In a thrilling display of skill and teamwork, the Seattle Sounders have once again lifted a trophy, securing their place as champions of the Leagues Cup. The Sounders dominated Inter Miami with a convincing 3-0 victory on Sunday, in front of a record crowd of 69,314 fans. Goals from Osaze De Rosario, Alex Roldan, and Paul Rothrock were key in this triumphant match, showcasing Seattle's prowess throughout the tournament.
From the opening whistle, the Sounders applied relentless pressure on Miami. In just the 3rd minute, De Rosario nearly scored with a deft touch on a header from a cross by Jackson Ragen, but Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari managed to deflect the shot. The Sounders continued to threaten, with Jesús Ferreira missing a golden opportunity in the 5th minute by shooting wide.
Inter Miami's superstar, Lionel Messi, created his first chance in the 12th minute, dribbling toward the goal only to be thwarted by a crucial tackle from Obed Vargas, who forced a corner instead of allowing a clear shot on goal.
The breakthrough for Seattle came in the 26th minute. Ferreira skillfully passed the ball to Alex Roldan on the right wing, who then delivered a precise cross. De Rosario was perfectly positioned at the back post, heading the ball in to put the Sounders ahead 1-0. Rothrock had a chance to extend the lead just before halftime, but his one-on-one opportunity was expertly saved by Ustari.
Miami's Messi had another chance to shine just before halftime in the 43rd minute with a long-range free kick that went soaring into the stands. After the break, in the 50th minute, Luis Suarez displayed his playmaking ability, setting up Messi for a one-on-one with Sounders keeper Andrew Thomas, but Messi's shot was disappointingly high and wide.
The match continued to be a back-and-forth contest, but it was in the 82nd minute that the Sounders secured their victory. Georgi Minoungou penetrated the left wing, drawing a foul from Yannick Bright and earning Seattle a penalty. Roldan stepped up confidently, sending Ustari the wrong way to double the lead to 2-0.
Just five minutes later, the Sounders struck again. Roldan, once more in a threatening position, attempted to find Danny Leyva, but the ball slipped into space where Rothrock capitalized, finishing with a shot into the far post, sealing the match at 3-0.
As the Sounders celebrated their victory, tensions flared on the field. Sergio Busquets expressed discontent with Vargas's celebrations, leading to a heated confrontation. Notably, Luis Suarez was involved in an unsportsmanlike incident, spitting on a Sounders staff member, showcasing the frustrations of the Miami team.
Despite the chaotic ending, the Sounders emerged as the Leagues Cup Champions. Andrew Thomas was honored as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Pedro de la Vega received the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament. With the international break ahead, the Sounders will next face the LA Galaxy at home on Saturday, September 13.
Seattle maintained a largely unchanged lineup from their previous match against LA Galaxy, with Reed Baker-Whiting stepping in due to Nouhou's red card. Key moments of the match included:
3' - Chance! Ragen's cross finds De Rosario, but Ustari saves. 26' - GOAL! De Rosario heads in Roldan's cross to make it 1-0. 84' - GOAL! Roldan converts a penalty to extend the lead to 2-0. 89' - GOAL! Rothrock scores Seattle's third, sealing the victory.The Seattle Sounders' remarkable form this season began with their participation in the Club World Cup, where they faced top-tier teams globally. Their experience and newfound confidence were evident in their performance against Miami, where they successfully contained the threats posed by international stars like Messi and Suarez.
While the Leagues Cup may have its criticisms regarding competitive balance, the excitement and atmosphere during the final were unparalleled, highlighting the passionate support from Sounders fans. The victory serves not just as a new trophy but as a testament to what the club and its supporters are capable of achieving together.
In this match, Alex Roldan stood out as a key player, contributing two assists and scoring a pivotal penalty. His performance was crucial in both offensive and defensive efforts, demonstrating his importance to the Sounders' success.
As the Sounders look forward, the collective spirit and determination displayed in this match set a high bar for the remainder of the season. With a championship trophy in hand, the future appears bright for the Seattle Sounders.
