There isn't likely to be a parade, and I'm not sure yet if the Sounders are planning to hang a banner at Qwest Field, but it sure seems like there is plenty of reason to call Wednesday's United States Open Cup win at DC United the "Biggest trophy" win in the history of Seattle professional soccer.
I keep track of trophies won by Seattle clubs as a part of the GOALSeattle.com Soccer Museum.
Looking over the list of actual awarded trophies, the ones that instantly stand out as giving the 2009 Open Cup win a run for its money are the four league championships won by the USL Sounders in 1995, 1996, 2005 and 2007. The NASL Sounders were often successful, and went to the league final twice, but fell both times by a single goal to the New York Cosmos.
The 1995 Seattle Sounders championship was earned a year before Major League Soccer began. There were other leagues around the country at the time, but the "A-League" was considered by most to be the top one. In 1996 when MLS debuted Seattle won the A-League for a second time. I guess you'd have to say that of all the championships won by the USL Sounders, the 1995 one would have to get the most creedence since MLS had not yet kicked off.
The Sounders' 2009 Open Cup run had no 'easy steps' in its path. The Sounders had to play-in to get a bracket spot, against MLS sides Real Salt Lake and Colorado Rapids. Once they got a spot, it was off to Portland to face the number one team in the USL before 16,000 fans at their place. The next step was back to MLS opposition to play Kansas City. Seattle then edged Houston of MLS in overtime to reach the final, where a fifth top-flight club awaited in DC United. So the Sounders' road to the cup was five first-division sides and the top second division side. When you compare that with the route some USOC Champions have taken to the Cup, it makes it even more impressive.
The Sounders met foes who sometimes fielded non-starters along the way. Seattle also tinkered with a mix of starters and reserves. You can't deny the difficult path they had to the trophy, though. It came against what was at one point a field consisting of the best from all levels of American soccer. The Sounders had no amateur, PDL or USL Second Division opponents.
Until Sounders FC win an MLS title, and maybe someday a CONCACAF Champions League trophy, the 2009 US Open Cup win will stand out as the top accomplishment over the last 35 years of Seattle pro soccer.
Note: The club is planning to produce USOC Champions T-shirts. They should be on sale before the Sounders play Chivas USA September 19th at Qwest Field.
Seattle's pro soccer trophies (Sounders unless otherwise listed):
1977 NASL National Conference Champions
1980 NASL Western Division Champions
1981 Trans-Atlantic Challenge Cup winners
1982 NASL Western Division Champions
1982 EuroPac Cup winners
1988 Western Soccer Association Champions (FC Seattle Storm)
1995 A-League Champions
1996 A-League Champions
2005 USL-1 Champions
2006 Cascadia Cup winners
2007 USL-1 Champions
2007 Cascadia Cup winners
2009 United States Open Cup winners
Comments
Those videos really say it all! Let's really get behind the boys when they return to Qwest Sept. 19th!
We NEED a parade! Or at least the cup on the next "March to the Match!"
what about the Seadogs title?
I'm an outdoor soccer kinda guy, Joe. ;) It was cool, but there were other leagues around at the time besides the CISL, right?
US Open Cup Is a good trophy ( now that it gets you an invite in the CONCACAF Chamopions League) but I say league titles are better. but I tell ya, the away(in other countries I should say) games will kill your team in the CONCACAF League.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!