Sounders Win Cup Amid Miami Meltdown

By Elke Porter | WBN News World Sports | September 1, 2025
Subscription to WBN and being a Writer is FREE!

The Seattle Sounders made soccer history by capturing the 2025 Leagues Cup championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over Inter Miami at Lumen Field. The Rave Green became the first team to win all five major North American soccer trophies, completing an unprecedented collection that includes the MLS Cup, U.S. Open Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, Supporters' Shield, and now the Leagues Cup.

Goals from Osaze De Rosario (26'), Alex Roldan (84' penalty), and Paul Rothrock (89') sealed a dominant performance in front of a record-breaking crowd of 69,314 fans—the highest-attended soccer match in Washington State history. However, the celebration was marred when Luis Suárez grabbed celebrating Seattle player Obed Vargas after the final whistle and appeared to spit at a Sounders staff member.

This historic triumph showcases the Sounders' sustained excellence—their ninth major trophy since joining MLS in 2009. The victory also secured them a bye into the Round of 16 of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup, extending their impressive run that has seen them lose just one match since the FIFA Club World Cup in June.

While Suárez's shameful post-game actions served as a stark reminder of the importance of proper conduct in professional sports, they cannot diminish the Sounders' magnificent achievement. Professional athletes serve as role models, and spitting at opponents represents the ultimate form of disrespect—behaviour that typically results in multi-game suspensions and teaches young fans exactly what not to do.

Congratulations to the Seattle Sounders, who demonstrated class both on and off the field. Their decisive victory showcased the quality of American soccer and the professionalism that defines MLS. As a FIFA 2026 World Cup host city, Seattle continues to prove that American soccer infrastructure and fan passion can compete with the world's best.

The United States has steadily built world-class soccer facilities that meet international standards. American stadiums like Lumen Field demonstrate the country's growing soccer sophistication, with purpose-built venues and passionate supporter culture that rivals traditional soccer nations. As American audiences become increasingly knowledgeable about the beautiful game, incidents like Suárez's behavior only serve to highlight why character matters as much as skill.

Professional sports demand accountability. Young players watching should understand that talent without character ultimately leads to disgrace, while true champions like the Sounders earn respect through both their performance and their conduct. Seattle now has nearly two weeks off before returning to MLS play to face the LA Galaxy on Saturday, September 13 at Lumen Field, where they'll continue demonstrating the championship standard that defines true soccer excellence.

TAGS: #Seattle Sounders #Leagues Cup 2025 #Sportsmanship Matters #MLS #Soccer USA #FIFA 2026 #WBN News World Sports Edition #Elke Porter