I hate how the word “epic” is so overused these days. But last night’s match at Century Link Field between my Seattle Sounders and the Chicago Fire truly was epic. The stage was set for something special–Seattle looked to become the first team in 40 years to win the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup three years in a row. And Chicago had their sights on being the third team in the 98 year history of the cup to win it 5 times.
The atmosphere was amazing as always. Last year’s record setting attendance of 31,311 was broken with a crowd of 35,615. The place absolutely erupted in the 77th minute when Fredy Montero knocked in the first goal of the evening. Then in the final seconds of stoppage time, Ozzie Alonso clinched it with a skillful second goal. All that was left was the final whistle and the raising of their third US Open Cup trophy in as many years.
I took some photos during the March to the Match and the award ceremony after the victory. I was too busy cheering and watching the action to take any shots during the match. Here are a few of my favorites.
These are great pictures, thanks for sharing!! It was an epic night!
Thanks! Yeah, it was an evening that none of us will forget any time soon.
That game was a blast! The grim ripper flag “set” the Gorilla FC unfurled was brilliant.
Now, the MLS Cup.
But first, the Supporters’ Shield! :)
I have to admit I am a huge soccer fan since I started watching in 2006. I watch European leagues all the time and not a big fan of MLS but I know Sounders fans are passionate. I got to see Barcelona play at the Camp Nou a few years ago. Fantastic experience!
Yeah, before the Sounders moved up to the MLS, I didn’t watch it much…was much more avid fan of Serie A and the Premier League. But now, I can’t get enough of the Sounders! And in the last few years (not just because of the Sounders) the MLS has been really maturing. Now with Portland and Vancouver, we have really got some great derbies! But you should check out a match here for yourself sometime. According to this list of the top European clubs attendances we’d rank right around Porto and Everton. It may not be the Camp Nou, but it’s quite a great place to see some footy!
Such vivid photos!