Watson grew up in San Diego, California, and attended La Jolla High School.
He played college soccer at the University of California, Davis, where he was named All-Conference four times and Conference MVP once.
In 1988, Watson joined the San Diego Nomads of the Western Soccer League (WSL).
In 1998, he made his last move as a professional player when he joined the San Diego Flash.
In 2003, Watson spent a single season as coach of the San Diego City College soccer team.