works as part of the officiating crew for the Sounders game vs. Edmonton. Ellis, 40, runs one line. Wearing No. 84, she made her NASL debut in 1981, first, on Mothers' Day, as a fourth official and later as assistant referee.
Third-ranked nationally, Eastlake boys complete a second straight season undefeated (17-0-0) by beating Ferris, 1-0, for the Class AAA championship in Selah. Mike Casale's cross caroms off a defender in the 56th minute. The Wolves outscored opponents 83-4, including a 7-1 trouncing of North Thurston in the semifinals. They feature three youth national team players: Nick Downing, Mike Casale and Matt Flynn.
Erik Skipper's header snaps a 1-1 tie with 17 minutes to go and Seattle Pacific pulls away to beat Seattle University, 4-1, in a downpour at Interbay to clinch the Pacific West Conference championship. The Falcons proceed to finish the regular season on a 12-game unbeaten (11-0-1) run to reach the NCAA tournament for a Division II record 28th time in 29 years.
League-leading Loyal Realty proves no match for a hungry and fully-loaded Hungarians squad at Lower Woodland. Les Fabri scores twice and assists on another as the Magyars rout the previously undefeated Vikings, 6-0, trimming the first-half lead to one point. Newly released from his football commitments, Les Mueller also scores.