While the majority of MLS sides were struggling in the US Open Cup the Seattle Sounders were collecting goals from four different players. Sammy Ochoa finished his brace in the the 66th minute to put Seattle up 5-1 over the Atlanta Silverbacks. Starfire and the Open Cup continue to be a place of Sounders victories.
In a first half that was if not competitive, at least close. It took a cross into the scrum that Jeff Parke popped out to Andy Rose to open the account in the 44th. That half had some sloppy passes along the backline in what could only be called casual play.
The second half was not casual. Traffic was not a one-way city street, but an open freeway towards the Atlanta net. Only a quick attempt by Reinaldo Navia broke that flow. Goals rained down like Seattle sunshine. Osvaldo Alonso ended the evening with a goal and an assists. Alex Caskey netted one. Sammy Ochoa struck gold with his brace. His second was a left footed curling shot that had no reason to go in besides his will. His will is strong.
Atlanta's defense could not keep up with the flow. Cordell Cato and sub David Estrada's speed proved too much for the lower level side. Space was consistently open. The question was not could Seattle win, but instead it was "How many would Seattle put away?"
The answer is five.
There isn't any question. Sigi Schmid takes the tournament seriously. His original lineup featured a back six of starters. Of the attackers only Ochoa, he of the brace, and Cordell Cato aren't regularly featured in MLS matches. Those two were also two of the best on the field this evening. Cato showed he's much more than a speed demon. His tenacious defense and quality crosses created issues for the Silverbacks. His throughball to Alonso is a missing element in Seattle's attack. He is a boy on fire. Quiet, unassuming, and for all at Starfire the talk of the match.
Tonight the Sounders move one step closer to #Se4ttle. This is the Open Cup you were hoping for.