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Seattle Sounders Defeat Colorado Rapids 2-0 in MLS Season Opener

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Sounders Open 2026 MLS Season with 2-0 Victory Over Colorado Rapids

The Seattle Sounders secured a 2-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids in their 2026 Major League Soccer season opener. Paul Rothrock was instrumental, assisting Albert Rusnák's opening score in the 15th minute and scoring the second goal in the 62nd minute. The match featured multiple video assistant referee (VAR) reviews, leading to significant stoppages and an extended first half.

Match Highlights

The Seattle Sounders' MLS season began with a dominant 2-0 win against the Colorado Rapids.

An early substitution saw Jordan Morris leave the game in the 8th minute due to a thigh injury, replaced by Paul Rothrock, who would go on to have a pivotal role in the match.

The first goal came in the 15th minute when Paul Rothrock delivered a cross that Albert Rusnák headed into the net, giving the Sounders an early lead.

The match was marked by several VAR interventions. A potential second goal for the Sounders by Hassani Dotson was disallowed following a video review that identified a foul during the play. Later, referee Malik Badawi initially showed a red card to Colorado centerback Noah Cobb for an incident involving Paul Rothrock; this decision was subsequently downgraded to a yellow card after another VAR review.

These extensive video reviews contributed to the first half being significantly extended to 61 minutes.

During the prolonged first half, Hassani Dotson also exited the game with a concussion after a collision with Paxten Aaronson and was replaced by Snyder Brunell.

In the second half, Seattle solidified its lead. In the 62nd minute, Osaze De Rosario passed to Jesús Ferreira, whose subsequent pass to Rothrock was deflected but reached its target. Rothrock then scored with a left-footed shot past Rapids goalkeeper Zack Steffen, making the score 2-0.

As the match neared its conclusion, Colorado managed to generate two late scoring opportunities in stoppage time, both of which were expertly saved by Sounders goalkeeper Andrew Thomas.

Key Player and Team Statistics

Seattle out-shot Colorado 15-7 during the match, showcasing their offensive pressure.

  • Paul Rothrock: Entered as an early substitute, provided an assist for the first goal, and scored the second goal. He has previously stated that hustle is a characteristic of his game, a trait clearly on display.
  • Jesús Ferreira: Contributed to both goals, completed two dribbles, won five of eight ground duels, and executed both attempted tackles, demonstrating an all-around performance.
  • Andrew Thomas: Started in goal for Seattle and made two crucial saves in stoppage time, securing the clean sheet. Coach Brian Schmetzer has indicated that Thomas is expected to be the regular league starter.

Substitutions

The match saw numerous personnel changes from both sides:

  • 8th minute: Jordan Morris (thigh injury) replaced by Paul Rothrock (Seattle).
  • Halftime: Reggie Cannon replaced by Keagan Rosenberry (Colorado).
  • 45+13 minute: Hassani Dotson (concussion) replaced by Snyder Brunell (Seattle).
  • 59th minute: Hamzat Ojediran replaced by Wayne Frederick (Colorado).
  • 68th minute: Dante Sealy and Paxten Aaronson replaced by Alex Harris and Alexis Montoya (Colorado).
  • 69th minute: Osaze De Rosario and Jesús Ferreira replaced by Georgi Minoungou and Danny Musovski (Seattle).
  • 74th minute: Darren Yapi replaced by Theodore Ku-DiPietro (Colorado).
  • 88th minute: Albert Rusnák replaced by Paul Arriola (Seattle); Jackson Travis replaced by Miguel Navarro (Colorado).

Upcoming Fixture

The Sounders are scheduled to play Real Salt Lake in their next match before returning to Lumen Field in April for their first home game.