Seattle Sounders Fire Back: "Messi May Be the Best, But Our Secret Weapon Rothrock Will Shock the World" in Leagues Cup Final Showdown
Mere hundreds of yards from Puget Sound's waterfront, a distinctive thunderous sound rises from Lumen Field, where Seattle Sounders have established an exceptional ambiance in North American football.
The venue has also become legendary, with supporters making it among the world's most deafening stadiums, whether featuring the Sounders before more than 69,000 during the 2019 MLS Cup, or the NFL's Seattle Seahawks, who established a global record of 137.6 decibels, generating seismic tremors in the vicinity.
That legendary ambiance, which continues as an MLS standout even as the league has expanded to 30 teams, makes it unsurprising that the organization has sold more than 60,000 tickets to establish a tournament record for the 2025 Leagues Cup Final on Sunday evening versus Inter Miami.
Different from certain MLS markets, it's not the Lionel Messi and company spectacle in Seattle—and the Sounders' character couldn't be more distinct from their South Florida opponents.
"It's going to be incredible, we're all going to draw from the atmosphere as much as we can, and the supporters are a huge advantage in a match like this," stated keeper Andrew Thomas, who has assumed the starting role from veteran Stefan Frei in Leagues Cup. "Every small edge that you can gain in the match is crucial."
Since 2023, Miami have constructed around Messi, recruiting several of his companions, and working through MLS wage structures to assemble a superteam, of sorts, but an imbalanced one from attack to defense.
However, the star quality in Seattle is distinct.
Apart from U.S. men's national team icon Clint Dempsey, the Sounders have rarely acquired veteran superstars, and presently depend on Argentine DP winger Pedro De La Vega, along with Cristian Roldan, Alex Roldan, Jackson Ragen, Paul Rothrock, and Osaze De Rosario, among others.
"Messi is arguably the greatest player the world has ever witnessed, but we have Paul Rothrock, and we have Jackson Ragen, and we have Snyder Brunell and Andrew Thomas, we've got talented players too," head coach Brian Schmetzer stated, adding: "[Luis] Suárez is not going to outrun anyone because Yeimar is quicker."
Championship-Seeking Approach
The squads and philosophies of the two clubs could not be more different. Nevertheless, they've achieved comparable success this season, both excelling at the FIFA Club World Cup and carrying that momentum into MLS and Leagues Cup competition.
Following the Club World Cup, the Sounders have secured five victories in nine matches, while suffering just one defeat. Meanwhile, Miami has earned 17 of a potential 27 points and proceeded to acquire Rodrigo De Paul, who faced the Sounders during the Club World Cup with Atlético Madrid.
For Miami, there's a focus on capturing as many titles as possible while Messi wears their pink jerseys. But, for Seattle, Sunday's championship serves as a benchmark, as they aim to claim a ninth trophy and become the inaugural team to capture every available domestic and regional title.
"I believe the world recognizes the significance of the Seattle Sounders... the championships speak for themselves," said USMNT and Sounders striker Jesus Ferreira as the club prepared for its first championship match since capturing the 2022 Concacaf Champions Cup. "Seattle Sounders possess a reputation every opponent respects.
"From Dallas to any MLS venue, everyone understands this organization's championship culture, the honor it brings its city, and the trophies that validate it. Now, with the opportunity to be the first team to capture every competition."
While a squad featuring Messi may be preferred in any championship, and the 38-year-old will be hoping to claim his 46th trophy, the Sounders will not surrender easily, especially considering the club's heritage and reputation, which is founded on its championship tradition at its foundation.
"[Winning would] signify everything," said De Rosario, whose father, Dwayne, captured four MLS Cup championships. "It is what we desire. This is what the organization is founded upon. We're established on titles, so to capture Leagues Cup is just a move in our path."