TUKWILA, Wash. — The champagne bottle looked ready to pop at any moment, and Zach Scott could barely contain his excitement.
In the visiting locker room at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colo., last Sunday, the Seattle Sounders were about to celebrate after defeating the Colorado Rapids in the Western Conference Championship and advancing to the first MLS Cup Final in franchise history.
Bottles of champagne had already been passed out while the Western Conference trophy waited to be passed around. Head coach Brian Schmetzer gave a quick speech before Scott shook his bubbly all over Schmetzer, jumped in his arms and hugged him with jubilation belying Scott’s 36-and-soon-to-be-retired self.