Since joining MLS in 2009 as an expansion team, Seattle had been impressive, reaching the MLS Cup conference semifinals in their first two seasons. But they had been even more successful in the US Open Cup, winning it in 2009 and 2010.
In 2011, they were on their way to a second-place finish in the league and another MLS Cup conference semifinal appearance. But before then, they had a chance to become only the second team ever to win three straight US Open Cups (the only other team to three-peat was Greek American AA, who won it in 1967, 1968, and 1969).
In order to do that, however, they had to beat the Chicago Fire, who were in the final for the sixth time and had won it in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006. Despite a much poorer league record, Chicago managed to hold the defending champions to a scoreless draw for most of the match. But Seattle finally took the lead with a goal from forward Fredy Montero in the 77th minute, then sealed the win with a strike from midfielder Osvaldo Alonso in the sixth minute of stoppage time.
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