MLS Cup Victory Another Win For Washington Youth Soccer

We did it! Seattle Sounders FC faced Toronto FC in their third MLS Cup Final matchup in four seasons, and they did not disappoint the 69,274 fans that broke the CenturyLink Field attendance record on Sunday. The home side’s 3-1 win included goals from Victor Rodriguez (who also earned the MVP nod), Raul Ruidiaz, and an own goal by Toronto Kelvin Leerdam. It was a phenomenal match that proved to the world that Seattle, and by extension the state of Washington, is a bona fide soccer haven. And that haven didn’t just sprout up out of nowhere.

 

Since 1966, Washington Youth Soccer has been the beating heart of soccer in the region, planting the seeds of success that created the original Sounders in 1974, the indoor soccer boom of the 80s, and the vast trophy case the Sounders have been filling since joining MLS in 2009. 

 

Washington Youth Soccer considers every trophy, every international call-up, every individual moment of success from our former players a badge of honor. We’ve worked hard for decades to create a soccer culture unlike any other in the world. 

 

This means that, for so many reasons, we consider the Sounders’ successes to also be our successes. Without Washington Youth Soccer, players like Jordan Morris might never have made it to the professional level. The original Sounders in 1974 sprouted from the burgeoning soccer passion in Washington, and together we paved the way for one of the most successful clubs in MLS history and produced talented players that ply their trade all over the world. 

 

We also believe that this is only the beginning. Not only is the future bright for the Seattle Sounders, it’s also bright for soccer in the state of Washington. Soon, the final host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico will be decided. We firmly believe that the passion for soccer and subsequent success in our state makes us a front runner for an honor that will etch us into sporting history. 

 

Washington Youth Soccer has a 53-year history of success. And we’re just getting started.