Seattle Sounders defeated Inter Miami 3-0 to win the Leagues Cup, prompting coach Brian Schmetzer to defend his and owner Adrian Hanauer’s legacy. Alex Roldan starred, while a spitting incident involving Luis Suarez marred Miami’s defeat. Schmetzer highlighted the club’s growth from USL to MLS, while Miami coach Javier Mascherano lamented his team’s costly errors.
Brian Schmetzer, the Seattle Sounders' head coach, passionately defended the accomplishments of himself and owner Adrian Hanauer after their team clinched the Leagues Cup title with a decisive 3-0 victory over Inter Miami. The win, marked by stellar performances and a controversial incident involving Miami's Luis Suarez, delivered the Sounders their first piece of silverware in three years and their ninth trophy since joining the MLS.
The final saw Alex Roldan shine, contributing a goal and two assists. Roldan set up Osaze De Rosario and Paul Rothrock for goals, sandwiching his own penalty in the 84th minute. Despite second-half opportunities for Inter Miami, particularly involving Luis Suarez, the team couldn't convert, leading to visible frustration and the alleged spitting incident involving Suarez and a member of the Seattle staff.
The Sounders' victory was celebrated widely, including on social media:
WE ARE LEAGUES CUP CHAMPIONS! pic.twitter.com/yIk5frTso6
— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) September 1, 2025
In the post-match press conference, Schmetzer reflected on the club's evolution, emphasizing Hanauer's role in elevating the team from the USL to the MLS. He stated, "The success that [Hanauer] and I have built should not be discounted. Because when we came, we were a USL team and he had a vision to get the team into MLS... he’s the one who does the things behind the scenes, and it’s a credit to him." Schmetzer also credited the entire organization, from coaches to fans, for their contributions to the victory, acknowledging his long tenure with the club, spanning over two decades.
Miami's star Lionel Messi, despite recording five shots and the most attempted dribbles (seven), could not inspire his team to victory. The loss denied him what would have been the 47th trophy of his illustrious career. Miami's head coach, Javier Mascherano, didn't mince words when assessing his team’s performance. "In matches like these, details are decisive," Mascherano noted. "The first few minutes cost us the game. We tried to grow into it, but unfortunately, we conceded in the first half. In the second half, we dominated and created chances." He felt the 3-0 scoreline was not reflective of the game, adding, "The 3-0 scoreline is too heavy. We took risks, and their second goal effectively ended the game."
However, the post-match narrative quickly shifted when reports emerged concerning Luis Suarez. It is alleged that Suarez spat at a staff member from the Seattle Sounders, an incident that is likely to be reviewed and could result in further disciplinary action. The alleged incident cast a shadow over what was otherwise a momentous victory for Seattle. The league has yet to release an official statement regarding the alleged incident, but if proven to be true, Suarez could be facing a significant ban.
This Leagues Cup victory not only marks a significant achievement for the Seattle Sounders but also underscores the team's resilience and strategic growth under Schmetzer and Hanauer. As the team celebrates their triumph, the controversy surrounding Suarez adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, demanding further attention from league officials and potentially impacting Suarez’s immediate future with Inter Miami. The Sounders will look to use this momentum as they head into the final stretch of the MLS season. Their next match will be closely watched to see if they can maintain their form and challenge for another title. Schmetzer will be hoping his team can put the Suarez incident behind them and focus on what they can control on the pitch.
The win will be a huge boost to the team’s morale, as they look to push on and climb the Western Conference standings. Their fans will be hoping that this is just the start of a new era of success for the club, with Schmetzer at the helm. The coach will need to ensure that his players remain focused and disciplined, as they face some tough challenges ahead. The mental strength of the team will be tested, but with the experience and leadership within the squad, they should be well-equipped to handle the pressure.