Categories: MLSSan Jose EarthquakesSeattle Sounders FCWestern Conference

Sounders claim Heritage Cup with win over Quakes

Photo: Charis Wilson

Seattle Sounders FC 3-2 San Jose Earthquakes

SEATTLE, WA–The Heritage Cup is the annual fan-sponsored competition between Seattle Sounders FC and San Jose Earthquakes paying homage to both teams’ days in the old North American Soccer League. That cup will be staying in Seattle this year as the Sounders defeated the league-leading (going in) Quakes, 3-2, at Lumen Field in a midweek clash.

The Sounders are the only team to defeat the Quakes this season in league play and have now done so twice, and have lost just twice themselves in all competitions. The Sounders are also now unbeaten in nine league contests.

San Jose took the lead after just 86 seconds after an errant pass by Kalani Kossa-Rienzi was intercepted by Nondo Adimabuma who then fed Nico Fernandez for an easy finish. The Sounders had numerous chances to pull level in the first half and finally did so two minutes before half from the penalty spot. Dave Romney was whistled for handball in the area and Albert Rusnak would convert to make it 1-1.

Photo: Paul Kahl

Seattle would take the lead in the 55th minute following Jesus Ferreira’s run down Route One and turning Max Floriani before finishing what could be a Goal of the Year candidate. San Jose would come back 14 minutes later as Preston Judd shot through a couple of defenders and past Andrew Thomas to restore parity. It is Judd’s ninth goal of the season.

However, Seattle would capture the Heritage Cup and the three points in the 89th minute after Osaze De Rosario headed in a cross from Nouhou from six yards out. The Sounders move up to third in the West and five points behind Vancouver and San Jose.

Next up for the Sounders is a home match on Saturday against LA Galaxy (6:15pm PT, Apple TV/FS1) while the Quakes will host FC Dallas (6:30pm PT, Apple TV).

Photos by Paul Kahl and Charis Wilson