Watch: Seattle Sounders win MLS Cup in penalty kicks
The Seattle Sounders have won their first MLS Cup, outlasting Toronto FC in penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw through extra time in front of over 36,000 at BMO Field.
Roman Torres converted the decisive kick in PKs, and Stefan Frei was the hero in extra time, somehow preventing a Jozy Altidore header from finding the upper corner with a remarkable save.
In the penalty round, Michael Bradley was first to miss, having his effort saved by Frei, but Toronto pulled back level when Alvaro Fernandez had his chance saved by Clint Irwin. Nicolas Lodeiro forced extra kicks by roofing his penalty with the 10th try, and Justin Morrow hit the crossbar on Toronto's ensuing effort.
That set the stage for Torres, who went high and down the middle to clinch the title for Seattle, which won despite not having a shot on goal prior to the PK round.
Toronto FC fans were clearly up for the occasion, and they unfurled an impressive tifo prior to the match that read: "Nothing is more powerful than a club whose time has come."
Those fans nearly had a dream start, with Altidore hooking a second-minute shot tantalizingly wide of the post after a combination with Sebastian Giovinco following a long ball from the back.
Altidore had another chance at the half-hour mark, with Morrow whipping in a cross from the left. Altidore's header from close range was saved by ex-Toronto goalkeeper Frei, though, keeping the match scoreless. Seattle didn't have a shot in the opening 45 minutes, while Toronto had seven.
The second half began with more of the same, with Toronto getting another good chance but putting it wide. This time it was Giovinco, who had a chance just miss the post in the 50th minute after Altidore kept the play alive following a challenge from Osvaldo Alonso and Jonathan Osorio played him forward.
Toronto had a last-gasp chance for the win, with Nick Hagglund heading a corner kick forward for Altidore, but Frei was first to the ball, making a heroic touch to prevent Altidore from getting his chance.
In the second half of extra time, substitute Tosaint Ricketts–who replaced an apparently injured Giovinco–just missed the right post on a volley after a popped-up clearance fell to him 15 yards out.
Moments later, Frei came up with the moment of the match. Ricketts crossed to Altidore from the left, and his header appeared destined for the upper right-hand corner. In desperation, Frei reached back and leaped full extension to his left, pawing the ball to safety and keeping Seattle level and allowing the game to go on.
The result keeps MLS Cup in the Pacific Northwest, with Seattle following rival Portland by winning the trophy.
