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.
Mike Henderson, who has coached Seattle youth soccer teams for more than 25 years, is among five state citizens presented Jefferson Award medallions for extraordinary volunteer efforts. Henderson, 44, who grew up in the city's Central Area and Capitol Hill with 18 siblings, has dedicated his life to teaching the game because he believes soccer saved his life. He has coached players ages 6 to 60, but his primary focus is developing skills, teamwork and sportsmanship in boys and girls.
U.S. National Team and Seattle Reign star Megan Rapinoe has her Olympic hopes jeopardized after tearing her left ACL during USWNT training in Honolulu. The non-contact injury occurs on a grass training field. The following day U.S. Soccer canceled a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago for Aloha Stadium because of poor field conditions.
Andy Schmetzer scores the United States opening goal and adds another in a 6-3 quarterfinal win over Argentina at the FIFA Five-a-Side Championships in Hong Kong. Dale Ervine also scores a brace for the Americans, who eventually finish runner-up to Brazil. Schmetzer is among three former Tacoma Stars players on the U.S. squad, captained by Jim Gabarra and also featuring goalkeeper P.J. Johns.
Twice a runner-up, O'Dea claims its first boys' state championship, beating Franklin Pierce, 2-1, in the AA final at Sammamish High. Mike Henderson takes a pass from brother Ed Henderson for what proves to be the winner in the 48th minute. Ed Henderson puts the Irish (19-0-3) ahead in the 15th minute only to have Sean Huff answer for the Cardinals just three minutes later. Pat Raney is in his 18th season at O'Dea. Son Matt Raney scored two goals in the semifinal.
Vic Weston is among the organizers of a benefit match to raise funds for families of four miners lost in the Landsburg mine disaster. The sudden January 29 cave-in 600 feet underground occurred near Ravensdale. The game features oldtimers from Black Diamond and a Seattle selection.
The International Football Association Board makes a temporary amendment to the Laws of the Game based on a FIFA proposal seeking to protect player welfare. A temporary amendment to Law 3 will allow for a maximum of five substitutes to be made per team. However, to avoid disruption to the game, each team will only have three opportunities to make substitutions . Substitutions may also be made at halftime. The change applies to competitions which have either started or are intended to start, but are scheduled to be completed by December 31, 2020.