The Seattle Sounders will be hosting the Portland Timbers in the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup on Tuesday, June 13, at 7:30 p.m. PT at Starfire Sports. As Seattle begins its quest for its fifth Open Cup title, let’s look back at three of the most memorable Sounders USOC matches at Starfire.
3. Aug. 13, 2014: Sounders FC 6, Chicago Fire 0
Chad Barrett scored in the sixth minute of the semifinal to begin the Sounders’ most lopsided Open Cup result in their MLS tenure. A goal from Obafemi Martins and a brace each from Andy Rose and Kenny Cooper sent the Sounders back to the USOC Final where they would defeat the Philadelphia Union to win their fourth Open Cup title.
2. June 24, 2014: Sounders FC 1 (4), San Jose Earthquakes 1 (1)
In the fifth round of the 2014 USOC, two matches before Chicago, the Sounders took down the San Jose Earthquakes in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout. Steven Lenhart put the visitors on the scoreboard first in the 24th minute, but Kenny Cooper erased it just two minutes later with a one-timed right-footed strike from the top of the 18-yard-box. Seattle had 31 shots, but could only muster one goal in regulation and extra time. Lamar Neagle’s penalty in the fourth round of the shootout propelled the Sounders to the quarterfinals.
1. July 21, 2009: Sounders FC 2, Houston Dynamo 1 (a.e.t.)
Ade Akinbiyi gave Houston the lead in the 32nd minute of the 2009 semifinal, but former Dynamo player Nate Jaqua, whose head was heavily bandaged after a collision earlier in the match, equalized in the 89th minute to send the match to extra time. Just four minutes after regulation, Steve Zakuani beat a defender down the left flank and crossed in a ball that was deflected and sat up perfectly for Stephen King to hammer home for what was the eventual game-winner. After defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado was sent off for a second yellow card in the 110th minute, the Sounders held on and earned their first trip to the USOC title.
What was your favorite? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below!
