What Is 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final

Overview

The 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final marked a historic achievement for Seattle Sounders FC, who became the first team in nearly half a century to win three consecutive U.S. Open Cup titles. The match took place on October 26, 2011, at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, drawing a crowd of 23,366 fans, the largest attendance for a domestic cup final in the United States that year.

Seattle Sounders FC defeated Chicago Fire 2–0, cementing their dominance in American soccer during the early 2010s. The victory not only earned them $100,000 in prize money but also secured their qualification for the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, highlighting the tournament's significance in U.S. soccer.

• October 26, 2011 was the official date of the final, held at CenturyLink Field, now known as Lumen Field, in Seattle, Washington.
• Seattle Sounders FC won 2–0, with goals from Fredy Montero in the 37th minute and Osvaldo Alonso in the 88th minute.
• This victory made the Sounders the first team since the 1960s to win three consecutive U.S. Open Cups, from 2009 to 2011.
• Chicago Fire advanced to the final by defeating the Columbus Crew 2–1 in the semifinals, ending Crew's title defense hopes.
• The match was officiated by referee Jair Marrufo, who issued two yellow cards during the game, both to Chicago Fire players.

Match Details

The 2011 final showcased Seattle's tactical discipline and depth, overcoming a Chicago Fire team that had shown resilience throughout the tournament. Despite Chicago creating several chances, Seattle's defense, led by captain Kasey Keller, held firm, preserving the shutout.

• First Goal: Fredy Montero opened the scoring in the 37th minute with a left-footed shot from outside the box.
• Second Goal: Osvaldo Alonso sealed the win in the 88th minute after a counterattack initiated by Steve Zakuani.
• Attendance: A total of 23,366 fans attended the match, reflecting growing interest in domestic cup competitions.
• Weather Conditions: The game was played under partly cloudy skies with temperatures around 55°F (13°C).
• Man of the Match: Fredy Montero was awarded the honor for his decisive first goal and overall attacking pressure.
• Historical Context: The Sounders became the first team since Maccabi Los Angeles (1968–1970) to win three straight Open Cups.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key performance metrics between Seattle Sounders FC and Chicago Fire during the 2011 U.S. Open Cup Final:

Seattle's edge in shots, possession, and set pieces reflected their superior control throughout the match. While Chicago had moments of pressure, particularly in the second half, Seattle's defense and transition play proved decisive. The table illustrates how Seattle outperformed Chicago in nearly every key metric, contributing to their comfortable 2–0 victory.

Why It Matters

The 2011 final was more than just another trophy for Seattle—it symbolized the rise of MLS clubs in American soccer and demonstrated the competitive depth of the U.S. Open Cup. Winning three straight titles elevated the Sounders to legendary status in the modern era of U.S. soccer.

• Historic Achievement: No team had won three consecutive Open Cups since Maccabi Los Angeles in 1970, making this a rare feat.
• CONCACAF Qualification: The win granted Seattle a spot in the 2012–13 CONCACAF Champions League, increasing their international exposure.
• Prize Money: The $100,000 purse was the largest in the tournament's history at the time, incentivizing strong performances.
• Fan Engagement: The 23,366 attendance showed growing support for domestic cup soccer in the U.S.
• Team Legacy: The Sounders solidified their reputation as a dominant force in early 2010s MLS and U.S. soccer.
• Tournament Prestige: The match helped elevate the U.S. Open Cup's profile as a meaningful competition beyond the regular MLS season.

Ultimately, the 2011 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Final was a milestone moment for Seattle Sounders FC and American soccer, combining historic achievement with tangible rewards and national recognition.