Seattle Sounders Complete Historic Sweep with Leagues Cup Triumph: 3–0 Over Inter Miami

By Alonso Contreras

Seattle Sounders FC carved its name deeper into Major League Soccer’s history books on a magical night at Lumen Field, defeating Inter Miami CF 3–0 to lift the 2025 Leagues Cup. With this victory, Brian Schmetzer’s men have now claimed every single competition they have ever entered, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, and now the Leagues Cup, cementing their dynasty as one of the greatest teams North America has ever seen.

The storyline was irresistible: Inter Miami, managed by Javier Mascherano and featuring global icons Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Rodrigo De Paul, and Jordi Alba, arrived with the expectation of continental dominance. Yet it was Seattle’s blend of disciplined defending, youthful energy, and ruthless execution that silenced the hype and delivered a masterclass in front of a roaring home crowd.

First Half: Seattle Strikes Through De Rosario

The game began with intensity, Miami pressing high and Messi testing Seattle’s backline almost immediately. In the third minute, Osaze De Rosario forced Óscar Ustari into an early save with a dangerous header, showing Seattle’s attacking intent. Miami responded with attempts from Messi and De Paul, both blocked bravely by Jackson Ragen.

The breakthrough came in the 26th minute. Álex Roldán, ever the reliable leader on the right, surged forward and whipped a cross into the heart of the penalty area. De Rosario rose above his marker and powered a header into the corner, sending the crowd into delirium. It was a finish full of confidence from the young forward, who is quickly establishing himself as Seattle’s next star.

Before the break, Jesús Ferreira nearly doubled the lead, striking the post with a sharp effort after clever movement into the box. Despite Miami’s flurries, including Messi flashing a shot narrowly over in the 43rd minute, Seattle went into halftime with a deserved 1–0 advantage.

Second Half: Miami Pushes, Seattle Holds Firm

Mascherano’s side returned from the interval with urgency. Within the first five minutes, Suárez dragged a chance wide and Messi skied an opportunity from inside the box. Tadeo Allende also missed twice in quick succession, including a header from point-blank range in the 58th minute that could have changed the match entirely.

Seattle weathered the storm with resilience. Yéimar Gómez Andrade was a wall at the back, blocking Messi’s curling effort in the 66th minute, while Cristian Roldán tracked tirelessly to smother Miami’s buildup play. Schmetzer’s substitutions proved decisive as Danny Leyva, Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, and Georgi Minoungou brought fresh energy to midfield and wide areas, keeping Miami at bay.

Decisive Moments: Roldán and Rothrock Seal Glory

The turning point arrived in the 84th minute. Georgi Minoungou won a one-vs-one in the box after Yannick Bright’s reckless foul, earning the Miami midfielder a yellow card. From the spot, Álex Roldán stepped up with ice in his veins and struck a perfect penalty into the bottom right corner, extending Seattle’s lead to 2–0.

Desperation forced Miami forward, but in the 89th minute Seattle struck the final blow. Roldán once again played the architect, threading a pass into Paul Rothrock, who calmly slotted his shot into the bottom corner. Rothrock’s celebration with the Sounders supporters embodied the night: passion, belief, and triumph.

Kim Kee-Hee, brought on late, provided additional stability as the Sounders coasted through stoppage time to a commanding 3–0 victory.

A Tale of Two Managers

For Schmetzer, this was perhaps his crowning achievement. A coach often praised for man-management and tactical clarity, he once again proved his ability to outthink world-class opposition. By contrast, Mascherano cut a frustrated figure as his side’s reliance on Messi was laid bare. Despite moments of brilliance, Miami lacked cohesion and could not break through Seattle’s disciplined block.

Conclusion: A Dynasty Secured

Seattle’s triumph was more than a cup win; it was the final piece of a historic puzzle. With every major title now in their trophy cabinet, the Sounders stand as the model of consistency, adaptability, and ambition in MLS. Inter Miami, with all its stars, may grab global headlines, but on this night in Seattle it was teamwork, discipline, and heart that prevailed.

Final Score: Seattle Sounders FC 3, Inter Miami CF 0

Goals: De Rosario (26’), Á. Roldán (84’ pen), Rothrock (89’)