SEATTLE — The Seattle Sounders enhanced their collection of accolades Sunday, securing the 2025 Leagues Cup title with a 3-0 triumph over Inter Miami. The Sounders, who boast two MLS Cup victories, four U.S. Open championships, and the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League crown, successfully defended against Miami, achieving a decisive win before a capacity crowd of 69,314.
The Sounders initiated the scoring, with a goal delivered by Osaze De Rosario in the 26th minute. De Rosario connected with a header from an Alex Roldan cross, directing it into the goal’s interior and granting Seattle an initial 1-0 advantage.
Miami intensified their offensive efforts in the second half following a gradual start, with prominent forward Lionel Messi among the players who missed promising opportunities. However, in the 84th minute, Seattle extended their lead with a penalty kick: Georgi Minoungou drew the foul, and Roldan converted the kick, eliciting enthusiastic cheers from the stadium.
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As if that weren’t sufficient, Paul Rothrock solidified the victory with a goal in the 89th minute.
Following the match, tensions escalated. Luis Suárez, evidently displeased with the outcome, initiated a confrontation, approaching a celebrating Obed Vargas — Seattle’s 20-year-old accomplished midfielder — and applying a headlock. This action triggered a substantial altercation as players from both teams engaged in heated exchanges. Suárez also seemingly spat in the direction of a Sounders security personnel during the dispute.
It necessitated several minutes for the two factions to separate, allowing the stage to be prepared for a trophy presentation. Once order was restored, Seattle was able to accept its most recent trophy — achieving the distinction of being the first MLS team to secure every available North American trophy.
It constituted the most significant and well-attended game at Lumen Field for the Sounders since the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League final, with Sunday night’s attendance of 69,314 surpassing that game’s figure.
Seattle has cultivated a loyal fanbase over time: The team previously led MLS in average attendance, attracting over 40,000 fans, and despite a decrease in attendance since the COVID-19 pandemic, they maintain their position as third in the league, averaging approximately 30,000 fans per game last year.
Interspersed among the Sounders’ green were noticeable traces of pink, as supporters of Inter Miami (or, more precisely, Messi) appeared to witness Messi’s inaugural match in Seattle since his MLS arrival.
Nevertheless, it was Seattle, characterized by a vibrant and welcoming home atmosphere, that emerged victorious.
