The Seattle Sounders advanced to their third straight U.S. Open Cup final, beating FC Dallas 1-0 on Tuesday at Stafire Sports Complex. The Sounders got a first-half goal from Fredy Montero and then held on for much of the second half.
U.S. Open Cup: Sounders Advance To Third Straight Final
In the Oct. 4 final, the Sounders will host the Chicago Fire, who will be attempting to tie Bethlehem Steel's all-time record of five Open Cup titles. The Sounders will be trying to become the first team since 1969 to win three straight Open Cups. No team has advanced to three straight Open Cup finals in the MLS era of the tournament. They are already the first team to win two straight titles in the MLS era. The Sounders improved to 12-0-1 in the Open Cup, including 9-0-0 at Starfire.
FC Dallas was badly outplayed in the first half, but came back strong in the second half. They created numerous chances and outshot the host 11-2 in the second half. Marvin Chavez had the best chance of the evening, striking a shot off the near post.
The game turned a bit ugly in the second half, with referee Hilario Grajeda calling 30 fouls and issuing six yellow cards in the match. In stoppage time, Mike Fucito was hit with a stray elbow under his eye, opening up a bloody wound.
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