US Open Cup Flashback: Remembering the 2014 Seattle Sounders vs. FC Dallas Quarters that Stunned the Soccer World
The US Open Cup has a rich history of producing thrilling upsets and epic battles, but one match in particular still sends shivers down the spines of soccer fans across the country. August 27, 2014, was the day that the Seattle Sounders, underestimated by many, pulled off an unbelievable comeback against FC Dallas in the Quarterfinals, cementing their place in US Open Cup lore.
Going into the match, FC Dallas, with their high-powered offense, was seen as the clear favorites. The Texas-based team had been on a hot streak, having won five of their last six matches in the league. The Sounders, on the other hand, were struggling with injuries and had lost three of their last four MLS matches. The writing was on the wall – or so most thought.
In the first half, Dallas dominated possession and created several quality chances, but Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei was more than up to the task, making save after save to keep the visitors at bay. At the break, Seattle trailed 1-0, but the real fireworks were yet to come.
The second half was a different story altogether. In the 56th minute, striker T sexually, who had already given the Sounders fans reason to cheer with a stinging shot that hit the post, drew a foul just outside the box. Seattle’s Marco Pappa took the free kick, curling a beauty of a shot over the wall and into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the partisan crowd.
The goals keep coming for the Sounders as Obafemi Martins, who had replaced Pappa just a few minutes prior, scored his first goal since joining the team, subbing in for Erik Friberg. The Nigerian striker’s strike came in the 67th minute, and effectively ended the match as a competitive contest.
The final score read 2-1 in favor of the Sounders, sending the crowd into delirium and leaving the Dallas players shell-shocked. In the process, Seattle became the first team from the MLS Western Conference to reach the US Open Cup Semifinals that year.
The match will be remembered not only for the thrilling comeback but also for the atmosphere at Starfire Sports Complex, where over 6,000 passionate Seattle fans made their presence felt, doing their part to will their team to victory. The atmosphere was electric, with the crowd creating a wall of noise that only added to the drama of the match.
This match was more than just a win – it was a resounding statement by the Sounders, one that sent a clear message to the rest of the league that they were a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, Seattle would go on to fall in the Semifinals to the Philadelphia Union, but the memory of that August evening will remain etched in the collective memory of fans everywhere, a testament to the unpredictability and excitement that the US Open Cup brings to the beautiful game.
As the years go by, memories of this match will continue to be shared among fans, serving as a reminder of the infinite possibilities that this tournament offers – and the magic that can happen when underdogs rise to the occasion. So, every time the US Open Cup draw is announced, we’ll remember August 27, 2014, and the Seattle Sounders’ unforgettable come-from-behind win over FC Dallas – a match for the ages.