While much of Major League Soccer has taken a cursory view of the U.S. Open Cup tournament, it's been a point of emphasis for the Seattle Sounders since their expansion season in 2009.

How much so? The Sounders have a shot at becoming the first team in the history of America's longest running soccer tournament to win four straight titles when they face Sporting Kansas City on Wednesday.

For the Sounders, success in the Open Cup still ranks below success in MLS play. But Seattle views the competition with high regard, and rightfully so considering its success. Last year, the Sounders became the first club in more than 40 years to win three straight titles in the oldest competition in American soccer.