CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Seattle Sounders were knocked out of the U.S. Open Cup in the semifinals for the second straight year, losing Tuesday night 2-1 to the Charleston Battery, which outscored Seattle 4-3 in penalty kicks.

If the Sounders had won, they would have hosted D.C. United in the Open Cup title game at Qwest Field.

The Sounders took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute on an own goal by Charleston's Osvaldo Alonso.

The Battery tied the score in the 33rd minute on a rebound shot by Randi Peterson.

After two scoreless overtime periods, the game came down to penalty kicks. The sides were tied 3-3 heading into the fifth and final round of kicks.

Charleston's Nelson Akwari put his shot into the left corner. The Sounders' Kevin Forrest hit his shot well but it was saved by goalkeeper Dusty Hudock, a former Husky and Sounder.

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