Kansas C1ty

In what was a generally drab on-field affair the Sporting Wiz kids outlasted the three-time defending U.S. Open Cup champs in the penalty shootout.

There was a nice pregame rainbow that reminded us of a simpler time in these United States of soccer. Seattle brought a sizable (big enough to fill an end, that is) contingent of away supporters in addition to Ozzie Alonso.

Alonzo and Roger Espinoza spent most of the game's two hours dueling each other before both players failed to convert their PKs. A somewhat controversial penalty was awarded to KC toward the end of regulation and Kei Kamara obliged only for Seattle to equalize through a Zach Scott header in the 86th minute.

The real controversy came in the shootout where Ricardo Salazar ruled that Michael Gspurning illegally came off his line. 

Sounders fans on Twitter immediately wished for the conclusion of Salazar's life.

This was after the Austrian had stoned Paulo Nagamura's penalty, appearing to give Eddie Johnson the chance to clinch Seattle's fourth consecutive Cup. On the re-take, Nagamura slotted his attempt past a correctly-guessing Gspurning.

Eddie Johnson then sent his into orbit. And Livestrong Park erupted as the home fans celebrated Kansas City's first pro sports title since the Wizards won the 2004 Open Cup.

See for yourself.

- Jacob Klinger