In a thrilling Leagues Cup final held on August 31, 2025, at Seattle's Lumen Field, Seattle Sounders FC secured their first-ever Leagues Cup title by defeating Inter Miami CF 3-0. The match attracted a record crowd of 69,314 spectators, underscoring the growing popularity of the tournament.
Defender Alex Roldán was instrumental in Seattle's victory, contributing a goal and two assists. His performance earned him the Man of the Match honors, highlighting his pivotal role in the team's success.
The match was not without controversy. Following the final whistle, a scuffle erupted between players and staff from both teams. Inter Miami's forward Luis Suárez was at the center of the altercation, reportedly spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member. This incident led to disciplinary actions from both the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee and Major League Soccer .
The Leagues Cup Organizing Committee imposed a six-match suspension on Suárez, applicable to future editions of the tournament. Additionally, Miami's midfielder Sergio Busquets received a two-match suspension for violent conduct, and defender Tomás Avilés was handed a three-match suspension for his involvement in the altercation. Seattle's assistant coach, Steven Lenhart, faced a five-match suspension and a revocation of his credentials for the remainder of the season.
In response to the incident, Suárez issued a public apology, acknowledging his mistake and expressing remorse. He emphasized his commitment to setting a positive example and stated that he did not intend to set a poor precedent.
The disciplinary actions taken highlight the league's commitment to maintaining sportsmanship and integrity within the sport. As the season progresses, teams and players are reminded of the importance of upholding the values that Major League Soccer strives to promote.
