SEATTLE – Jordan Rothrock delivered a decisive goal in the 89th minute, securing a 3-0 victory for the Seattle Sounders FC over Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup Final on Saturday night at Lumen Field. The goal punctuated a dominant performance by Seattle, effectively ending Inter Miami’s hopes of completing a historic trophy double and solidifying the Sounders’ place as Leagues Cup champions.
Rothrock’s late strike wasn’t just a goal; it was a testament to the faith placed in him by Sounders coach Brian Schmetzer and a culmination of his growth into a key player for the club. What began as a feel-good story wiht his First Team debut in 2023 has evolved into a consistent starting role, marked by three goals and six assists in 26 MLS matches this season. The win also extends Seattle’s perfect record in finals hosted at Lumen Field to six, adding another chapter to the stadium’s storied history.
The game-winning play unfolded after Alex Roldan played a ball into the 18-yard box, creating chaos among the Miami defenders. Rothrock capitalized on the loose ball, taking a single touch before firing a shot across his body to the far post, past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. The goal ignited a frenzy among the home crowd, sealing the Sounders’ triumph.
“I didn’t know what to do [after I scored] honestly,” Rothrock said. “It was a kind of typical goal that I score. It’s a scrappy ball that comes to me in the right moment.”
Rothrock acknowledged the pressure Schmetzer placed on him, expressing gratitude for the chance. “I like pressure,” he stated.”It’s why we play, for big moments like this. I was really grateful that Schmetzer put that pressure on me, and he looks like a smart guy now.”
Lumen field has now hosted five finals – the 2010 and 2011 U.S. open Cup, the 2019 MLS Cup, the 2022 concacaf Champions League, and now the 2023 Leagues Cup – with the Sounders emerging victorious in each instance. Rothrock, experiencing a final at Lumen Field for the first time, described the moment as one he would “never forget.”
“I think it’s going to take a couple days to process how special this moment was for me and this team and for Seattle,” he said.