U.S. Open Cup 2010

Lore & Background

Seattle won the 2009 U.S. Open Cup—the second MLS expansion club to do so in its inaugural season after the Chicago Fire in 1998. In 2010, Seattle began defense of its title in a match hosted by the Portland Timbers, winning on penalties. Seattle then defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy 2–0 in the quarterfinals and Chivas USA 3–1 in the semifinals to reach the final. Columbus reached the final by defeating Rochester Rhinos, Charleston Battery, and D.C. United.

In Their Own Story

The rain had stopped just before kickoff at Qwest Field, leaving the grass slick but playable. The stands roared as the final whistle approached, sealing a perfect shutout against New York. Fredy Montero jogged toward the corner flag, the captain's armband tight on his arm, knowing this moment would be etched into club history forever. When the trophy was lifted, confetti rained down in green and blue, mixing with the cheers of thirty thousand voices who knew they had witnessed the beginning of a dynasty.

Reader's Guide

The final was hosted at Qwest Field because Seattle won the bidding process. Columbus general manager Mark McCullers and head coach Robert Warzycha expressed concerns about the fairness of the scheduling. Seattle began selling tickets on September 7 and within six days 22,000 had already been sold.

Did You Know?

• Seattle Sounders FC became the first team since 1983 to win two consecutive U.S. Open Cup championships.
• The attendance of 31,311 was the highest at a U.S. Open Cup final.
• As a result of its championship, Sounders FC earned a berth in the preliminary round of the 2011–12 CONCACAF Champions League and a $100,000 cash prize.
• The Columbus Crew received the runner-up prize of $50,000.