What Is 2009 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2009 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final marked a historic moment for Seattle Sounders FC, who claimed their inaugural U.S. Open Cup title in just their second season in Major League Soccer. The match took place on September 2, 2009, at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C., the home ground of D.C. United, making the atmosphere particularly intense.

Seattle defeated D.C. United 2–1 in a tightly contested match that showcased both teams' offensive efforts and defensive resilience. The victory solidified Seattle’s emergence as a competitive force in American soccer and added a significant trophy to their early franchise history.

• Seattle Sounders FC entered the final as the visiting team but demonstrated strong composure under pressure at RFK Stadium.
• Fredy Montero scored the opening goal in the 59th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by D.C. United.
• Luciano Emilio equalized for D.C. United in the 70th minute, finishing a well-placed through ball from Santino Quaranta.
• Rafael Martínez scored the decisive goal in the 79th minute, redirecting a cross from Brad Evans past goalkeeper Troy Perkins.
• The final attendance was 20,655, one of the largest crowds for a U.S. Open Cup final at the time.

Match Details

The 2009 final featured a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance, with both teams navigating a high-stakes environment. Seattle’s victory was built on effective set-piece execution and clinical finishing during the second half.

• Kickoff Time: The match began at 7:30 PM Eastern Time, under clear skies and a temperature of 78°F.
• Referee: Jair Marrufo officiated the match, issuing three yellow cards—two to D.C. United players.
• Man of the Match: Fredy Montero was awarded the honor for his goal and relentless attacking pressure.
• Seattle’s Path to the Final: They defeated the Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, and Kansas City Wizards en route to the final.
• D.C. United’s Path: They advanced by beating the Charleston Battery, Richmond Kickers, and New York Red Bulls.
• Historical Context: This was the 96th edition of the U.S. Open Cup, the oldest ongoing national soccer competition in the U.S.

Comparison at a Glance

Key performance metrics from the 2009 final highlight the narrow margin between victory and defeat:

The table illustrates Seattle’s efficiency in attack and discipline in defense, particularly in limiting D.C. United’s set-piece opportunities. Despite fewer total shots, Seattle converted key moments into goals, a hallmark of championship-level performance.

Why It Matters

The 2009 U.S. Open Cup Final had lasting implications for both clubs and American soccer as a whole. It underscored the growing competitiveness of expansion teams and the importance of domestic cup tournaments in MLS.

• Seattle’s victory marked the first major trophy for the franchise, boosting fan morale and attendance in subsequent seasons.
• D.C. United, as defending champions from 2008, were unable to secure a repeat, ending a potential dynasty.
• The tournament format included teams from all levels of U.S. soccer, emphasizing inclusivity and competitive balance.
• Media coverage increased significantly, with ESPN broadcasting the final live, raising the profile of the competition.
• Player development was highlighted, as young talents like Montero gained national recognition through cup performances.
• Historical legacy: The match is remembered as a turning point in the Sounders’ rise to prominence in MLS.

Ultimately, the 2009 final exemplified the drama and unpredictability that make the U.S. Open Cup a cornerstone of American soccer tradition.