What Is 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final marked a historic moment for Seattle Sounders FC, who claimed their first major trophy in their debut season in Major League Soccer. Held on September 2, 2009, the match pitted Seattle against D.C. United at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., a venue with deep U.S. soccer history.

Seattle emerged victorious with a 2–1 win, showcasing their dominance in both MLS and domestic cup competition. The victory solidified the Sounders as a rising force in American soccer and marked the beginning of a consistent run in U.S. Open Cup contention.

• Seattle Sounders FC won the match 2–1, capturing their first U.S. Open Cup in their inaugural MLS season.
• The final was played at RFK Stadium, home of D.C. United, giving them a slight home-field advantage.
• Fredy Montero scored the decisive goal in the 66th minute, breaking a 1–1 deadlock with a powerful finish.
• Seattle’s first goal came from Steve Zakuani in the 50th minute, just moments after entering as a substitute.
• Brian Carroll pulled one back for D.C. United in the 86th minute, but Seattle held on for the win.

Match Details

The 2009 final featured a balanced contest between two teams with strong cup pedigrees—D.C. United as five-time champions and Seattle as a new but ambitious expansion side. The match unfolded with tactical discipline and moments of individual brilliance, culminating in a dramatic second half.

• First Half: The opening 45 minutes ended 0–0, with D.C. United controlling possession but failing to convert chances.
• Second Half Start: Steve Zakuani scored just five minutes into the half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
• Montero’s Goal: In the 66th minute, Fredy Montero received a through ball and finished clinically past goalkeeper Josh Wicks.
• Carroll’s Response: Brian Carroll scored in the 86th minute, redirecting a cross from Chris Pontius to make it 2–1.
• Final Minutes: D.C. United pressed hard but were unable to equalize, with Seattle’s defense holding firm under pressure.
• Attendance: The match drew 20,123 fans, a strong turnout for a domestic cup final at the time.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics between Seattle Sounders FC and D.C. United in the 2009 final:

Despite being outpossessed, Seattle proved more efficient in attack, converting two of their six shots on goal. D.C. United’s higher possession and corner count did not translate into goals, highlighting Seattle’s defensive resilience and clinical finishing.

Why It Matters

The 2009 final was a landmark moment for MLS expansion teams and the growing prestige of the U.S. Open Cup. Seattle’s victory demonstrated that new franchises could immediately compete at the highest domestic level, reshaping expectations for future expansion clubs.

• Historic Debut: Seattle became the first MLS expansion team to win the U.S. Open Cup in their first season.
• MLS Growth: The win signaled the league’s increasing competitive depth and national reach.
• Supporter Culture: The Sounders’ passionate fanbase helped elevate the profile of domestic cup soccer in the U.S.
• Legacy: Seattle has since won the U.S. Open Cup four more times, establishing a modern dynasty.
• Tournament Prestige: The match reinforced the Open Cup as a meaningful competition beyond regular-season MLS play.
• Player Impact: Fredy Montero’s performance cemented his status as a key figure in early Sounders history.

The 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final remains a defining chapter in American soccer, symbolizing the rise of new clubs and the enduring value of domestic cup competition.