About Last Night...

...Um, yeah it was awesome. I don't really have any words to describe what it feels like seeing 35,000 Sounders fans standing, singing and chanting as our boys lift another trophy. I was once a MetroStars' fan so I appreciate this team and this fan base like few others might. We are living a dream right now.

Before I get to my comments about the game, let me first talk about the suite. Thanks again to my boy Irish Mike - he came through big time. Watching a game in a suite is definitely unlike watching with the rest of the peons on the stands. First, the seats are comfy as all hell. Second, no one is standing up in front of you. Third, it is impossible to get rained on. Fourth, you can watch the replays on the tv OR an entirely different game if you choose. Fifth, there was chips, salsa and beer available inside. Sixth, we had access to our own bathroom. BUT the biggest thing that impressed me was the concession stands available to only those in the suites. It was like a world I had never seen before - the only way you can access them is by having a golden ticket. The food was damn good and the lines were super short. So yeah, very fun. Check out the pics.










Now on to the game. It wasn't very pretty at times (especially when El Flaco and Brad Evans touched the ball), but it was certainly exciting. The Sounders outshot the Fire 27-8 and would have put in at least 4 if not for some athletic saves by Sean Johnson. I started to get a little worried when we weren't able to score in the first 45. From a psyche standpoint, the Fire were able to go into half knowing that the Sounders threw everything at them and they were not only able to counter them but the raucous crowd.

Instead of coming out with confidence, they fell flat on their face. They were flat out garbage and truth be told - we made them play like garbage. We had an amazing 30 seconds of pressure in the 77th minute and when Friberg went to take the corner, Mike predicted a goal. He got it right as Parke won the header and Fredy pounced on the rebound. Qwest went ape shit. Twelve minutes later, Fredy smartly ran to the corner to kill time. When he got triple teamed, he passed to Neagle who then saw Ozzie streaking down the middle of the field. The rest was pure brilliance. Check out the goal for yourself - patience personified. 2-0 GAME OVER.

The celebration that ensued was as expected, a lot of fun. I know it's easy to say that when you are winning, but I just get the sense that they are really tight. You can just see it when when you watch the cup get passed around. Everyone wants to hold it, and everyone is totally willing to give it up. I especially loved when Leo found Stevie Z and reminded everyone that he is still a huge part of this team.

I have no other words, but some video and pictures to offer about the game.





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Ok, so the win brings a few questions to mind:

1. Does this mean anything? Does anyone care besides us?

I know some fan bases will mock us for caring so much about the competition, especially when we haven't been able to get out of the first round of the MLS Playoffs. My response is this: let's ask Red Bulls fans if they wouldn't mind getting some hardware. They have been around since day 1 and have yet to win any silverware. It might not be as prestigious, but it is the countries oldest soccer competition.

Personally, it means a lot to me because not only do we get to see our boys lift a trophy, but it also means automatic qualification into the Champions League. That is huge.

2. Did we buy our way to the title?

To provide some background, the home side in the US Open Cup is determined by the team that bids the most money to host. After having to go to DC in 2009, the team decided from then on that they would outspend all the others. It is perfectly within in the rules. However, some feel that it is unfair since our ownership has resources that others don't. Simply put, they feel we have unfairly used our resources to get 11 of the last 14 games at home.

I understand the argument, but the fact remains that the club did not break any rules. I think Hanauer deserves tons of credit for the stance they took. From day 1, the organization set a goal of becoming an international force. Hanauer was smart enough to realize that you don't do this by only winning MLS Cup. You don't do this by bringing in David Beckham. No, you do this having your team play in international competitions. If you can be successful, then people from other countries will start to notice. It might only be baby steps, but winning in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Mexico is making us well known. The easiest way to get to this point was by winning the US Open Cup and ensuring inclusion in the CCL. Sure it would be cool to qualify by winning MLS Cup or the Supporters Shield, but that is a lot more difficult. This has been a smart move.

3. Will this be all for the Sounders this year?

The team hasn't been able to get out of the first round in both 2009 and 2010 (hell, they only scored 1 goal in 4 career playoff games). Will this year be any different? I obviously have no idea. I think any one of LA, RSL or Seattle could and should win. I think on any given day, any of the three teams could win (of course, you could also have a team with a losing record win like in years past), so it comes down to the particular day. However, with the recent form of not only Mauro, but Fredy and Ozzie, anything is possible. The three of them have been AMAZING this past month. I'm not sure which of the three has been best and it's impossible. Throw in that it's Kasey's last hurrah, and this team could step up and take down mighty LA. I think it is really possible.

4. Should we expect a 4th title next year?

I really can't believe that it will happen. Not only will all the teams be out to end their run (I do think MLS team's will start to take it more seriously), but it appears that the format will be changing. According to the Sporting News, not only will all 16 domestic MLS teams qualify in the main bracket, but it appears that the bidding process will be going away. Instead, they will probably institute a random draw. If we are going to win, it will have to be on the road and not in the comfort of Starfire and Qwest. It is definitely going to be harder than these past 3 years.