The Seattle Sounders have won their second MLS Cup in four years after a 3-1 win over Toronto FC. A raucous crowd of 69,274 was on hand at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, as teh Sounders scored three consecutive second half goals to secure the 2019 MLS Cup.
We've done it, Seattle! đ
We are the 2019 MLS Cup Champions! pic.twitter.com/PsLl7WAQtq
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 10, 2019
The hearts of Toronto FC supporters broke in the 57th minute when Seattle scored off of an own goal. Seattle’s Kelvin Leerdam had his shot strike the knee of defender Justin Morrow before finding the net.
What a moment!
Kelvin Leerdam's goal sends @CenturyLink_Fld into a frenzy! đ#SEAvTOR | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/sswdrgMzZv
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 10, 2019
The wheels quickly fell off Toronto FC as second half substitute Victor Rodriguez, who was later named MLS Cup MVP, curled home a strike in the 76th minute to give the Sounders a commanding 2-0 advantage.
IT SIMPLY HAD TO BE!
VĂctor RodrĂguez makes it 2-0!#SEAvTOR | #SoundersMatchday pic.twitter.com/RbE6MEhDiT
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 10, 2019
As if that wasn’t enough, Raul Ruidiaz added a dagger off an over the top pass from Gustav Svensson. Seattle was in cruise control ahead 3-0, while Toronto FC was left reeling.
The goal that sealed the trophy đ@RaulRuidiazM iced the match with a cheeky finish! #SEAvTOR | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/SkO0YYyrkz
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 10, 2019
The long awaited return of Jozy Altidore came in the 67th minute, but he wasn’t enough to spur Toronto FC to a miracle comeback. Sidelined with a quad strain, Altidore made his first appearance since October 6.
The 30-year-old was able to score in the 93rd minute, but Seattle had the match well in hand.
A great finish from a gutsy effort.@JozyAltidore | #TFCLive | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/OFJwywjhYT
â Toronto FC (@TorontoFC) November 10, 2019
Toronto FC dominated the opening half with 65% possession, but they could not find a goal. Jonathan Osorio and Nicolas Benezet were particularly dangerous on the left flank, in Toronto’s 4-3-3 formation.
It was a cagey first half defensive battle as neither team was willing to give an inch. Seattle fed off the roar of the crowd, but it was Toronto FC who weathered the momentum Seattle had hoped to build.
TFC created enough scoring opportunities, but they lacked finish in the final third. Seattle was sharp enough defensively to keep Toronto FC from scoring in the first half. The Sounders’ offence seemingly flipped a switch, and woke up in the second half.
The announced attendance was the largest to watch a sporting event in CenturyLink Field. It was also the largest to watch a soccer game in the history of Washington State.
Did you feel the shake at @CenturyLink_Fld? Experts say the 2nd goal saw the most seismic activity, according to @PNSN1. #komonews #MLSCup @SoundersFC pic.twitter.com/m9X2MF9xRe
— Patrick Quinn (@PatrickQuinnTV) November 10, 2019
Seattle. Sounders. Forever.#SoundersMatchday | #MLSCup pic.twitter.com/SemWfkKnyT
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 10, 2019
Scenes from the championship locker room! đđ pic.twitter.com/bWYMl2QX5i
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) November 11, 2019