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.

What are you looking for?
Donate Now!
Explore our history. Click on any of the panels below to learn what happened that year.
Unified Team Takes Special Olympics Bronze
March 20, 2019

The United States men’s Unified soccer team, which is made up of Washington athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, defeats India, 5-0, to take the bronze medal at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It is the first Unified soccer team to ever represent the U.S. in a World Games competition.

Arsenal Legend Ljungberg Joins Seattle
October 28, 2008

Former Arsenal and Sweden star Freddie Ljungberg signs as the first Designated Player for Sounders FC. Ljungberg, 31, is a two-time Swedish player of year who played 10 years in England's Premier League, including nine with Arsenal, where he was part of their unbeaten team in 2003-04. The attacking midfielder played for West Ham United last season and was Sweden's captain for the 2008 European Championships in June. He becomes the fourth player under contract. Ljungberg's contract is for a reported $2.5 million per season.

Guinness Record Set for Waterfront Clinic
June 16, 2025

The world's largest soccer clinic takes place on Seattle's Pier 62 as 1,038 participate on the afternoon prior to the city's FIFA Club World Cup opener. Sounders ambassador Brad Evans conducts the 30-minute clinic featuring footwork and heading from a stage under sunny skies. Among those attending are Seattle mayor Bruce Harrell, Sounders and Reign alumni and fans traveling to support clubs competing in the CWC. The turnout eclipses the old Guinness Record of 956 set in San Jose.

Waibel Becomes First in Husky Hall of Fame
October 17, 2021

The Washington Husky Hall of Fame inducts its first male soccer player, former standout defender Craig Waibel. From 1994-98 Waibel, a Spokane native, anchored the backline and helped lead Washington to three NCAA Tournament appearances. UW won its first Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title his senior year.

Garner, Brisbon Lead SPU to Quarters
November 14, 1997

Dana Garner and Greg Brisbon each score two goals as 9th-ranked Seattle Pacific moves into the NCAA Division II quarterfinals for the seventh time in eight years with a 4-1 thumping of Fort Lewis (Co.) at Interbay Stadium. Garner scores on either side of halftime, and Brisbon gets his brace in the second half. Vadim Tolstolutsky assists on both Garner goals.

Hungarians' NW Threepeat
April 9, 1967

Hat tricks by Mike Kuczi and Les Muller fuel Seattle Hungarians’ 9-0 rout of Portland All-Stars at West Seattle Stadium for their third consecutive Northwest championship. Portland’s team, its nucleus from the tops side Amsterdam, held on through the first half, trailing only 2-nil after Kuczi and Tommy Major (penalty) score in the first 11 minutes. However, the onslaught is unrelenting in the second period, with Kuczi, Mueller and Alex Bogdan (twice) pushing it to 7-0. Following a Con Tagios goal, Mueller cracks a shot off the crossbar and in. Oregon has not won the title since 1955.

Shoreline native and USWNT legend Michelle Akers joins USA fans for the march to the match before the FIFA World Cup 2026 round Of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6. (Jane Gershovich/ISI Photos)
2026
Born-again Sounders made their home debut at the Tacoma Dome.
1994
Husky Stadium was one of the first four college football stadiums to install Astroturf in 1968, and that allowed the men's soccer team to play in the stadium for the first time. (Courtesy UW Tyee archives)
1968
Seattle Pacific forward Vasco Rubio (left), defender Pat Patterson and coach Cliff McCrath. (Courtesy Seattle Pacific archives)
1990
At 22, Preki begins coming into his own as an offensive force for the Tacoma Stars, scoring 41 goals in his first MISL season.
1986
In 2017, Sounders captain Osvaldo Alonso became only the 10th player in MLS history to surpass 20,000 minutes while playing for one team. (Courtesy Corky Trewin / Sounders FC)
2017
Lake City Bobcats, featuring Andy and Walter Schmetzer. (Courtesy Walter Schmetzer)
1978
Seahawks Stadium hosted its first international, U.S. vs. Venezuela, in 2003, with Kasey Keller serving as America's captain. (Courtesy U.S. Soccer)
2003
Big crowd watches this Tacoma Tides game at Cheney Stadium. (Shanaman Sports Museum)
1976
Seattle Pacific celebrates a golden goal from Janae Godoy (raised hand) in the NCAA Division II final at Tampa. (Courtesy NCAA)
2008