Sounders Shut Out Rapids in Season Opener

Paul Rothrock's goal and assist power Seattle to 2-0 victory

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Paul Rothrock came off the bench and had a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders opened the MLS season with a 2-0 victory against the visiting Colorado Rapids on a rainy Sunday night. Albert Rusnak also scored, Jesus Ferreira had two assists and goalkeeper Andrew Thomas made four saves in posting the shutout.

Why it matters

The Sounders are looking to build on their success from last season and get off to a strong start, while the Rapids are hoping to bounce back after a disappointing campaign. This early-season matchup between two Western Conference foes could set the tone for the rest of the year.

The details

Rothrock scored on a counterattack in the 62nd minute to make it 2-0. Ferreira dribbled down the right wing before sending a low cross to Rothrock, whose left-footed blast from the top left corner of the 6-yard box sailed over Colorado goalie Zack Steffen's head and into the far side netting. Seattle scored in the 15th minute after some great hustle by Rothrock, who replaced injured forward Jordan Morris (thigh) in the eighth minute. Ferreira sent a pass over Rothrock's head into the left wing corner, but Rothrock chased the ball down just before it went out of bounds and sent a cross to the top of the 6-yard box, where Rusnak put a glancing header inside the far post.

  • The game was played on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Rothrock scored in the 62nd minute to make it 2-0.
  • Seattle scored in the 15th minute to take a 1-0 lead.

The players

Paul Rothrock

A substitute player who came off the bench to score a goal and provide an assist for the Sounders.

Albert Rusnak

A Sounders player who scored the team's first goal of the game.

Jesus Ferreira

A Sounders player who had two assists in the game.

Andrew Thomas

The Sounders' goalkeeper who made four saves to record the shutout.

Zack Steffen

The Rapids' goalkeeper who made three saves in the game.

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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)

The takeaway

The Sounders' strong start to the season, led by the contributions of Rothrock, Rusnak, and Ferreira, shows that they have the depth and talent to compete for another MLS Cup title.