Seattle Sounders 2-0 Colorado Rapids: Rothrock stars in season-opening win

Paul Rothrock got a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders breezed past the Colorado Rapids 2-0 at Lumen Field in their MLS season opener.

Despite a dramatic first period which lasted 61 minutes due to injuries and lengthy delays, Seattle held firm with a goal in each half to clinch the three points.

Just eight minutes in, Seattle lost Jordan Morris to a thigh injury, with Rothrock coming on to replace him and having a quick impact.

In the 15th minute, he did brilliantly to keep the ball in play down the left before clipping a cross onto the edge of the six-yard box, with Albert Rusnak glancing it past Zack Steffen.

Three minutes later, Hassani Dotson turned in the rebound of a long-range volley from Cristian Roldon, only for it to be ruled out following a VAR review for a foul by Jesus Ferreira in the build-up.

Noah Cobb then saw a straight red card downgraded to a yellow after a poor foul on Rothrock after a VAR check on the half-hour mark, with Colorado unable to impose themselves on the game.

And Rothrock made sure of the points in the 62nd minute, latching onto Ferreira’s deflected low cross to guide a first-time effort over Steffen into the roof of the net.

THREE POINTS pic.twitter.com/bJEFLhsARD

— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) February 23, 2026

Elsewhere, the LA Galaxy were held to a 1-1 draw by New York City FC. Joao Klauss had given Greg Vanney’s side a second-minute lead, but Carlos Emiro Garces was sent off shortly after the hour, with Nicolas Fernandez converting a penalty to secure a point.

Data Debrief: Seattle stay strong on home turf

Colorado had earned draws in each of their last two trips to Seattle, but the Sounders got back to winning ways in such games, extending their unbeaten streak at Lumen Field against the Rapids to nine matches (W8 D2).

And despite not dominating the ball, they were a continued threat in front of goal, racking up 1.09 expected goals (xG) from their 15 shots, while limiting Colorado to just eight (0.6 xG).

Rothrock managed just two shots himself, but he created a team-high four chances for his team-mates after making an impact off the bench.