Ex-Revs Steer Sounders to Open Cup Title
- Updated: September 16, 2014
Photo credit: Chris Aduama/aduamaphotography.com
Ex-Revolution scorers Clint Dempsey and Chad Barrett both tallied to send the Seattle Sounders to their fourth U.S. Open Cup title following Tuesday’s 3-1 extra time win over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.
Barrett, who played for the Revolution in 2013, canceled out Maurice Edu’s 38th minute opener in the 47th minute, which sent the match into extra time. There, Dempsey, who spent the first three seasons (2004-2006) of his pro career in Foxborough, scored the game-winner in the 101st minute. Obafemi Martins added an insurance goal in the 114th minute.
The win allowed the Sounders to lift the Dewar Challenge trophy for the first time since 2011, which marked the third straight tournament championship for the side. The victory also secured Seattle a spot in the CONCACAF Champions League tournament.
Philadelphia entered the match hoping to etch its name in Open Cup lore, and dressed the part, as well. The Union donned their Bethlehem Steel-inspired kits for the clash in tribute to the success of the Steelmen during the 1920s.
And it appeared that history was on their side in the first half. Cristian Maidana sent a free kick to the far post, where Edu knocked it through to give the hosts the early advantage with halftime approaching.
But Edu’s goal didn’t stand for long. Moments after the squads exited to the locker rooms, Barrett pounced on a rebound that Zac MacMath couldn’t corral to put the match back on level terms in the 47th minute.
The title game remained knotted at one apiece once full team concluded, and with extra time employed to decide a winner, the guests seized the opportunity before them.
Eleven minutes into the first extra time period, Martins fed Dempsey, who then buried it to put his club on top for the first time. With the Union stretched thin as they searched for the equalizer, the Sounders exploited their adversary’s position and scored from Martins in the 114th minute to put any doubts to rest.
Notes: The Open Cup title was the second of Barrett’s career. He was a part of the 2006 Chicago Fire squad that claimed tournament glory…Among those with local ties on the Union side: forward Conor Casey (Dover, N.H) and Sheanon Williams (Boston)…The Sounders tied the Fire for the most Open Cup titles among MLS clubs (four)…
Related Posts
About Brian O'Connell
