Sounders FC Crowned Leagues Cup Champions After Dramatic 3-1 Victory Over Inter Miami CF

In a pulsating Leagues Cup Final, Seattle Sounders FC triumphed over Inter Miami CF with a 3-1 victory, securing the coveted trophy in front of a roaring home crowd. The match was a tense, back-and-forth affair that saw moments of individual brilliance, tactical chess, and late-game heroics that will be etched into the memory of Sounders fans. The game's turning point came in the second half, with key plays from Osaze De Rosario and a decisive penalty from Cristian Roldan sealing the championship for Seattle.

The first half was a cagey affair, with both sides testing each other but failing to break the deadlock. Inter Miami, despite missing some key players, showed resilience in defense, frustrating the Sounders' attack. However, the energy shifted dramatically in the second half. The breakthrough came from Osaze De Rosario, who found the back of the net with a clinical finish in the 26th minute, sending the stadium into a frenzy. De Rosario, son of Canadian soccer legend Dwayne De Rosario, has been a revelation this tournament, and his goal was a testament to his growing confidence and skill. Miami struggled to find an answer, and their hopes were further dashed when Seattle was awarded a penalty. Cristian Roldan, a veteran leader for the club, stepped up to the spot and coolly converted, doubling the lead and putting the Sounders firmly in control.

As Miami pushed forward in desperation, they left themselves vulnerable at the back. The final nail in the coffin was delivered by substitute Paul Rothrock, who scored a late goal to make it 3-1 and extinguish any hope of a Miami comeback. Rothrock's goal was a moment of pure jubilation for the bench and the fans, capping off a remarkable tournament run. The victory represents a significant achievement for the Sounders, who navigated a challenging path to the final. Their roster, a blend of seasoned veterans like Roldan and Nicolás Lodeiro alongside rising stars like De Rosario, proved to be a championship-winning formula. The team's recent form has been strong, with this victory building on a solid run in the MLS regular season.

For Inter Miami CF, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow after a hard-fought tournament. They showed flashes of quality but were ultimately undone by Seattle's clinical finishing and defensive solidity. The team will look to regroup and focus on their remaining MLS fixtures. Meanwhile, the Seattle Sounders will celebrate this historic Leagues Cup title, a significant piece of silverware that underscores their status as one of the premier clubs in Major League Soccer.