By Dan Smith

Seattle Sounders won their first ever MLS Cup on Saturday as they overcame Toronto FC in their own backyard.

Having already beat the reigning Supports Shield Champions and US Cup winners FC Dallas as well as Colorado and Kansas City on their path to glory the Sounders would have been in a buoyant mood coming into the season finale.

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However, they faced stiffed opposition in Toronto who were spearheaded by the Italian magician Sebastien Giovinco.

Toronto defeated Philadelphia, New York City FC and fellow Canadian side Montreal Impact on their route to the final.

The game itself however, did not live up to the hype and at the end of extra time the scores were tied at 0-0. It was then that Seattle Sounders won the game on penalties.

The game started with a rapid fiery tempo as both teams looked to gain the upper hand. Early chances for both Jozy Altidore and Giovinco went begging for the hosts. Apart from that not much really happened in the dull 0-0 draw until the 90th minute.

Up step Stefan Frei. The Swiss goalkeeper produced a wonderful save to stop Altidore from scoring what would be the winner, thrusting himself at a cross to prevent it from contacting the Americans head.

More Heroics were to follow in extra time as Frei made a quite simply outstanding save from Altidore once more.

The striker sent a looping header over the top of the shot stopper but somehow, he managed to work his feet back and claw it out from underneath the bar. Snatching victory from the hands of Toronto.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated here is what he had to say about that save:

“Sometimes as a goalkeeper you feel like you’re not going to get to a ball, but you never know until you try. I tried to keep my feet moving and give it my best shot.”

Frei went on to save two spot kicks in the shoot-out and it was cult hero Ramon Torres who sealed the victory by putting away his penalty in sudden death.

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With a solid, experienced spine including the likes of Clint Dempsey, captain Osvaldo Alonso, designated player Nicolas Lodeiro and a mixture of youth, including the MLS Rookie of the year for 2016, Jordan Morris. It gives them plenty of reasons for optimism next season.

This victory has now given the Sounders direct qualification into the CONCACAF Champions League.

A competition that traditionally American teams have not performed very well in, with only Real Salt Lake City being the only club to record a final appearance.

This could all change next year however, with what proves to be an exciting team in the Seattle Sounders and potentially an American champion could become reality.