MLS Seattle Sounders FC

Sounders FC Advance in U.S. Open Cup

July 22, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Seattle Sounders FC News Release


TUKWILA, WASH.- Stephen King scored the game-winning goal in the fifth minute of overtime to give the Seattle Sounders FC a 2-1 comeback win over the Houston Dynamo in a Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup semifinal match Tuesday night at Starfire Sports Stadium.

Seattle's Nate Jaqua sent the match into overtime with a goal in the 89th minute.

The Sounders FC will now face defending champion D.C. United in the Cup Final on September 2 in Washington, D.C.

D.C. United defeated the Rochester Rhinos of USL-1, 2-1, in the evening's other semifinal.

King's goal, his third in cup play, came after Steve Zakuani's cross was settled by midfielder Sebastian Le Toux. King's 12-yard shot beat Dynamo goalkeeper Tally Hall.

Seattle finished with a 26-7 advantage in shots, including a second-half drive off the post by Zakuani, who led the team with five shots.

Jaqua's equalizer was scored after Le Toux's cross was re-directed by substitute Roger Leveque. Jaqua, a former Houston player, finished with a shot which deflected off a defender and into the net from close range.

Houston had opened the scoring in the 32nd minute of the match with an unassisted goal from Ade Akinbiyi. He finished a loose ball in the box that the Seattle defense was unable to clear out.

The Sounders FC played the final 10 minutes of overtime without defender Jhon Kennedy Hurtado who was issued his second yellow card. Hurtado must now miss the Cup Final.

The match was played in front of a sold out crowd of 4,895 and more than 6,000 fans watched a live video webcast online at www.SoundersFC.com.

It was the second time the two teams met in 10 days. Seattle also came from behind to win an MLS match on July 11th on the Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

MLS play resumes for the Sounders FC (7-3-7) on Saturday when it hosts the Eastern Conference leading Chicago Fire (7-3-7) before a national television audience and a sold-out Xbox Pitch at Qwest Field.

Check out the Seattle Sounders FC Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from July 22, 2009


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central