The Seattle Sounders will face Inter Miami in the highly anticipated Leagues Cup Final on Sunday at 5 p.m. PT at Lumen Field. This matchup is drawing significant attention, particularly as it showcases two teams that have demonstrated exceptional performance in this tournament.
Match Details
- Date and Time: Sunday at 5 p.m. PT
- Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
- Viewing Options: Fans can tune in to the match via MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+, Univision, and TUDN.
- Listening Options: The game will be broadcast on 950 KJR AM and SiriusXM FC 157 in English and El Rey 1360AM in Spanish.
Leagues Cup Format
The 2023 Leagues Cup included all 18 Liga MX clubs and the top 18 qualifying teams from Major League Soccer (MLS). Teams competed in group stages, playing three matches against opponents from the contrasting league. Notably, matches that ended in a draw immediately moved to penalty shootouts. As a result, both teams earned points based on their performances, leading to the knockout rounds, ultimately culminating in the final match on August 31.
Stakes of the Final
Both the Sounders and Miami have already secured their spots in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. However, the winner of Sunday’s final will earn significant prestige and a bye into the Round of 16 of the next Champions Cup. As both teams vie for this honor, it’s clear that the match carries enormous importance.
Performance Recap
Seattle Sounders:
- Finished 1st in the MLS table.
- Progressed impressively through the tournament:
- Defeated Cruz Azul (7-0)
- Defeated Santos Laguna (2-1)
- Defeated Tijuana (2-1)
Following the group stage, they triumphed over Club Puebla (4-3 in penalties) and LA Galaxy (2-0).
Inter Miami:
- Finished 2nd in the MLS table.
- Showed resilience in their matchups:
- Defeated Atlas (2-1)
- Advanced past Necaxa (5-4 on penalties after a 2-2 draw)
- Defeated Pumas (3-1)
In the knockout rounds, Miami took down Tigres (2-1) and Orlando City (3-1).
FIFA Club World Cup Influence
Both Seattle and Inter Miami participated in the summer’s FIFA Club World Cup, a factor that may have contributed to their success in the Leagues Cup. Since returning, the Sounders have recorded an impressive 10 wins, 1 loss, and 3 draws, while Miami has performed similarly with 10 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws.
Historical Context
In their last encounter, Inter Miami edged out the Sounders with a narrow 1-0 victory on April 16, 2022, courtesy of Robbie Robinson’s goal. This history adds an intriguing layer to their upcoming clash.
Trophy Implications
The Sounders have an illustrious history in league play, having won every competition available since joining MLS in 2009. Their trophy cabinet features four U.S. Open Cups, two MLS Cups, a Supporters’ Shield, and a Concacaf Champions Cup. Securing the Leagues Cup title would be a landmark achievement, making them the first MLS team to claim all five annual trophies.
Key Players to Watch
Seattle Sounders:
- Osaze De Rosario: With the suspension of forward Danny Musovski, De Rosario has stepped up, notably scoring in the semifinal win against LA Galaxy.
- Pedro de la Vega: The Designated Player has been instrumental, netting five goals in his last seven outings.
The Sounders’ attack is impressively diverse, having seen eight different players find the back of the net throughout the tournament. They have outscored their Leagues Cup opponents 13-2, highlighting both their attacking prowess and defensive strength.
Inter Miami:
- Lionel Messi: A global icon and a central figure for Miami, Messi is currently second in the league for goals and overall contributions. Despite being 38, he continues to make a profound impact, recently scoring crucial goals in high-pressure moments.
- Luis Suárez: Another marquee player for Miami, Suárez has contributed significantly, tallying six goals and ten assists in the MLS.
- Telasco Segovia: The young Venezuelan international is having a breakout season, leading the team with impressive stats.
Conclusion
The upcoming Leagues Cup Final represents a pivotal moment in both the Sounders’ and Inter Miami’s seasons. With a rich history and star-studded lineups, the match promises to deliver excitement and drama. Be it the exploding talent of Messi or the solid performance of the Sounders over the months, fans are in for an unforgettable showdown. As these two teams collide for Leagues Cup supremacy, all eyes will be on Seattle this Sunday.
