Two teams with Washington state ties begin play at The Soccer Tournament, a 7v7 men's and women's competition in Cary, N.C., with $1 million awaiting the winners. Hope Solo comes out of a 10-year retirement to form Solo FC. Eleven members of the Tacoma Stars are scattered amongst four men's teams, with the majority playing under the Sneaky Fox 97, sponsored by Stars owner Lane Smith. Both Sneaky Fox and Solo FC reach the knockout rounds before being eliminated.

USWNT opens play at first FIFA Women's World Cup in Panyu, China, defeating Sweden, 3-2. Washington natives Shannon Higgins and Michelle Akers are in the starting XI, and Higgins clears a Swede shot off the line. Thrilling experience, she says, "My heart was about to leap out of my body."

Hazen of Renton rides a late goal from Cissy Shopshire to win the girls' WIAA state championship, 1-0 over Shorecrest, at Auburn's Troy Field. Shopshire scores from 10 yards in the 64th minute to end a scoreless stalemate. It's the first loss of the year for the Scots (15-1-1), who got two goals from Michelle Akers to beat Auburn in the semifinal. Hazen, runner-up to Meadowdale a year earlier, had won two unofficial state titles in 1979 and '80.

Western Washington moves on to the West Regional final for the fifth time in six years with a 2-0 victory over Sonoma State at Harrington Field. Grace Eversaul gets the Vikings' 36th minute opener and Karli White adds insurance late. It's the 14th shutout and 18th win in 19 games. WWU, defeated at UC San Diego, 2-0, completes the season allowing only eight goals.

Seemingly down to their last gasp on beginning a playoff run, the Sounders awaken and overtake Portland, 3-2 in overtime at the Kingdome. Seattle snaps a three-game skid and, as it turns out, begins a win spurt. The Timbers score twice in four minutes for a 2-1 first-half lead. Gordon Wallace's second goal, at 52', starts the rally. Micky Cave's goal 78 seconds into overtime denies Portland's bid for a record 20th win.

Gabriela Pelogi strikes early in overtime to complete top-ranked Western Washington's comeback to repeat as West Region champion in Division II with a 2-1 win over UC San Diego in Golden, Co. Pelogi equalizes in the 53rd minute and runs onto Taylor Hallquist's ball over the top to win it 2:03 into the first overtime. The Vikings proceed to vanquish quarterfinal host Colorado School of Mines, 5-1, and Kutztown (Pa.), 3-0, to reach their first championship final.