2014 U.S. Open Cup Final vs Philadelphia Union
The historic night the Sounders claimed their first Open Cup title in front of a roaring home crowd.
The 2014 U.S. Open Cup Final stands as a cornerstone in Seattle Sounders FC history, marking the club's first victory in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup competition. Played against Eastern Conference rivals Philadelphia Union at CenturyLink Field, this match capped off a remarkable domestic campaign and set the stage for an unprecedented Double season.
- Competition
- U.S. Open Cup Final
- Date
- August 6, 2014
- Venue
- CenturyLink Field, Seattle
- Result
- Seattle Sounders FC 3–1 Philadelphia Union
- Trophy Status
- First U.S. Open Cup Title for Sounders
- Key Performer
- Fredy Montero (Brace)
Lore & Background
This victory is legendary among supporters because it secured half of the elusive Double, with the MLS Cup following later that November. The atmosphere at CenturyLink Field was deafening, often referred to as the Thunderdome, providing an intimidating fortress for visiting teams during this era. It solidified the legacy of a squad featuring Clint Dempsey and Fredy Montero as one of the most potent attacking forces in American soccer history.
In Their Own Story
The floodlights hummed over CenturyLink Field, casting long shadows across the emerald grass. Inside the locker room, the weight of expectation hung heavy; this was more than a trophy, it was validation for the city's passion. When the players emerged into the roar of fifty thousand fans, the noise was physical, shaking the concrete stands. Every pass felt amplified by the collective hope of the Emerald City.
Reader's Guide
The atmosphere at CenturyLink Field was electric as Seattle Sounders FC prepared to face Philadelphia Union for the U.S. Open Cup trophy. The stakes were incredibly high; a victory here would secure the first piece of hardware in a potential historic Double season for the franchise. Fans packed every seat, creating a thunderous backdrop that unsettled the visitors from early on. Seattle controlled possession throughout the match, leveraging their home advantage to press aggressively. Fredy Montero proved instrumental in breaking the deadlock, finding the net twice during the contest to dictate the flow of play. Clint Dempsey added crucial support with a clinical finish, extending the lead before Philadelphia could mount any serious comeback threat. The Union managed one consolation goal, but it did little to dampen the Sounders' momentum. As the final whistle blew, the stadium erupted in celebration. Players gathered around the trophy, lifting the silverware high above their heads while confetti rained down on the pitch. This victory was not just a cup win; it cemented 2014 as one of the most successful years in club history, proving Seattle could dominate on both domestic fronts simultaneously against fierce competition.
Did You Know?
- This title completed part of the historic Double achieved by Sounders FC in 2014.
- Fredy Montero scored a brace to lead the attacking line in this final victory.
- The match was played at CenturyLink Field, now known as Lumen Field.