Bernie James, the oldest active professional player in North America, announces he will retire at the end of the Sounders' season. James, 42, started his career at 18 with the original NASL Sounders in 1977. He has played indoor and outdoor ever since, including the Tacoma Stars and resurrected A-League Sounders since their start in 1994. James is also an assistant to coach Neil Megson.

Hope Solo reaches a number of milestones but a FIFA World Cup championship remains elusive as Japan prevails over the United States in a shootout, 2-2 (3-1) in Frankfurt, Germany. Twice Japan fights back from a goal down. In penalties, Solo saves in the second round and gets a hand on Japan's third shot but still gets in the net. She is awarded the Gold Glove, Bronze Ball and a place on the all-tournament team. Solo became only the second USWNT keeper to reach 100 caps July 13 vs. France.

A Morgan Manalili goal late in the first half is sufficient for Western Washington to get a 1-1 tie with Simon Fraser at home and wrap-up the GNAC women's regular season title. The Vikings will go on to finish the regular season on a 16-game undefeated streak and 11-0-3 in conference, good for their second straight regular season crown and third in four seasons.

Mike Washington, one of the state's longest-tenured college coaches, retires as Whitman College men's head coach. For 17 years, Washington guided the Missionaries, beginning with some lean seasons. But, over his final eight campaigns, Whitman won 10 or more matches four times, including a mark of 11-2-7 in 2008, when it was Northwest Conference runner-up. Washington is succeeded by Jose Cedeno.

Jennifer Tissue, a four-time first-team all-Northwest Conference selection and the league's player of the year in 1995 and 1996, is inducted into Whitworth's Heritage Gallery Hall of Fame. Tissue was named to 1996 NAIA All-America team. She led the Pirates to conference championships in 1993 and 1996 and graduated with five school records - including career goals (60) and points (145).

After assuring the girls’ 4A ranks of a new champion, Lake Stevens proceeds to reach its first final and wins it, 1-0 over Woodinville at Sparks Stadium. The Vikings ousted two-time defending champion Skyline in the quarterfinals after losing their only game to the Spartans in districts. Noelani Tupua stakes Lake Stevens to a lead after 18 minutes and Tessa Anastasi locks down the goal for her third shutout of the tournament. The Falcons fall in the final for the second year in a row.