Ben Somoza
Soccer

Ben Somoza emerged as a star in the world of soccer, leaving his mark on the collegiate and professional arenas. A product of Edmonds Woodway High School, Somoza’s athletic prowess was evident from the outset, earning him accolades as a three-time varsity letter winner in basketball and a four-year letter winner in soccer. His dominance on the field earned him three consecutive selections to the 1st team All-Wesco and the esteemed titles of Everett Herald All-Area Soccer Player of the Year in 1998 and Seattle Times North End Male Athlete of the Year in the same year.  

Transitioning to collegiate soccer at the University of Washington (UW), Somoza continued his meteoric rise, earning two 1st team All-Pac-10 honors and a spot on the national amateur team in 1999. His leadership and skill were instrumental UW’s success, guiding them to three league championships and the inaugural Pac-10 crown in 2000. Somoza’s impact on the field is immortalized in the UW record books, where he ranks 6th all-time in assists with 23.  

Post-college, Somoza seamlessly transitioned into the professional ranks, embarking on a five-year career where he spent time with the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers. His tenure culminated in the Sounders’ historic USL First Division Championship title in 2005.  

 Beyond his playing days, Somoza has remained deeply ingrained in the soccer community, serving as the Washington Rush Executive Director since 2009 and imparting his wealth of knowledge and experience to future generations of athletes.  

GALLERY