Seattle Sounders open season with 2-0 win over Rapids

Paul Rothrock had a goal and an assist to help Seattle defeat Colorado in the MLS season opener.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The Seattle Sounders defeated the Colorado Rapids 2-0 in their MLS season opener on Sunday night. Paul Rothrock, who replaced an injured Jordan Morris early in the first half, had a goal and an assist to lead the Sounders to victory. The match was played in rainy conditions at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Why it matters

The win gives the Sounders a strong start to the season as they look to build on their success from last year. The loss is a setback for the Rapids, who are hoping to bounce back after failing to make the playoffs in 2025.

The details

Rothrock's goal and assist came after he replaced the injured Morris in the 8th minute. Rothrock set up a header by Albert Rusnák in the 15th minute to give the Sounders a 1-0 lead. Hassani Dotson appeared to score in his Sounders debut, but the goal was waived off after a video review. The Rapids' Noah Cobb had a red card downgraded to yellow after another video review. Rothrock scored the insurance goal in the 62nd minute with assists from Jesús Ferreira and Osaze De Rosario.

  • The match was played on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Jordan Morris was injured in the 8th minute.
  • Rothrock set up the first goal in the 15th minute.
  • Dotson's goal was waived off in the 18th minute.
  • Rothrock scored the second goal in the 62nd minute.

The players

Paul Rothrock

A midfielder for the Seattle Sounders who had a goal and an assist in the season opener.

Jordan Morris

A forward for the Seattle Sounders who was injured early in the first half.

Albert Rusnák

A midfielder for the Seattle Sounders who scored the first goal of the match.

Hassani Dotson

A midfielder who made his Sounders debut and had a goal waived off in the first half.

Noah Cobb

A defender for the Colorado Rapids who had a red card downgraded to yellow after a video review.

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What’s next

The Sounders will travel to face Real Salt Lake on Saturday, February 29th. The Rapids will host the Portland Timbers on the same day.

The takeaway

The Sounders' victory in their season opener demonstrates their continued strength as one of the top teams in MLS, while the Rapids' loss highlights the challenges they face in trying to return to the playoffs after a disappointing 2025 campaign.