Sounders Fans Representin' in D.C. for U.S. Open Cup Final
More than 100 Sounders fans are packed into a downtown D.C. pub this afternoon, sucking down liquid courage in advance of their foray into enemy territory for tonight's U.S. Open Cup final against D.C. United.
For their sake, let's hope the happy hour crowd at Washington D.C.'s Regional Food & Drink brought sunglasses. For a crowd used to dark suits and conservative neckwear, that much rave green could be blinding.
We spoke to Mark Inderhees of Emerald City Supporters this morning--he helped organize the trip. He told us he expects about 100 fans at the downtown bar, and another 50 to join them at R.F.K Stadium, where the group will sit together in the upper bowl. As for getting to the game, Mark has a plan: "About 90 minutes before game time, we'll march as a group of 100 to the D.C. Metro and take it out to the stadium together." You will have some confused commuters, we'll wager.
As for the game itself: It's the culmination of the only truly national soccer tournament in the country. Forty teams competed in a single elimination tournament, from the MLS pros to the amateurs of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association.
The winner of tonight's game (4:30 p.m., Fox Soccer Channel) will not only get a cool trophy but will also receive a berth in the 2010-11 CONCACAF Champions League, a competition between the top club teams in North and Central America. D.C. United is the reigning U.S. Open Cup champion; this is Seattle's first final.
The fact that the game was awarded to D.C. instead of Seattle caused a war of words between D.C. and Seattle executives, with Sounders GM Adrian Hanauer intimating that the bidding process was rigged, and D.C. United President Kevin Payne accusing the Sounders of sour grapes. Fans have of course picked up on the spat--here's ECS's take.
If you want to watch the match with ECS, they are hosting a viewing party at Fuel in Pioneer Square at 4:30 p.m, with a replay at 6:30 p.m.
One game note: Tyrone Marshall, the Sounders' best defender, won't play because of a hamstring injury. Someone will need to step up in his absence.
Enough already. Go Sounders!
