Sounders Storm Carson: De la Vega & De Rosario Send Seattle to Leagues Cup Final
Today’s quick update
Seattle Sounders beat LA Galaxy 2–0 in Wednesday’s Leagues Cup semi-final at Dignity Health Sports Park, with early and decisive goals from Pedro de la Vega (7') and Osaze De Rosario (57'). The win books the Sounders a place in the Leagues Cup final against Inter Miami on Sunday, August 31.
How the goals came
Pedro de la Vega opened the scoring inside ten minutes, capitalising on a quick attack that exposed the Galaxy’s back line. The second goal, a composed finish by Osaze De Rosario midway through the second half, killed the game off and underscored Seattle’s clinical edge on the night. The Sounders defended stoutly afterwards to preserve a clean sheet despite a late yellow-card flashpoint involving Nouhou.
Standout performers
De la Vega’s early threat and movement gave the Sounders a constant outlet. De Rosario, a summer signing promoted from Tacoma Defiance, showed why the club fast-tracked him into the first team after a strong scoring run in MLS NEXT Pro. Defensively, the unit held firm under pressure and absorbed Galaxy pushes in the final 25 minutes.
What this means for Seattle
Beyond the immediate joy of reaching the final, Seattle’s victory secures a spot in the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup and keeps momentum high for a side that has balanced experience with youth development. The Sounders now prepare to host Inter Miami at Lumen Field in a blockbuster final that will also be streamed globally. A win on Sunday would deliver their first Leagues Cup title and further cement their reputation as one of MLS’s most consistent clubs.
Where to watch the final
The Leagues Cup final is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 31 at 8 p.m. ET, and will be available on Apple TV MLS Season Pass. Select TV partners may also carry matches in local markets; check MLS Season Pass and official club channels for final broadcast details and ticket links.
Lineups and tactical notes
Both managers picked strong XIs for a knockout night. Seattle set up to press wide and transition quickly, a plan that paid off when de la Vega found space behind the Galaxy full-backs. LA Galaxy pushed for answers after the interval but could not break Seattle’s defensive shape or convert the chances they created.
- Seattle’s approach: Compact defense, high-energy transitions, wide overloads.
- Galaxy’s challenge: Struggled to find penetration despite possession spells.
- Key stat: Seattle recorded only three shots on target but scored twice, highlighting efficiency.
What fans should watch next
If you’re a Sounders fan, expect heavy build-up to the final and a home celebration regardless of the outcome. Galaxy supporters will be looking for tactical tweaks as their MLS campaign resumes quickly there’s little time for reflection with the playoff race heating up. Neutral viewers can expect a high-profile final featuring Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, a clash that is already drawing global interest and ticket demand.
De Rosario’s rise: from Tacoma to the spotlight
One of the biggest talking points from the semi-final was Osaze De Rosario’s impact. The 23-year-old forward, son of Canadian legend Dwayne De Rosario, was promoted from Tacoma Defiance in July after scoring eight times in MLS NEXT Pro. His composed finish against LA Galaxy not only sealed the result but also showcased the Sounders’ continued success in integrating academy and reserve talent into the first team.
Pedro de la Vega: the creative spark Seattle needed
Since joining Seattle, de la Vega has provided pace, unpredictability, and technical quality. His goal inside the opening ten minutes set the tone for the night. With Miami’s defense set to focus heavily on Lionel Messi’s attacking brilliance, Seattle’s hopes in the final may rest on whether de la Vega can replicate that spark against a different kind of opponent.
Inter Miami showdown: Messi awaits
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, breezed through their semi-final and will enter the final as favorites. Messi’s presence ensures global headlines, but Seattle’s depth and experience could provide a stern test. The match is being billed as one of the biggest club contests in MLS history, with demand for tickets already pushing resale prices to record highs.
Looking at the bigger picture
The Leagues Cup, still a relatively new competition, has quickly gained traction among fans in the United States and Mexico. For Seattle, lifting the trophy would add to a silverware cabinet that already includes MLS Cups and a historic Concacaf Champions League win in 2022. For Miami, the final represents another chance to showcase how Messi has transformed the club’s fortunes and profile.
Stay tuned for complete coverage of the Leagues Cup final, including tactical previews, player interviews, and post-match analysis. For fans unable to attend in person, the global broadcast reach ensures this will be one of the most-watched matches in North American soccer history.
