Seattle Sounders players celebrate with the championship trophy after the team beat Minnesota United in an MLS playoff Western Conference final soccer match, Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)SEATTLE – As the confetti flew and the fireworks popped before an empty stadium, the Seattle Sounders were handed the Western Conference championship trophy for the fourth time in five years. Only a few minutes earlier, the Sounders appeared on the verge of relinquishing their claim of being defending MLS Cup champions. Seattle is just the second team in MLS history to reach the final four times in five seasons, joining DC United in the first seasons of the league. It was just the second time in team history two different substitutes scored for the Sounders.

Los Angeles FC forward Diego Rossi (9) scores on a penalty kick against the Seattle Sounders during the first half of an MLS soccer match in Kissimmee, Fla., Monday, July 27, 2020. Even without reigning league MVP Carlos Vela, LAFC pressured and flustered the Sounders early and never let up. LAFC outshot Seattle 25-11. At times, the Sounders couldnt play the ball out of their own defensive end due to the pressure of LAFC. Rossi drew Xavier Arreagas foul in the penalty area and beat Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei in the 14th minute for the early advantage.