Sounders take Leagues Cup in dominating fashion

Seattle Sounders FC 3-0 Inter Miami CF

SEATTLE, WA–Seattle Sounders’ depth has been key to them advancing through the Leagues Cup, and it was instrumental again in leading them to the trophy as they defeated Inter Miami, 3-0, before a record crowd of 69,314 at Lumen Field. The Sounders become the first MLS team to win every trophy on offer for a North American Side (MLS Cup (x2), US Open Cup (x4), Supporters’ Shield, Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup). The win also puts the Sounders in the Round of 16 for next year’s Concacaf Champions Cup.

The Sounders dominated the first half and the goal eventually came at the 26th minutes. Alex Roldan sent a dime of a cross to Osauze De Rosario who headed in past Oscar Ustari for the opening score. It was De Rosario’s fourth goal of the Leagues Cup. The Sounders’ defense, despite not having Nouhou due to a red card in the semifinal, held Lionel Messi and company at bay in the first half.

Photo: Nate Koppelman

The Herons improved by the start of the second half and they had two golden chances to equalize. In the 50th minute, Luis Suarez set up Messi to score from six yards out, but the latter skied it over the bar. Ten minutes later, Tadeo Allende had a golden chance to equalize, but he pushed his shot wide. Out of eleven shots for the Herons, only one was on target and that was no problem for Sounders keeper Andrew Thomas.

The Sounders would eventually add to their lead in the final ten minutes. The first came from the penalty spot in the 84th minute after Georgi Minoungou was taken down in the box by Yannick Bright. Alex Roldan would covert the spot kick to make it 2-0. Paul Rothrock would add the final goal in the 89th minute with an assist from Alex Roldan.

Photo: Paul Kahl

The post match was marred by a brawl between players and staff from both sides. Suarez appears to have been the worse offender as video showed him spitting at a Sounders staffer.It is definitely not the first time Suarez has been in hot water for his antics on the pitch. Replays also showed Maxi Falcón putting a headlock on Obed Vargas, Sergio Busquets hitting Vargas in the face while the latter was being confronted by Suarez, and Tomas Aviles looking to punch anyone in Sounders colors.

Photo: Paul Kahl

Photo: Nate Koppelman

“Unfortunately, that is going to take some of the attention away from a great performance by the Seattle Sounders,” Seattle coach Brian Schmetzer said after the game. “Their players were frustrated and that led to some things happening on the field that shouldn’t happen on the field.

“I’m going to shut that down, because that shouldn’t be the story. The story of the game is not what happened after the game. I had a quiet moment with Messi on the field [after the game]and we talked and we tried to push it aside.

“That’s the story.”

Indeed, that conversation was shown after the match.

Despite the brawl, it shouldn’t take away from the accomplishments of the Sounders who were brilliant in every way and apart from a penalty kick win over Puebla in the quarterfinals, had a 100% record in the competition.

“The team felt they could really push this across the line,” said De Rosario to the Seattle Times of the mood in the locker room after entering the break up 1-0. “It gave us the confidence and desire to go for the win. Not a lot of guys can say they beat Messi in a final.”

Indeed, much tribute will be paid to the Sounders’ Academy system as well as the MLS NEXT Pro side Tacoma Defiance for contributing to the Leagues Cup triumph with players such as Rothrock. Additionally, much will be made of the team wage bills whereas the Sounders are mid-table in that area at $18.1 million per the most recent report from the MLS Players’ Association compared to $46.8M for Inter Miami.

Photo: Paul Kahl

Both the Sounders and Inter Miami are next in action on Saturday, September 13th. The Sounders host LA Galaxy (5:30pm PT, Apple TV), while Inter Miami will be at Charlotte FC (7:30pm ET, Apple TV).

Photos by Paul Kahl and Nate Koppelman.