Seattle sounders x louisville City FC

What an exhilarating match it was for Sounders FC in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup! The game against Louisville City FC was nothing short of intense, culminating in a thrilling penalty shootout victory that propelled the Rave Green into the Round of 16.

Andrew Thomas undoubtedly stole the spotlight with his exceptional performance. Not only did he make crucial saves throughout the match, but he also showcased nerves of steel by converting the final penalty kick himself, securing the win for his team. This impressive display came on the heels of Thomas signing a contract extension, adding another layer of significance to his contributions.

The goal-scoring efforts of Paul Rothrock and Danny Musovski were also pivotal for Sounders FC. Rothrock continued his scoring streak in the U.S. Open Cup, while Musovski demonstrated his knack for finding the back of the net in important matches.

It was a night of debuts and milestones for several players, including Tacoma Defiance midfielder Georgi Minoungou, who made his first start for Sounders FC and contributed with an assist. Additionally, Danny Leyva recorded his first career U.S. Open Cup assist, and defender Stuart Hawkins made his first start for the team.

The match not only showcased the depth of talent within the Sounders' roster but also highlighted the seamless integration of players from Tacoma Defiance into the First Team setup. With their eyes set on the next challenge against Phoenix Rising FC in the Round of 16, Sounders FC will carry the momentum from this hard-fought victory as they return to MLS regular-season action against their archrivals, the Portland Timbers.

[Photography by Alejandro Sanchez]