Sounders open 2026 season against Colorado Rapids

Seattle looks to continue home dominance over Colorado in MLS opener

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Seattle Sounders will open the 2026 MLS regular season at home against the Colorado Rapids on February 22nd at 6:15 PM. The Sounders have enjoyed tremendous success against the Rapids at Lumen Field, compiling a 16-2-3 all-time record. However, the Rapids have secured a point in each of their past two visits to Seattle. The Sounders will look to shore up their defense after allowing 13 more goals in 2025 than the previous season, while the Rapids aim to implement a new possession-focused style under new coach Matt Wells.

Why it matters

This matchup between the Sounders and Rapids kicks off the 2026 MLS season and will provide an early indication of how each team has evolved from the previous campaign. Seattle's home dominance over Colorado is on the line, as the Rapids look to pull off an upset and start their season on a high note under new leadership.

The details

The Sounders will be without several key players due to injury, including Pedro de la Vega, Stuart Hawkins, Kim Kee-hee, and Ryan Sailor. The Rapids will also be missing Ali Fadal with an abdominal injury. On the field, the Rapids will look to their young Brazilian forward Rafael Navarro and 21-year-old midfielder Paxten Aaronson to lead their attack, while the Sounders have hinted at tactical changes to their buildup play under coach Brian Schmetzer.

  • The match will kick off at 6:15 PM on February 22, 2026.
  • The Sounders have a nine-game home unbeaten streak against the Rapids dating back to 2016.

The players

Rafael Navarro

The 25-year-old Brazilian forward will lead the Rapids' attack. He has 29 career MLS goals in just two full seasons.

Paxten Aaronson

The Rapids paid over $7 million to sign the younger Aaronson brother from the Eredivisie, and he will be a key creative force in their offense.

Brian Schmetzer

The Sounders' head coach has hinted at tactical changes to his team's buildup play this preseason, which will be interesting to observe in the season opener.

Matt Wells

The new Rapids coach wants to use his team's elevation as an advantage, forcing opponents to chase the ball, though it remains to be seen how quickly he can implement that style.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.