Last night was the Final of the US Open Cup between DC United and Seattle Sounders. The game was hosted by DC after a week-long controversy involving bids from both teams. Seattle, which plays its home games at Qwest Field, was favored to hold the Final because it has superior facilities. However, the game could only be played at one o'clock in the afternoon because of the Seattle Seahawks' preseason game, so the game was played in DC at RFK Stadium which is one of the oldest and most dilapidated arenas in the league.
Possibly because of the controversy, the atmosphere at the game was great, with both DC United and Seattle supporters in full voice. The game lived up to the atmosphere as well. The first half was all Seattle, but DC goalkeeper Josh Wicks made three or four big saves to keep it even. In the second half, however, Seattle forward Freddie Montero scored on a breakaway, and was subsequently stomped on by Wicks, resulting in a red card. Seattle seemed to take their foot off of the gas, and conceded the majority of possession to DC United. Yet on the counter-attack in the 87th minute, Roger Levesque received a low cross and tucked away an easy goal. It was 2-0 and Seattle looked like they were well on their way. But two minutes later, DC United midfielder Clyde Simms received the ball when it deflected off the Seattle wall and he toe poked the ball home. The goal made for an exciting finish, but DC United could not equalize.
The victory gives Seattle their first trophy, and books them a place in the 2010 Champions League. The US Open Cup has been around since 1914, but receives very little attention from the soccer press. Cup competitions are famous around the world for their drama and unpredictability. Such a dramatic Cup Final should increase attention to the competition.
No comments:
Post a Comment