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Roman Torres wins 2016 MLS Cup for Seattle Sounders in penalties (Video)

By Cody Williams

Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Seattle Sounders defender Roman Torres (29) kicks the ball against Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) during the first half in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 10, 2016; Toronto, Canada; Seattle Sounders defender Roman Torres (29) kicks the ball against Toronto FC forward Jozy Altidore (17) during the first half in the 2016 MLS Cup at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Seattle Sounders defender Roman Torres won the 2016 MLS Cup for his side in the sixth round of penalties.

The Seattle Sounders defense was peppered all night by the Toronto FC attack in the 2016 MLS Cup. Keeper Stefan Frei put forth a masterful performance between the posts, but it was also the defense that was big. Whether they were off the foot of Jozy Altidore or others, shots were being blocked by Sounders defenders at almost every turn. Roman Torres, who returned from injury late in the year, was pivotal in that.

Torres was just getting started with his heroics and coming up big for his club, though.

Thanks to a terrific save from Frei in extra time, the Sounders were able to continue holding and force penalties after 30 minutes of extra time. Frei again came up big early with a save in penalties, but the Sounders gave it right back to them with a save of their own. Subsequently, they remained tied after the allotted five penalties and sent them into bonus penalties.

Seattle caught a break immediately, though, as the Toronto effort bounced out off of the crossbar. That brought Torres up to the ball and he moved quickly. With a short run-up, Torres delivered a tricky rocket down the middle. The keeper dove to his left, though, so the shot found the back of the net to give the Sounders the win and the 2016 MLS Cup:

"Here’s the moment! Roman Torres shoots @SoundersFC to their first #MLSCup! https://t.co/iDORGsF8bq— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) December 11, 2016"

Talk about coming up big for your club in the clutch—that’s what both Frei and then ultimately Torres did for the Seattle Sounders.

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You could certainly make the argument that Toronto FC played better for the entire 120 minutes of action leading up to penalties. However, keeping the ball out of the net is all that matters and the Sounders were phenomenal in that regard. Then, when it mattered, they were the ones able to hit the decisive penalty.

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