TACOMA, WA — “Everyone seems happy,” sighed a tired John Crouch after the 2014 NW Indoor Soccer Invitational had ended about seven hours after it kicked off on November 1 at the Tacoma Soccer Center. Indeed it was a long march from the first match to the final, but the indoor clubs got plenty of playing time and the competition was stiff but good-spirited. Seattle Impact FC’s Reserves took the tournament title with a 2-1 win over the Tacoma Stars.

Galleries: Tacoma Stars v. various clubs, Seattle v. South Sound United, Oly Town v. Arlington, South Sound United v. Oly Town, Snohomish Skyhawks v. Bellingham United.

Matches for the tournament were 24 minutes long with the clock stopping only for injuries or upon request of the referees. This kept the action going but also tended to keep the scoring down. Seattle Impact FC’s Reserves went unbeaten on their way to the title (not counting a forfeit to Tacoma.) Oly Town FC (see club report) made their debut in blue kits that feature their new sponsor. Arlington Aviators made a strong showing, advancing to the semifinals and giving the MASL professionals of the Impact a real go before fading late. The Snohomish Skyhawks of the PASL combined a team with Bellingham United (see club notes) that played the Tacoma Stars (see club report) in the other Semifinal. It was fun seeing the black and white of the Hammers on an indoor pitch for the first time. Former South Sound Shock indoor players wore those kits under the name “South Sound United.”

Feature Video from the Tournament

Western Indoor Soccer League Commissioner John Crouch liked the mix of teams and leagues. “We believe strongly that this type of competition between leagues is a great thing for our sport in Washington and the competition was pretty entertaining!”

Crouch also had an eye on indoor officiating. “Along with our players and fans, the referee’s seemed excited about the indoor buzz in the area and all the games that will be happening this year. They put in some training tonight to make sure we have the best officiating this year in our region. It was a good sign of what’s to come from our crews this year.”

“Congratulations to the Seattle Impact for the win in the tournament and thank you to the Tacoma Soccer Center for hosting,” said Crouch.

Results

Seattle Impact Reserves-5 South Sound United-1

Oly Town Artesians-1 Arlington Aviators-1

Bellingham United-1 Snohomish Skyhawks-0

Tacoma Stars-3 Snohomish Skyhawks-0

South Sound United-2 Oly Town Artesians-1

Tacoma Stars-1 Bellingham United-0

Snohomish Skyhawks-4 Oly Town Artesians-2

Tacoma Stars-win over Seattle Impact via forfeit

Arlington Aviators-3 South Sound United-2

Seattle Impact Reserves-6 Bellingham United-0

Semifinals: Seattle Impact-4 Arlington-1, Tacoma Stars-3 Snoho/Bham-0

FINAL: Seattle Impact FC Reserves-2 Tacoma Stars-1