Thoughts on the US Open Cup Final

The Seattle Sounders won their third consecutive US Open Cup and were the first MLS team to do so. The Sounders defeated the Chicago Fire by a score of 2-0 but don't let the scoreline fool you, the game was competitive and entertaining. The Fire were looking to become on the third team in history of the tournament to win the competition five times, they failed in that endeavor but not without a valiant effort.


Both teams came out with high intensity, however it was the Fire who were held down under the most pressure. Seattle attacked relentlessly and Sean Johnson was forced to remain alert and active. In fact, Johnson was brilliant on the night, making six saves and held Seattle scoreless until the 77th minute when Freddy Montero knocked home a rebound. Montero has had a career season and maintained that stellar play across all competitions.

Dominic Oduro provided the Fire's best chance on the night with a snap header in the 90th minute however the shot was ruled offsides and saved by Kasey Keller in any case.

The scoring was not done there, late in stoppage time Osvaldo Alonso provided an impressive display of individual skill as he beat two defenders and rounded Sean Johnson to slot his shot home. Alonso's celebration was well deserved as he was extremely active on the night. With his goal the crowd of 35,613 erupted in cheers and song.

For my money, the best part of the match was watching Sean Johnson show how far he's come. His positioning, awareness and reactions were much better than the start of this season and it makes me wonder how far behind Bill Hamid he really is in the pecking order for USMNT.

Also noteworthy on the night was how active Mike Fucito was. He showed his pace and skill in taking defenders on, forcing the Fire backline to respect him. There is certainly a bright future ahead of him. All in all, the game matched the hype and thanks to these two teams, the US Open Cup was taken seriously by fans.

All in all, a good night for both teams. Credit the Chicago Fire for traveling into a hostile environment and fighting valiantly. The Fire showed great heart and that their team might finally be aimed in the right direction. The Sounders should be congratulated on accomplishing a feat no team has done since 1969, a three-peat of the US Open Cup.