Starfire Sports Complex – Tukwila, Wash.
Match Reports: Seattle | Kansas City | Seattle Times | Kansas City Star
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Sebastien Le Toux (PK) 89’
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90’ Santiago Hirsig – SENT OFF
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It took a penalty kick once again for the Seattle Sounders to eliminate the Kansas City Wizards in the Quarterfinals, but this year, instead of settling the game after extra time like in 2008, it was taken at the end of regulation. Sebastien Le Toux scored on an 89th minute spot kick to give the Sounders a 1-0 win, which booked them a spot in the Semifinals. It marks the third year in a row that a Sounders team has advanced to the final four, the last two years it was the USL First Division version of the Seattle-based club.
Both clubs came out with their heavy hitters for this matchup. Kansas City’s lineup included Kevin Hartman, Santiago Hirsig, and Josh Wolff, while Seattle countered with Kasey Keller, Steve Zakuani, and Fredy Montero. The Sounders came out the stronger side, creating many chances in the first half. However, nothing would come of it, and the teams would enter the break scoreless.
The teams would continue their battle with plenty of opportunities for both sides in the second half. As it had appeared that nothing would come to Seattle without some fresh legs, they brought in the familiar Sounder tandem that has been around since 2007: the French Connection. With Sebastien Le Toux coming on in the 70th minute, and Roger Levesque entering in the 78th, the Sounders had new life.
It all culminated in the 89th minute as Kevin Hartman took down Montero in the box, earning a penalty for Seattle. Le Toux stepped up to the spot to take the kick and delivered for the home team. The goal was his 11th career Open Cup goal, putting him in a tie for second place with DC United’s Jamie Moreno in the Professional Era’s goalscoring leaders. He only trails Rochester’s Johnny Menyongar, who has 12. Impressively enough, Le Toux has reached the 11-goal mark in less than three tournaments, while becoming the first Professional Era player to lead the tournament in scoring in two consecutive years (2007, 2008).
The Sounders will return to the Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Wash. for their Semifinal date with the Houston Dynamo on July 21.