In a historic match held on August 31, 2025, at Lumen Field in Seattle, the Seattle Sounders FC secured their first-ever Leagues Cup title by defeating Inter Miami CF 3-0. The final, attended by a record crowd of 69,314 spectators, was marked by a dominant performance from the Sounders, with defender Alex Roldán earning man of the match honors for his goal and two assists.
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 involved in the altercation, during which he spat at a Seattle staff member. As a result, Major League Soccer imposed a three-match suspension on Suárez, causing him to miss upcoming games against Charlotte FC, Seattle Sounders, and D.C. United. Prior to the MLS suspension, the Leagues Cup Organizing Committee had already banned Suárez for six future tournament games.
The incident also led to disciplinary actions against Seattle Sounders assistant coach Steven Lenhart, who received a five-match suspension for violent conduct. MLS further revoked his credentials for the remainder of the season, and the Sounders were fined an undisclosed amount by the league.
On the field, the Sounders' victory was propelled by Roldán's exceptional performance. His goal and two assists were instrumental in securing the win, highlighting the team's offensive prowess. The match also showcased the Sounders' defensive strength, as they managed to keep Inter Miami's high-profile players, including Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, from scoring.
This victory marks a significant achievement for the Seattle Sounders FC, adding a prestigious title to their club history. For Inter Miami CF, the loss serves as a setback, especially considering their strong lineup featuring international stars. The team will need to regroup and address the disciplinary issues that arose during the match to move forward in the season.
