MLS Cup 2016

{{further|2016 MLS Cup playoffs}}

The MLS Cup is the post-season championship of Major League Soccer (MLS), a professional club soccer league in the United States and Canada. The 2016 season was the 21st in MLS history, and was contested by 20 teams in two conferences.{{cite press release |date=December 22, 2015 |title=MLS Announces 2016 Home Openers for all 20 Clubs |url=http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/mls-announces-2016-home-openers-all-20-clubs |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=February 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104656/http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/mls-announces-2016-home-openers-all-20-clubs |archive-date=February 6, 2017}} Each club played 34 matches during the regular season from March to October, facing each team in the same conference at least twice and teams in the other conference at least once. The playoffs, running from October to December, were contested between the top six clubs in each conference and included four rounds: a one-match knockout round for the lowest-seeded teams, two rounds of home-and-away series, and the one-match final.{{cite web |title=2016 Major League Soccer Competition Guidelines |url=http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/competition-rules-and-regulations |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=February 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140317065925/http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/competition-rules-and-regulations |archive-date=March 17, 2014}}

The 2016 edition of the MLS Cup was the first to feature two expansion teams not part of the original clubs from the league's inception, with Toronto joining in 2007 and Seattle in 2009.{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Caitlin |date=December 14, 2016 |title=Toronto FC vs Seattle Sounders is the best MLS Cup matchup you could ask for |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/sounders-vs-toronto-fc-2016-mls-cup-final-preview-121016 |work=Fox Sports |access-date=February 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170206104525/http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/sounders-vs-toronto-fc-2016-mls-cup-final-preview-121016 |archive-date=February 6, 2017}}{{cite news |last=DelGallo |first=Alicia |date=December 7, 2016 |title=MLS Cup features firsts, highlights importance of designated players |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/os-sp-soccer-insider-alicia-delgallo-1208-20161207-story.html |work=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=December 31, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101195951/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-city-lions/os-sp-soccer-insider-alicia-delgallo-1208-20161207-story.html |archive-date=January 1, 2018}} For the first time since the 2008 edition, both teams in the final were making their first appearance.{{cite web |title=2016 MLS Cup Game Guide |url=https://ws.onehub.com/files/a8kio13h |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=February 5, 2017}} Toronto and Seattle faced each other once during the 2016 regular season, ending in a 1–1 draw at BMO Field on July 2.{{cite news |last=Baer |first=Benjamin |date=November 30, 2016 |title=Toronto FC, Seattle Sounders to face off in MLS Cup 2016 |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/11/30/toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-face-mls-cup-2016 |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=February 5, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161203170900/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/11/30/toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-face-mls-cup-2016 |archive-date=December 3, 2016}}

{{further|2016 Toronto FC season}}

Toronto FC became the first Canadian club to qualify for the MLS Cup final, in their tenth season in Major League Soccer.{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Graham |date=December 10, 2016 |title=After years of waiting, Toronto and Seattle get their shot at MLS glory |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/10/toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-sleeping-giants |work=The Guardian |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210123850/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/10/toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-sleeping-giants |archive-date=December 10, 2016}} After eight consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, Toronto hired manager Greg Vanney,{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=May 2, 2017 |title=Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney to celebrate his 100th game in charge |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/tfc-coach-greg-vanney-to-celebrate-his-100th-game-in-charge/article34882210/ |work=The Globe and Mail |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170516204426/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/tfc-coach-greg-vanney-to-celebrate-his-100th-game-in-charge/article34882210/ |archive-date=May 16, 2017}} general manager Tim Bezbatchenko, and a trio of star players: American midfielder Michael Bradley, forward Jozy Altidore, and Italian playmaker Sebastian Giovinco. The 2015 season marked the first time Toronto had qualified for the playoffs, as Giovinco set a league record by scoring a combined 38 goals and assists on his way to being named the league's most valuable player.{{cite news |date=December 2, 2015 |title=Toronto FC's Giovinco named most valuable player in MLS |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-mls-giovinco/toronto-fcs-giovinco-named-most-valuable-player-in-mls-idUSKBN0TL24K20151202 |work=Reuters |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132436/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-mls-giovinco/toronto-fcs-giovinco-named-most-valuable-player-in-mls-idUSKBN0TL24K20151202 |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

During the 2015–2016 offseason, Toronto acquired a new set of defensive players, including goalkeeper Clint Irwin, midfielder Will Johnson, and defenders Steven Beitashour and Drew Moor.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=July 31, 2017 |title=Veteran defender Drew Moor part of the glue that binds Toronto FC |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/veteran-defender-drew-moor-part-of-the-glue-that-binds-toronto-fc/article35843068/ |work=The Globe and Mail |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806093421/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/veteran-defender-drew-moor-part-of-the-glue-that-binds-toronto-fc/article35843068/ |archive-date=August 6, 2017}} The team started their first eight matches on the road as BMO Field had not finished renovation work, earning three wins and two draws and staying in a playoff position. Toronto slumped in May with a string of losses and draws, due in part to injuries to Altidore, Bradley, and Giovinco,{{cite news |last=Bell |first=Arch |date=December 8, 2016 |title=Toronto vs. Seattle: Everything you need to know about MLS Cup |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3013971/mls-cup-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-everything-you-need-to-know |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202102914/http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3013971/mls-cup-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-everything-you-need-to-know |archive-date=December 2, 2017}} but regained form in June with the reopening of BMO Field, capped off with a clinch of the Canadian Championship.{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=December 10, 2016 |title=How'd they get here? Toronto FC make history on the path to MLS Cup |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/10/howd-they-get-here-toronto-fc-make-history-path-mls-cup |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212164808/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/10/howd-they-get-here-toronto-fc-make-history-path-mls-cup |archive-date=December 12, 2016}} Toronto lost only two of its final fifteen games, stretching from July to October, and qualified for the playoffs as the third seed in the Eastern Conference.{{cite news |date=October 23, 2016 |title=Toronto FC wins regular season finale, unable to clinch playoff bye |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/tfc-cant-clinch-bye-1.3818169 |work=CBC Sports |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201090330/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/tfc-cant-clinch-bye-1.3818169 |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

Toronto hosted the Philadelphia Union in the single-match knockout round, winning 3–1 and advancing to a series against New York City FC. Toronto won the home leg 2–0, and then proceeded to win 5–0 in New York City, setting a record for largest margin of victory on aggregate.{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Graham |date=December 11, 2016 |title=MLS playoffs review: Gritty Seattle's improbable run to winning MLS Cup |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3017433/mls-playoffs-review-gritty-seattle-sounders-improbable-run-to-winning-mls-cup |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201082842/http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3017433/mls-playoffs-review-gritty-seattle-sounders-improbable-run-to-winning-mls-cup |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} In the Eastern Conference final, Toronto would face their rival Montreal Impact in a bid to be the first Canadian team to play in the MLS Cup.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=November 6, 2016 |title=Giovinco propels TFC to all-Canadian Eastern final |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/giovinco-toronto-fc-nycfc-1.3839202 |work=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171219061501/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/giovinco-toronto-fc-nycfc-1.3839202 |archive-date=December 19, 2017}} During the first leg, played in front of a record crowd of 61,004 in Montreal and delayed 41 minutes due to mistakes in the field markings, the Impact took a 3–0 lead shortly after halftime. Toronto responded with two late goals, giving them a potential away goal advantage.{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=November 22, 2016 |title=Impact get a leg up on TFC in MLS East final |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2016/11/22/toronto-fc-loses-first-leg-of-mls-eastern-conference-final-to-montreal-impact.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201182155/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2016/11/22/toronto-fc-loses-first-leg-of-mls-eastern-conference-final-to-montreal-impact.html |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The second leg, played in Toronto, ended 3–2 after 90 minutes and forced extra time, where Toronto would score two unanswered goals to win 5–2. The series, ending with a 7–5 aggregate win for Toronto, set a league record for most goals scored in a two-legged series.{{cite news |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=November 30, 2016 |title=Toronto FC reaches first MLS Cup after conference final classic vs. Montreal |url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/11/30/toronto-fc-montreal-impact-eastern-conference-final-altidore-cheyrou-mls-cup |work=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201232716/https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/11/30/toronto-fc-montreal-impact-eastern-conference-final-altidore-cheyrou-mls-cup |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} Sports journalists called it the most thrilling series in MLS history and an "instant classic",{{cite news |last=Lutz |first=Tom |date=November 30, 2016 |title=Toronto FC reach first MLS Cup after surging past Montreal in extra-time |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/30/toronto-fc-montreal-impact-mls-cup-match-report |work=The Guardian |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201182534/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/nov/30/toronto-fc-montreal-impact-mls-cup-match-report |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} drawing comparisons to the Los Angeles–San Jose series in the 2003 playoffs.{{cite news |last=McIntyre |first=Doug |date=December 1, 2016 |title=Title-starved Toronto beats Impact in instant classic to advance to MLS Cup |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3007773/title-starved-toronto-fc-beats-montreal-impact-in-instant-classic-to-advance-to-mls-cup |publisher=ESPN |access-date=December 1, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201205325/http://www.espn.com/soccer/major-league-soccer/19/blog/post/3007773/title-starved-toronto-fc-beats-montreal-impact-in-instant-classic-to-advance-to-mls-cup |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

{{further|2016 Seattle Sounders FC season}}

File:Brian Schmetzer at Sounders Victory Rally, 2016.jpg was promoted to head coach during the 2016 season and led the Sounders to the MLS Cup]]

The Seattle Sounders had been in Major League Soccer for eight seasons, qualifying for the MLS Cup Playoffs each year. While they had won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup four times and the Supporters' Shield once, the Sounders never advanced further than the Western Conference Finals, which they reached on two previous occasions.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=December 9, 2016 |title=In MLS Cup, Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders embrace cold weather and hot expectations |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/09/in-mls-cup-toronto-fc-and-seattle-sounders-embrace-cold-weather-and-hot-expectations/ |work=The Washington Post |access-date=August 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808074907/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/09/in-mls-cup-toronto-fc-and-seattle-sounders-embrace-cold-weather-and-hot-expectations/ |archive-date=August 8, 2017}} The Sounders finished the 2015 season with a loss in the conference semifinals to FC Dallas and plans to retool their roster while chasing the "elusive" MLS Cup.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=November 19, 2015 |title=Seattle Sounders coach Sigi Schmid 'appreciative' to return but wasn't concerned about losing job |page=C2 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-coach-sigi-schmid-appreciative-to-return-but-wasnt-concerned-about-losing-job/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034558/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-coach-sigi-schmid-appreciative-to-return-but-wasnt-concerned-about-losing-job/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

During the offseason, the club signed young players Jordan Morris, a homegrown player from Stanford, and Joevin Jones from Chicago.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=January 26, 2016 |title=Joevin Jones isn't Sounders' biggest new name, but he'll be a critical addition |page=C3 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/joevin-jones-isnt-sounders-biggest-new-name-but-hell-be-a-critical-addition/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044430/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/joevin-jones-isnt-sounders-biggest-new-name-but-hell-be-a-critical-addition/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The team also lost several key players, including star forward Obafemi Martins two weeks before the start of the regular season.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=February 23, 2016 |title=MLS news and notes: Details begin to emerge about Obafemi Martins' move to China |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/02/23/mls-news-and-notes-details-begin-to-emerge-about-obafemi-martins-move-to-china/ |work=The Washington Post |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201050826/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/02/23/mls-news-and-notes-details-begin-to-emerge-about-obafemi-martins-move-to-china/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The Sounders won only six of their twenty matches, leaving them second to last place in the Western Conference by late July. Manager Sigi Schmid left the club on July 26, and was replaced on an interim basis by assistant coach Brian Schmetzer.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=July 31, 2016 |title=What's next for Sounders? |page=C1 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/whats-next-for-the-sounders-after-sigi-schmids-firing/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201040232/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/whats-next-for-the-sounders-after-sigi-schmids-firing/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The team signed Uruguayan midfielder Nicolás Lodeiro and saw the return of defender Román Torres from a long-term injury, helping strengthen the team, but lost captain Clint Dempsey to a diagnosed heart condition that would prevent him from playing for the rest of the season.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=September 12, 2016 |title=Torres has presence on, off field |page=D2 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/roman-torres-is-back-seattle-lacking-balance-without-clint-dempsey-and-other-sounders-quakes-takeaways/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033705/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/roman-torres-is-back-seattle-lacking-balance-without-clint-dempsey-and-other-sounders-quakes-takeaways/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Dorsendahl |first=Glenn |date=February 26, 2017 |title=Seattle Sounders complete dramatic come-from-behind season by beating Toronto FC to win their first Major League Soccer championship on December 10, 2016. |url=http://historylink.org/File/20303 |work=HistoryLink |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201041153/http://historylink.org/File/20303 |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The Sounders went on to win eight of their final fourteen matches under Schmetzer, qualifying on the final matchday for the playoffs as the fourth place seed in the Western Conference.{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Larry |date=October 24, 2016 |title=As Sounders always have under coach Brian Schmetzer, they find a way |page=D5 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/as-sounders-always-have-under-coach-brian-schmetzer-they-found-a-way/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031825/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/as-sounders-always-have-under-coach-brian-schmetzer-they-found-a-way/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=October 24, 2016 |title=Sounders wrap up eventful season where they always wrap it up — the MLS playoffs |page=D5 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-wrap-up-eventful-season-where-they-always-wrap-it-up-the-mls-playoffs/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201044419/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/sounders-wrap-up-eventful-season-where-they-always-wrap-it-up-the-mls-playoffs/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

In the playoffs, the Sounders hosted Sporting Kansas City on October 27 in the single-match knockout round. The team won 1–0, off a headed goal in the 88th minute by Nelson Valdez, ending a personal scoring drought.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=October 28, 2016 |title=Nelson Valdez ends yearlong scoring drought just in time to advance Sounders in MLS playoffs |page=C2 |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/nelson-valdez-ends-yearlong-scoring-drought-just-in-time-to-advance-sounders-in-mls-playoffs/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132347/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/nelson-valdez-ends-yearlong-scoring-drought-just-in-time-to-advance-sounders-in-mls-playoffs/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} Seattle advanced to the Conference Semifinals against FC Dallas, winning the home leg 3–0 and losing 2–1 away, for a 4–2 aggregate score.{{cite news |date=November 6, 2016 |title=MLS playoffs: Sounders advance to West finals; Impact to play Toronto FC for East title |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-mls-playoffs-20161106-story.html |work=The Los Angeles Times |agency=Associated Press |access-date=November 30, 2017}} On November 27, the Sounders clinched their first Western Conference championship after a 3–1 aggregate win over the Colorado Rapids, after a 2–1 win at home and a 1–0 win in Colorado that came from a late goal by Morris, who was recovering from the flu.{{cite news |last=Strauss |first=Brian |date=November 27, 2016 |title=Seattle Sounders advance to first MLS Cup after beating Colorado Rapids |url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/11/27/seattle-sounders-colorado-rapids-mls-western-conference-final |work=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131311/https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/11/27/seattle-sounders-colorado-rapids-mls-western-conference-final |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

:Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).

File:BMO Field in 2016.png in Toronto hosted MLS Cup 2016]]

BMO Field was confirmed as the host of MLS Cup 2016 after Toronto FC won the Eastern Conference Championship, leaving them as the highest remaining seed.{{cite news |last=Pentz |first=Matt |date=November 30, 2016 |title=Toronto defeats Montreal in Eastern Conference final, will host Sounders for MLS Cup |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/toronto-defeats-montreal-in-eastern-conference-final-will-host-sounders-for-mls-cup/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201183132/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/toronto-defeats-montreal-in-eastern-conference-final-will-host-sounders-for-mls-cup/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The stadium previously hosted MLS Cup 2010 as a neutral site, and had also hosted the 2008 MLS All-Star Game and the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup.{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=December 8, 2016 |title=BMO Field 101: Toronto FC's stadium set to host MLS Cup after facelift |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/08/bmo-field-101-toronto-fcs-stadium-set-host-mls-cup-after-facelift |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211181832/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/08/bmo-field-101-toronto-fcs-stadium-set-host-mls-cup-after-facelift |archive-date=December 11, 2016}} It was renovated prior to the 2016 season, adding additional seats and a roof to cover the stands at a cost of C$150 million.{{cite news |last=Larson |first=Kurtis |date=May 5, 2016 |title='A whole new stadium': Take a look at renovated BMO Field ahead of Toronto FC home opener |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/soccer/a-whole-new-stadium-take-a-look-at-renovated-bmo-field-ahead-of-toronto-fc-home-opener |work=National Post |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20160509232812/http://news.nationalpost.com/sports/soccer/a-whole-new-stadium-take-a-look-at-renovated-bmo-field-ahead-of-toronto-fc-home-opener |archive-date=May 9, 2016}} Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, the owners of BMO Field and Toronto FC, spent C$7 million on pitch maintenance for the 2016 season, in part due to the shared field with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL).{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=November 26, 2016 |title=BMO Field's grass whisperer silences skeptics |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2016/11/26/bmo-fields-grass-whisperer-silences-skeptics.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202034346/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2016/11/26/bmo-fields-grass-whisperer-silences-skeptics.html |archive-date=December 2, 2016}}

During the season, a temporary upper grandstand was built in the south end, originally to accommodate larger crowds for the CFL's 104th Grey Cup (which took place prior to the MLS Cup) and the National Hockey League's Centennial Classic (which was played after the MLS championship game). The club subsequently confirmed that the temporary seats would be made available to soccer fans if Toronto qualified for any playoff games that took place after the CFL championship game (specifically, the Eastern Conference Final and the MLS Cup).{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=November 30, 2016 |title=Toronto FC and Montreal Impact take to BMO Field in bid for MLS Cup final |url=http://globalnews.ca/news/3097108/toronto-fc-and-montreal-impact-take-to-bmo-field-in-bid-for-mls-cup-final/ |work=Global News |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=December 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202094150/http://globalnews.ca/news/3097108/toronto-fc-and-montreal-impact-take-to-bmo-field-in-bid-for-mls-cup-final/ |archive-date=December 2, 2016}} With the temporary seats, the stadium's capacity in its soccer configuration was about 36,000.{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=November 29, 2016 |title=TFC knows the score, and 1-0 would be just fine |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2016/11/29/toronto-fc-clash-with-montreal-sets-bmo-field-record.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=December 4, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220053419/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2016/11/29/toronto-fc-clash-with-montreal-sets-bmo-field-record.html |archive-date=December 20, 2016}} The Toronto Transit Commission and GO Transit announced increased service on bus and train routes to BMO Field on the night of the final.{{cite news |last=Fox |first=Chris |date=December 10, 2016 |title=TTC and Metrolinx boosting transit due to MLS Cup |url=http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ttc-and-metrolinx-boosting-transit-due-to-mls-cup-1.3197944 |publisher=CTV Toronto |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201034931/http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ttc-and-metrolinx-boosting-transit-due-to-mls-cup-1.3197944 |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

Tickets for the match were divided into several blocs for allocation. A pre-sale event a week before the cup final sold 20,000 seats to existing season ticket holders, based on seniority; the sale did not guarantee similar seats to their season tickets, causing fans to complain on social media.{{cite news |last=Pelley |first=Lauren |date=December 2, 2016 |title=TFC season ticket holders frustrated by lack of reserved seats for MLS Cup |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/tfc-ticket-holders-frustrated-1.3878377 |publisher=CBC News |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228063154/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/tfc-ticket-holders-frustrated-1.3878377 |archive-date=December 28, 2016}} A public sale on December 5 sold out 9,000 tickets, which quickly appeared on secondary markets for well above face value. An additional 5,000 seats were allocated to MLS, including 1,500 tickets for traveling supporters from Seattle.{{cite news |last=Larson |first=Kurt |date=December 5, 2016 |title=Toronto FC's MLS Cup match sells out in minutes |url=http://torontosun.com/2016/12/05/toronto-fcs-mls-cup-match-sells-out-in-minutes/wcm/80f6882a-ef8c-46ab-ae82-8f4bf0a67b9f |work=Toronto Sun |access-date=November 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201045401/http://torontosun.com/2016/12/05/toronto-fcs-mls-cup-match-sells-out-in-minutes/wcm/80f6882a-ef8c-46ab-ae82-8f4bf0a67b9f |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

The 2016 final was broadcast by Fox Sports on terrestrial television in the United States, for the first time since 2008. The match was also carried by UniMás on terrestrial television and ESPN Deportes Radio on terrestrial radio in Spanish within the United States. Sirius XM broadcast the match on satellite radio in the United States. In Canada, the match was broadcast in English by TSN and in French by RDS.{{cite press release |date=September 6, 2016 |title=MLS Cup set for Primetime on FOX, UniMás, TSN and RDS, December 10 |url=http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/mls-cup-set-primetime-fox-unim%C3%A1s-tsn-and-rds-december-10 |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=November 30, 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201100228/http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/mls-cup-set-primetime-fox-unim%C3%A1s-tsn-and-rds-december-10 |archive-date=December 1, 2016}} The MLS Cup was broadcast internationally by Fox Sports in Latin America and Africa, ESPN Brasil in Brazil, Sky Sports in the United Kingdom, Eurosport in Europe, and BeIN Sports in southeastern Asia and Australia.{{cite web |date=December 8, 2016 |title=How to watch, stream and listen to MLS Cup 2016 |url=http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/08/how-watch-stream-and-listen-mls-cup-2016 |publisher=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161210035245/http://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2016/12/08/how-watch-stream-and-listen-mls-cup-2016 |archive-date=December 10, 2016}}

Fox and TSN broadcast pre-game shows on their respective networks, in addition to regular coverage. Fox also broadcast the MLS Cup using a virtual reality app for the first time.{{cite news |last=Soper |first=Taylor |date=December 7, 2016 |title=FOX to broadcast MLS Cup in virtual reality for first time with new custom replay feature |url=http://www.geekwire.com/2016/fox-broadcast-mls-cup-virtual-reality-first-time-new-custom-replay-feature/ |work=GeekWire |access-date=December 7, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209135115/http://www.geekwire.com/2016/fox-broadcast-mls-cup-virtual-reality-first-time-new-custom-replay-feature/ |archive-date=December 9, 2016}}

The 2016 final set a new record for Major League Soccer viewership, with a total of 3.5 million viewers across all channels. Fox's broadcast reached 1.4 million viewers and was the most-watched English language broadcast of the MLS Cup in the United States since 2001. The Spanish-language broadcast on UniMás had an average 601,000 viewers. In Canada, an estimated audience of 1.5 million viewers watched the match on TSN and RDS, setting a new MLS record.{{cite press release |date=December 13, 2016 |title=2016 MLS Cup is Most-Watched Championship Game in League History |url=http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/2016-mls-cup-most-watched-championship-game-league-history |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=December 13, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217020051/http://pressbox.mlssoccer.com/content/2016-mls-cup-most-watched-championship-game-league-history |archive-date=December 17, 2016}}{{cite press release |date=December 12, 2016 |title=Toronto FC Breaks All-Time Audience Record Yet Again, with 1.5 Million Viewers Tuning in to the MLS CUP 2016 on TSN and RDS |url=http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/toronto-fc-breaks-all-time-audience-record-yet-again-with-1-5-million-viewers-tuning-in-to-the-mls-cup-2016-on-tsn-and-rds/ |publisher=Bell Media |access-date=December 12, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161212234331/http://www.bellmedia.ca/pr/press/toronto-fc-breaks-all-time-audience-record-yet-again-with-1-5-million-viewers-tuning-in-to-the-mls-cup-2016-on-tsn-and-rds/ |archive-date=December 12, 2016}} The Seattle–Tacoma television market generated a 9.9 household rating for the match.

File:Stefan Frei 2.jpg, whose save in extra time earned him match MVP honors]]

The match kicked off at 8:16 p.m. Eastern Time at BMO Field in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, where the ground temperature was reported as {{convert|-5|C|F}} and estimated at {{convert|-12|C|F}} with wind chill. Alan Kelly was the head referee and his assistants were Frank Anderson, Joe Fletcher, Allen Chapman, and Danny Thornberry.{{cite web |date=December 10, 2016 |title=MLS Cup 2016: Toronto FC vs. Seattle Sounders FC |url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-12-10-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/lineup |publisher=Major League Soccer |access-date=June 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625021533/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-12-10-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/lineup |archive-date=June 25, 2018 |url-status=live}} Kelly and Anderson had been named the 2016 MLS Referee of the Year and the 2016 MLS Assistant Referee of the year, respectively, for their regular season performances.

During the first half, Toronto had the majority of possession and seven chances at goal, but were unable to score. Several hard tackles between players resulted in fouls being called and arguments, but no bookings from referee Alan Kelly.{{cite news |last=Hill |first=Tim |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Seattle Sounders win the MLS Cup after penalty shootout – as it happened |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/dec/10/mls-cup-final-toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-live |work=The Guardian |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211052222/https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2016/dec/10/mls-cup-final-toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-live |archive-date=December 11, 2016}}{{cite news |last=Larson |first=Kurt |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Toronto FC loses MLS Cup in heartbreaking fashion |url=http://www.torontosun.com/2016/12/10/toronto-fc-loses-mls-cup-in-heartbreaking-fashion |work=Toronto Sun |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211175659/http://www.torontosun.com/2016/12/10/toronto-fc-loses-mls-cup-in-heartbreaking-fashion |archive-date=December 11, 2016}}

The second half began with a major chance for Toronto's Sebastian Giovinco, who hit the side netting on an attempt at goal. Two Seattle players, Nelson Valdez and Erik Friberg, were substituted after suffering minor injuries. The rest of the half saw missed passes and touches from Toronto, along with a steadfast Seattle defense that let the match head into extra time at 0–0.

The first half of extra time remained scoreless, with Giovinco replaced by Tosaint Ricketts after suffering from a cramp. By the second half, both teams had exhausted their available substitutes. In the 108th minute, Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei made a crucial save on a header from Jozy Altidore, using his body to spring his left hand onto the ball; Frei would record seven total saves and be named the game's most valuable player for his efforts.{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Caitlin |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Stefan Frei won the MLS Cup for Seattle with some spectacular saves |url=http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/stefan-frei-won-mls-cup-seattle-spectacular-saves-121016 |work=Fox Sports |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213181843/http://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/stefan-frei-won-mls-cup-seattle-spectacular-saves-121016 |archive-date=December 13, 2016}} The second half of extra time drew to a close after more than 120 minutes of play, with Seattle failing to register a single shot on goal.

The penalty shoot-out began with Toronto's Jozy Altidore, who scored his attempt. After the first two rounds, including a miss from Toronto's Michael Bradley, Seattle had a 2–1 lead. Seattle's Álvaro Fernández missed his shot in the third round, leading to a tie that would persist until the end of the first five rounds. During the sudden death rounds, Toronto's Justin Morrow missed his penalty, letting it hit the crossbar of the goal. Seattle defender Román Torres scored in the following attempt, winning the shoot-out and cup for Seattle 5–4, their first ever MLS Cup title.{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Larry |date=December 10, 2016 |title=MLS Cup: First the agony, followed by the ecstasy for Sounders |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/first-the-agony-followed-by-the-ecstasy-for-sounders/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031702/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/first-the-agony-followed-by-the-ecstasy-for-sounders/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

{{Football box

|date = {{Start date|2016|12|10}}

|time = 8:00 p.m. EST

|team1 = Toronto FC

|score = 0–0

|aet = yes

|report = http://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2016-12-10-toronto-fc-vs-seattle-sounders-fc/recap

|team2 = Seattle Sounders FC

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

|stadium = BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario

|attendance = 36,045

|referee = Alan Kelly

|penalties1 =

• Altidore {{pengoal}}
• Bradley {{penmiss}}
• Cheyrou {{pengoal}}
• Johnson {{pengoal}}
• Moor {{pengoal}}
• Morrow {{penmiss}}

|penaltyscore = 4–5

|penalties2 =

• {{pengoal}} Evans
• {{pengoal}} Ivanschitz
• {{penmiss}} Fernández
• {{pengoal}} J. Jones
• {{pengoal}} Lodeiro
• {{pengoal}} Torres

}}

|valign="top"|300px

|valign="top" width="50%"|

|}

File:Sounders Victory Rally on 4th Avenue.jpg

Seattle Sounders FC became the first MLS club to not register a shot on goal during regular play, surpassing the record of one shot on goal the club set earlier in the season against Sporting Kansas City.{{cite news |last=Parker |first=Graham |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Seattle Sounders hold nerve in shootout to clinch first ever MLS Cup |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/10/seattle-sounders-penalty-shootout-mls-cup-toronto |work=The Guardian |access-date=December 10, 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211051723/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/10/seattle-sounders-penalty-shootout-mls-cup-toronto |archive-date=December 11, 2016}} Stefan Frei, who was traded from Toronto to Seattle three years to the day of the final,{{cite news |last=Wahl |first=Grant |author-link=Grant Wahl |date=December 11, 2016 |title=Stefan Frei's transcendent save sparks Seattle Sounders to first MLS Cup |url=https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/11/mls-cup-seattle-sounders-stefan-frei-save-jozy-altidore-toronto-fc |work=Sports Illustrated |access-date=November 29, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033403/https://www.si.com/planet-futbol/2016/12/11/mls-cup-seattle-sounders-stefan-frei-save-jozy-altidore-toronto-fc |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} was awarded the MLS Cup Most Valuable Player award for his shutout and penalty saves.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=December 11, 2016 |title=Seattle goalie's moment of magic raises a taut MLS Cup |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/11/mls-cup-one-moment-of-magic-in-a-tedious-soccer-final/ |work=The Washington Post |access-date=September 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075318/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2016/12/11/mls-cup-one-moment-of-magic-in-a-tedious-soccer-final/ |archive-date=October 1, 2017}} The team's comeback performance under new head coach Brian Schmetzer, from second-to-last in the conference to MLS Cup champions, was called the most stunning turnaround in MLS history and a "cinderella season".{{cite news |last=Murray |first=Caitlin |date=December 14, 2016 |title=There's never been a comeback like the Seattle Sounders' in MLS |url=https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/theres-never-comeback-like-seattle-sounders-mls-120916 |work=Fox Sports |access-date=November 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201132103/https://www.foxsports.com/soccer/story/theres-never-comeback-like-seattle-sounders-mls-120916 |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Baxter |first=Kevin |date=December 10, 2016 |title=Brian Schmetzer's Cinderella season in Seattle ends with a title |url=http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-soccer-baxter-20161210-story.html |work=The Los Angeles Times |access-date=November 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131435/http://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/la-sp-soccer-baxter-20161210-story.html |archive-date=December 1, 2017}} The season was voted the Sports Story of the Year in a public contest held by Sportspress Northwest.{{cite news |last=Loh |first=Stephanie |date=February 8, 2017 |title=Seattle Sounders MLS title win voted Sports Story of the Year at the MTRWestern Sports Star of the Year Awards |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-mls-title-win-voted-sports-story-of-the-year-at-the-mtr-western-sports-star-of-the-year-awards/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=November 30, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201131958/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-mls-title-win-voted-sports-story-of-the-year-at-the-mtr-western-sports-star-of-the-year-awards/ |archive-date=December 1, 2017}}

The Sounders earned a berth into the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League, their first since the 2015–16 edition. Toronto earned a berth into the same competition by winning the 2017 Canadian Championship; the team was ineligible from qualifying for the competition through an MLS Cup win due to confederation rules.{{cite news |date=June 27, 2017 |title=Toronto FC repeat as Canadian Champions; earn berth in CONCACAF Champions League |url=http://www.canadasoccer.com/toronto-fc-repeat-as-canadian-champions-earn-berth-in-concacaf-champions-league-p160969 |publisher=Canada Soccer |access-date=August 7, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731093836/http://www.canadasoccer.com/toronto-fc-repeat-as-canadian-champions-earn-berth-in-concacaf-champions-league-p160969 |archive-date=July 31, 2017}} As MLS Cup winners, the Sounders received a prize of $275,000, while Toronto were awarded $80,000 as runners-up.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=December 1, 2016 |title=TFC, Sounders battle for team bonus and MLS Cup |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-battle-bonus-mls-cup-1.3876229 |work=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=December 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214043655/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc-seattle-sounders-battle-bonus-mls-cup-1.3876229 |archive-date=December 14, 2017}} Both teams would later qualify for MLS Cup 2017, setting up a rematch at BMO Field that was won by Toronto.{{cite news |last=Booth |first=Tim |date=December 1, 2017 |title=Sounders blast Dynamo to setup MLS Cup rematch with TFC |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/houston-dynamo-seattle-sounders-west-final-mls-cup-1.4427683 |work=CBC Sports |agency=Associated Press |access-date=December 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202013521/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/houston-dynamo-seattle-sounders-west-final-mls-cup-1.4427683 |archive-date=December 2, 2017}}{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=December 9, 2017 |title=Sounders silenced as title defense falls short in MLS Cup rematch against Toronto FC |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-toronto-fc-mls-cup-jozy-altidore/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=December 13, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214125329/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/seattle-sounders-toronto-fc-mls-cup-jozy-altidore/ |archive-date=December 14, 2017}}

The Sounders celebrated their first MLS Cup with a parade in Seattle on December 13 from Westlake Park to a rally at the Seattle Center, adjacent to the Sounders' first home stadium at Memorial Stadium; the parade and rally were attended by an estimated 10,000 fans.{{cite news |date=December 13, 2016 |title=Thousands celebrate Sounders victory in parade |url=https://www.tsn.ca/thousands-celebrate-sounders-victory-in-parade-1.630897 |publisher=TSN |access-date=January 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102171459/http://www.tsn.ca/thousands-celebrate-sounders-victory-in-parade-1.630897 |archive-date=January 2, 2017}}{{cite news |last=McGrath |first=John |date=December 13, 2016 |title=30 years from now, we'll still talk about this Sounders' celebration |url=http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/john-mcgrath/article120766618.html |work=The News Tribune |location=Tacoma, Washington |access-date=January 1, 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170102173322/http://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/john-mcgrath/article120766618.html |archive-date=January 2, 2017}} The 2016 title was the fifth league championship won by the club, who previously won four lower-division championships in the A-League and USL First Division.{{cite news |last=Miles |first=Todd |date=December 9, 2016 |title=How the Sounders have fared in previous title games |url=https://www.theolympian.com/article120086593.html |work=The Olympian |accessdate=January 7, 2025}}

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

{{MLS Cup}}

{{2016 in American soccer}}

{{2016 in Canadian soccer}}

{{Seattle Sounders FC matches}}

{{Toronto FC matches}}

{{Portal bar|Association football|Ontario}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mls Cup 2016}}

2016

Category:2016 Major League Soccer season

Category:Toronto FC matches

Category:Seattle Sounders FC matches

MLS Cup

Category:Soccer competitions in Toronto

Category:December 2016 sports events in Canada

Category:Major League Soccer matches in Canada