Sounders return to U.S. Open Cup final against Crew

Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Seattle Sounders FC booked a spot in the final of the U.S. Open Cup on Wednesday with a 3-1 win over Chivas USA at Qwest Field.

Nate Jaqua scored in the 10th minute after a pass from Steve Zakuani, while Zakuani assisted on a Fredy Montero goal in the 58th minute to double the lead.

Chivas pulled a goal back through Jesus Padilla 10 minutes later, but Jaqua ensured that Seattle would return to the final of the competition when he bagged his second goal of the match in stoppage time.

Seattle beat D.C. United in the final of last season's tournament, and it looked like a rematch was in order after D.C. took a 1-0 lead over the Columbus Crew into the 89th minute of Wednesday's other semifinal.

Pablo Hernandez put United in front in the 13th minute, but Marc Burch helped the Crew level the match one minute from time when he redirected Andy Iro's shot past goalkeeper Bill Hamid and into his own net.

The game went into extra time, and Guillermo Barros Schelotto converted a penalty kick in the 98th minute to send Columbus through to the final.

Seattle will now defend its title at home against Columbus on Tuesday, October 5.