SEATTLE – The Seattle Sounders clinched another trophy with a strong 3-0 victory over Inter Miami in front of an impressive crowd of 69,314. Goals from Osaze De Rosario, Alex Roldan, and Paul Rothrock secured their win.
From the get-go, Seattle applied pressure. De Rosario nearly scored in the 3rd minute, but Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari managed to keep it out. Then, Jesús Ferreira had a clear shot but missed the target.
Inter Miami had some moments, too. Lionel Messi created a threat in the 12th minute, but Obed Vargas made a crucial tackle to deny him. The breakthrough finally came in the 26th minute when De Rosario headed in Roldan’s cross, putting Seattle ahead.
Before halftime, Rothrock had a chance to extend the lead, but Ustari’s quick reflexes kept the score at 1-0. Messi, meanwhile, had a couple of chances that went high and wide. In the second half, both teams exchanged attempts but failed to find the net until the 82nd minute.
Georgi Minoungou earned a penalty after being fouled by Yannick Bright. Roldan confidently converted the penalty, making it 2-0. Just five minutes later, Rothrock added another goal, sealing the match at 3-0.
Post-match, tensions flared as some Miami players reacted poorly during celebrations. Despite the unsportsmanlike behavior from some of Miami’s stars, the Sounders proudly celebrated as Leagues Cup Champions. Andrew Thomas was named Goalkeeper of the Tournament, while Pedro de la Vega earned the Golden Ball for Player of the Tournament. Seattle will take a break before returning to play on September 13 against the LA Galaxy.
The Sounders’ success in this tournament builds on their confidence from competing in the Club World Cup, showing they can stand up to elite teams. The energy at the stadium was electric, fueled by Messi’s presence, which ultimately inspired the Sounders supporters and propelled the team to victory.
Statistically, the Sounders shined, scoring 16 goals throughout the tournament while keeping four clean sheets. They only conceded two goals, a remarkable feat against a team with the offensive prowess of Miami. Andrew Thomas was pivotal, not just in making saves but in contributing to the overall team defense. This performance may put pressure on the Sounders’ goalkeeping decisions moving forward.
Coach Brian Schmetzer highlighted the team’s collective effort, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience during the match. Roldan’s contributions were significant, with two assists and a penalty that showcased his skill and poise under pressure.
As the Sounders look to build on this momentum, their championship victory is not merely a trophy but a testament to their potential moving forward in the season.
