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.
Nearly nine years after his last cap, Marcus Hahnemann starts for the U.S. in 2-1 win over New Zealand in Richmond, Va. Hahnemann is beaten by New Zealand's Vaughan Coveny in the 23rd minutes but then denies him with a kick save in the 37th. Hahnemann serves as backup to Tim Howard during the subsequent FIFA Confederations Cup in France.
After scoring just twice in three outings, Seattle Reign packs plenty of punch in winning before over 16,000 fans in Portland. The visitors, on the East Coast for their last three games, come west and never trail during a 3-2 win over their rivals. Beverly Yanez and Jodie Taylor twice put the Reign ahead. But after Lindsey Horan brings the defending champion Thorns level in the 70th minute, Rumi Utsugi unleashes a 25-yard drive to win it in the 75th.
William Ellis, director of Seattle grammar school athletics, announces that while football is being dropped for a lack of players, soccer programs are growing: 26 in Class A (more than 11 classrooms) and 20 in Class B. Public Schools Athletic League also lengthens halves from 20 to 25 minutes to lessen frequency of ties.
Hope Solo saves a late penalty kick attempt to preserve her 81st international shutout as the United States claims the Algarve Cup title at Faro, Portugal, by defeating France, 2-0. Solo stops Amandine Henry's spot kick in the 82nd minute. She concedes just one goal during four matches. Solo's 160th start is a USWNT record, surpassing Brianna Scurry.
Sota Kitihara of Edmonds fuels a late comeback for the U.S. U16 Boys National Team for a 3-3 draw with The Netherlands at Lakewood Ranch, Fla. A second-half substitute, in added time Kitihara smashes a shot off the post for Kevin Paredes to score on the rebound, close the Dutch lead to 3-2. Then in the dying seconds, Kitahara gets free in the box to score from close range for the stunning equalizer.
Stefan Frei pulls off the save of the season in extra time and Roman Torres applies the finishing touch in penalty kicks for Sounders FC to cap the unlikeliest of comebacks to claim a first MLS Cup in sub-freezing temperatures in Toronto. Frei extends his frame to bat away Jozy Altidore's header in 108th minute of a 0-0 draw. Seattle is out-shot 19-3 with Frei saving seven, plus another in the shootout. Brad Evans, Andreas Ivanschitz, Joevin Jones and Nico Lodeiro score their shootout attempts over the first five rounds. After Justin Morrow hits the crossbar, Torres rams his decisive penalty down the middle for a 5-4 margin. Since a midseason coaching change, the Sounders go a combined 12-3-5 in league and playoffs.