American-Soccer.net

The final of the 2009 US Open Cup was intense.  Defending champions, DC United, hosted new boys Seattle Sounders in the penultimate game of the oldest cup competition in the USA.  FSC carried the game live and I thought the atmosphere was great.  RFK Stadium is the best non-soccer-specific venue we have in the league and DC’s fans are a big part of that.

Unfortunately the game was marred by an ugly incident and a bone-head move from DC United’s keeper, Josh Wicks.  After a 1st half of nice chances but better defending, Seattle finally got free on a break-away around the 65 minute of the 2nd half.  The ball found it’s way to Freddie Ljungberg who put in a strong shot with the outside of his right foot.  Josh Wicks parried the first attempt but, unfortunately for DC United, the rebound bounced straight to Seattle Sounder, Fredy Montero, who put the ball away.

In the process of scoring it looked like Montero may have inadvertently caught Wicks with his follow through.  It was a 50/50 challenge at worst and Montero happened to get the better of it over his DC United counterpart.  Wicks evidently took exception to the challenge (as well as being scored on), and while Montero was on the ground after the collision, Wicks got up, walked over, and stomped on Montero.  It was as clear as day when it happened.  Wicks walked right over to him and jumped over the top of Montero, catching him at least on the arm on his way down.  Bone-headed and classless.

After some deliberation with the referee’s assistant and the 4th official, Wicks was ejected with a red card.  Then to show how a little less class, Wicks had to stick around for a few more minutes, get in the ref’s face and debate the decision.  Just get off the pitch.

Aside from this incident, it was a hard fought match.  Despite being down to 10 men and down by 2 goals, DC United showed a lot of backbone by attacking and eventually getting an equalizing goal through a clever heel-flick on a set piece.  But Seattle would hold on after scoring the decisive goal through the hard work of Sebastien Le Toux.

Congrats to Seattle Sounders FC on their first ever trophy and for showing the “old guard” what this game is all about.

Category: Major League Soccer, US Soccer | Tags: DC United, Fredy Montero, Josh Wicks, Seattle Sounders, US Open Cup Final, video highlights