Recap | Rapids fall 2-0 on the road against Seattle Sounders

The Colorado Rapids (0-1-0, 0 pts.) fell on the road to the Seattle Sounders (1-0-0, 3 pts.) 2-0 on Sunday night.  

After months of preparation, the 2026 MLS regular season finally kicked off for the Rapids under new Head Coach Matt Wells. The starting group, featuring debutants Hamzat Ojediran, Dante Sealy, and Lucas Herrington, were set to face a tough Seattle squad in their first MLS game action of 2026.  

On a rainy night at Lumen Field, the Sounders controlled possession early and generated multiple chances in the final third. The breakthrough came in the 15th minute when Albert Rusnák headed home the opener. 

Seattle continued their attack following their goal but were unable to convert their chances for the remainder of the first half. 

Colorado took time to settle into the match offensively, but the back line maintained balance and kept Seattle at bay after conceding early.   

After multiple injuries and VAR checks, the first half saw 12 minutes of stoppage time added on. Despite the large amount of additional time, there wouldn’t be any scoring to close out the half as Seattle headed into the break with a one-goal lead. 

Both sides came out of the halftime break with added energy as they fought back-and-forth in a tight contest. The play was centered mainly in the center of the pitch, with neither team finding much success in the final third. Chances were limited at both ends until Seattle doubled its advantage. 

The home side found themselves on a break, with the ball eventually finding the feet of Paul Rothrock, who sent in a shot to go up 2-0 in the 62nd minute. 

After multiple sets of subs on both sides, the momentum of the match continued to change hands, but neither side would convert for another goal. 

Colorado will shift their focus to next weekend’s home opener against the Portland Timbers on Saturday, February 28. Kickoff at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is set for 2:30 p.m. MT with coverage available on Apple TV, Altitude Sports Radio, Tico Sports Spanish Radio, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.