I hope you hadn't forgotten about the Seattle Sounders. Over the next week and a half leading into MLS Cup, you'll be hearing a lot about them once again.
They're no longer the upstart MLS expansion team from 2009. In fact, in just 11 seasons in MLS the Sounders have racked up achievements that other MLS clubs can only dream about. Their 3-1 upset of LAFC, clinching their third MLS Cup final appearance in four seasons, adds to their ever-growing list:
- 1 MLS Cup title (2016)
- 3 MLS Cup finals (2016, 2017, 2019)
- 1 Supporters' Shield (2014)
- 11 MLS Cup playoff appearances (2009-2019)
- 4 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cups (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014)
- 1 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Runners-up (2012)
- 5 Concacaf Champions League appearances: Group stage (2010-'11), QFs (2011-'12, 2015-'16, 2018), SFs (2012-'13)
Already having qualified for the Concacaf Champions League next season, they'll embark on their sixth continental quest.
The Sounders are the most successful team of the decade by way of wins, too. They just might be the team of the decade.
The Sounders will next find out if they can check off another achievement: hosting MLS Cup. For that they'll need to wait for the result of the Eastern Conference Final between Atlanta United vs. Toronto FC (8 pm ET | FS1, FOX Deportes in US; TSN1/4, TVAS in Canada). Seattle will host only if Toronto FC advance.
Regardless of whether the final is in Seattle or Atlanta, the Sounders will likely be confident in their chances of winning. Again.
