Seattle Reclaims MLS Cup
November 13, 2019
On Sunday, November 10, the Seattle Sounders FC (Football Club) defeated Toronto FC 3-1 to win the MLS (Major League Soccer) Cup final at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. The 2019 MLS title was the second for the Sounders, who had previously faced Toronto in the MLS Cup final in 2016 (a win) and 2017 (a loss). After a scoreless first half, Seattle thrilled the hometown crowd of 69,724 fans with goals from Kelvin Leerdam, Víctor Rodríguez, and Raúl Ruidíaz. Rodríguez, who entered the game as a substitute in the 61st minute, was named the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player (MVP).
On Nov. 10, 2019, members of the Seattle Sounders celebrate the go-ahead goal scored by Kelvin Leerdam (in the center of the group hug) in the 57th minute of the MLS Cup final at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, Washington. Seattle beat Toronto FC 3-1 to win the MLS title. Credit: © Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Toronto—their bright red kits contrasting sharply against Seattle’s “rave green” uniforms—controlled the tempo in the first half and appeared the stronger of the two clubs. Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei proved stingy in the net, however, ruining Toronto’s best scoring opportunities, including a strong hand save in the 36th minute. Seattle missed out on early scoring chances too, but the team finally broke through in the 57th minute when Leerdam’s shot ricocheted off two Toronto defenders and into the net. Rodríguez then entered the game, scoring in the 76th minute. Ruidíaz iced the game with a third Sounders goal before the clock ticked 90:00. Forward Jozy Altidore headed in a late consolation goal for Toronto in stoppage time.
Seattle’s MLS Cup victory capped an exciting season in which the team finished second to Los Angeles FC (LAFC) in the Western Conference. In the playoffs, the Sounders knocked off FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake before shocking LAFC in the conference final, 3-1. Los Angeles had won the Supporters’ Shield as the MLS team with the best regular season record (an outstanding 21-4-9). Toronto finished fourth in the bruising Eastern Conference. In the playoffs, the club beat D.C. United, top-seeded New York City FC, and the defending champion Atlanta United FC in the conference final.
