In a historic 2025 Leagues Cup final held on August 31 at Seattle's Lumen Field, Seattle Sounders FC secured their first-ever 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. Sounders' defender Alex Roldán was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, which included a goal and two assists.
The final was marked by a post-match altercation that led to significant disciplinary actions. Inter Miami's forward Luis Suárez was suspended for three matches by Major League Soccer for spitting at a Seattle Sounders staff member during the incident. This suspension will cause 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. Additionally, Sounders assistant coach Steven Lenhart received extended disciplinary action—MLS revoked his credentials for the remainder of the season after he was suspended five games for violent conduct. The Sounders were also fined an undisclosed amount by the league.
The 2025 Leagues Cup featured 36 teams from both Major League Soccer and Liga MX, with Seattle Sounders FC emerging as the champions. The tournament's format included a knockout stage, culminating in the final between Seattle and Inter Miami. Seattle's victory marked a significant achievement for the club, highlighting their growing prominence in North American soccer.
The match was broadcast globally, with English and Spanish commentary available on MLS Season Pass, an online streaming service operated by the league and Apple under the Apple TV+ platform. This accessibility allowed fans worldwide to witness the historic final and the subsequent events that unfolded.
The disciplinary actions following the final have sparked discussions about player conduct and the importance of maintaining sportsmanship in professional soccer. MLS's swift response underscores the league's commitment to upholding high standards of behavior among its players and staff. As the season progresses, teams and fans alike will be watching closely to see how these events influence the dynamics of the league.
