Emerald City FC’s own Bobby Howe (ECFC Coaching Director Emeritus) and Matthew Olson (ECFC assistant DOC and Director of Goalkeeping) are honored to participate in this year’s NW Soccer Legends Night.
Says Matthew Olson, “I am excited to have been invited to take part. I am looking forward to connecting with old friends and teammates.”
From the Sounders U23 Premier Development League official website,
“Tacoma, WA. – On Friday, October 25th, the Tacoma Soccer Center will host the 2nd Annual, “Northwest Soccer Legends Night,” for fans to retrigger fond memories of the top talent that graced the pitch in the Puget Sound. The night’s feature event will be an indoor match at 7:30pm, where two teams made up of past pros, will compete against each other. The two sides will be captained and coached by men who are both local and international legends; Alan Hinton and Jimmy Gabriel.
With 39 years of professional playing experience in Europe and the United States, and a combined total of 1,116 first team appearances, Jimmy Gabriel and Alan Hinton had plenty to pass on to their pupils when they became managers. Both men are also familiar with northwest soccer from their time as coaches for the Sounders and other Puget Sound teams.”
From the lineup:
Bobby Howe (Pro Player 1966 – 1983, Coach 1977 – present) Bobby Howe played over 175 matches professionally in England with legendary West Ham United and Bournemouth. During his playing career, Howe lined up with England greats Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Jimmy Greaves. Bobby came to the USA in 1977 to play for and coach the NASL’s Seattle Sounders, and since the 1980s has been deeply involved in American youth soccer. He was U.S. U-17 national team assistant and then U-20 National Team Head Coach for four years. Howe also led the way for coaching education through the US Soccer Federation and served 12 years as Washington State Director of Coaching.
Matt Olson (Pro Player 1989 – 1997, Coach 1992 – Present) Matt Olsen is a goalkeeper from Renton, Washington. Olson played half of his college career at Indiana University where he won the 1988 NCAA National Title before transferring to Wake Forrest. Following school, he joined the pro ranks where he manned the goal for eight seasons. His career started with the Seattle Storm, and stints in MLS, Holland, Sweden, and the USL followed. Matt followed his playing days as a GK coach for various colleges and youth programs.
Read more, including the rest of the exciting lineup, here
Buy tickets at soundersU23.tix.com
Connect to the event on Facebook here
