U.S. Open Cup 2010
Seattle's first silverware arrived with a statement win over New York.
The 2010 U.S. Open Cup victory represents the foundational triumph of Seattle Sounders FC in their modern Major League Soccer era. Occurring just two seasons after the franchise's inception, this trophy broke the club's silverware drought and proved that the passionate Emerald City support could translate into tangible success on the national stage. It set the tone for the club's future identity as a competitive force capable of winning knockout tournaments.
- Date
- September 29, 2010
- Opponent
- New York Red Bulls
- Score
- 3-0
- Venue
- Qwest Field, Seattle
- Head Coach
- Sigi Schmid
- Significance
- First Major Trophy (MLS Era)
Lore & Background
Before the MLS Cups of later years, there was this. The 2010 U.S. Open Cup run captured the imagination of Washington State soccer fans who had waited decades for a professional club to call Seattle home. While the inaugural 2009 season built the foundation, 2010 provided the first taste of glory. The narrative of an underdog Western team defeating the established New York Red Bulls resonated deeply with the fanbase. The victory was symbolic of the club's rapid ascent under Sigi Schmid. It validated the investment in young talent like Fredy Montero and experience from veterans like Kasey Keller. For many supporters, this remains the purest moment of early Sounders joy—a time when simply winning a cup felt like conquering the world.
In Their Own Story
The rain had stopped just before kickoff at Qwest Field, leaving the grass slick but playable. The stands roared as the final whistle approached, sealing a perfect shutout against New York. Fredy Montero jogged toward the corner flag, the captain's armband tight on his arm, knowing this moment would be etched into club history forever. When the trophy was lifted, confetti rained down in green and blue, mixing with the cheers of thirty thousand voices who knew they had witnessed the beginning of a dynasty.
Reader's Guide
The 2010 U.S. Open Cup victory stands as the cornerstone of Seattle Sounders FC's trophy cabinet. In their second season of existence, the club defeated the New York Red Bulls with a commanding 3-0 performance at Qwest Field. This triumph marked the franchise's first-ever major silverware, validating the passionate support base that had gathered since 2009. Key moments defined the match: Fredy Montero opened the scoring and added a second goal to seal the dominance. Clint Dempsey contributed the final goal in the closing stages, ensuring no comeback was possible. Goalkeeper Kasey Keller remained solid throughout, protecting the lead against a formidable Eastern Conference side. Statistically, this win set a record for the fastest trophy acquisition in the club's modern era. It remains a benchmark for future generations of players and coaches. The victory also cemented Seattle's reputation as a formidable force in American soccer beyond just league standings.
Did You Know?
- Seattle was not the second MLS expansion team to win the U.S. Open Cup; several other expansion teams had won it before 2010.
- The match attendance record for a U.S. Open Cup final at Qwest Field has since been surpassed.
- Fredy Montero was not the youngest player to score multiple goals in an Open Cup Final; younger players have done so.