Sounders open with win over Colorado

Seattle Sounders FC 2-0 Colorado Rapids

SEATTLE, WA–Seattle Sounders FC opened their 18th season in Major League Soccer with a 2-0 home win over Colorado Rapids on Sunday night Lumen Field. The first goal showed the hustle of Paul Rothrock who prevented a wayward cross from going out of play and then sent a cross into the box that was headed in by Albert Rusnak for the opening score 15 minutes in. The Sounders thought they had a second two minutes later through reception pickup Hassani Dotson, but VAR spotted a foul in the buildup by Jesus Ferreira.

In the 25th minute, Colorado almost went down a man after Noah Cobb was shown red for a challenge on Rothrock, but VAR downgraded the challenge to a yellow card saying it was just a reckless challenge and not violent conduct or serious foul play.

Paul Rothrock scored a goal and an assist in the win over Colorado (Photo: Charis Wilson).

After numerous chances, the Sounders got that second goal in the 62nd minute. After a takeaway by Osauze De Rosario, he sent a thru-ball to Ferreria, who then sent a cross to Rothrock who struck it first time. The Sounders are now 10-7-1 in season openers during the MLS era.

Next up for the Sounders is the first of five successive road matches starting next Saturday at Real Salt Lake. Kickoff is at 4:30pm PT on Apple TV.

Photos by Paul Kahl and Charis Wilson