| 04 October 2011
Time: 7:00 PM
TV: FSC
Two of the most storied clubs in the US Open Cup history will face off today in the US Open Cup finals. The Chicago Fire will be looking to win their fifth total title (ties Open Cup Record) and the Sounders will be looking to win their third consecutive straight title (ties Open Cup Record). Who wants their record more?
In the Sounders' brief history in the MLS, the team has reached the finals every year and won it. This year is no different as the Sounders have gone through the tournament and are contending for their third straight title. This has not happened since 1969 when Greek American AA won three titles from 1967-69. In addition, no MLS team has ever won three straight US Open Cup titles.
On the other side of the ball is the Chicago Fire as they look to make history of their own. No other MLS team has won more Open Cup titles than the Chicago Fire with four, and only two teams have more titles with five. The Chicago Fire will tie that record if they are able to take the title this year.
The Fire currently are on a tear in their past four MLS games winning three and tying one. This great play has been a result oftheir final push to make the playoffs (currently sit three points back of final spot). The two main guys responsible for this push is Forward Dominic Oduro (12 goals) and Midfielder Marco Pappa (8 goals). The last four opponents weren't joke games either, as they beat a third place RSL 3-0 at Rio Tinto.
The Sounders were very successful in the month of September. The key players for the Sounders through the past road trip have been Fredy Montero (4 goals), Osvaldo Alonso (2 goals and solid defense) and Kasey Keller who has made big saves when needed.
Coming into this game, the Sounders and Head Coach Sigi Schmid feel confident their road trip will not deter their play Tuesday. They even rested key players against New England to keep them fresh.
While both teams want this win, I see the Sounders consistent play through tough circumstances throughout the year being the difference. Chicago did make it this far but they have played inferior competition —only one of their three previous matches in the tournament have been against an MLS team. I see the Sounders winning this game 3-1 and raising their third trophy in three years.
Go Sounders!
