Albert Rusnák's towering 15th-minute header set Seattle Sounders FC on their way to a dominant 2-0 victory over Colorado Rapids at Lumen Field, with Paul Rothrock's clinical counter-attacking finish in the 62nd minute putting the result beyond doubt. The Sounders were ruthless in front of goal, converting their opportunities with precision while Andrew Thomas held firm in goal to deny a Colorado side that enjoyed the lion's share of possession but lacked the cutting edge to make it count.
From the opening exchanges, Seattle showed an intent that belied their possession statistics. Rusnák struck first, rising to meet Rothrock's inviting cross and directing a precise header into the top right corner—a goal that rewarded the Sounders' early aggression and gave Lumen Field something to roar about. Colorado, to their credit, refused to fold. Hamzat Ojediran tested Thomas with a fierce right-footed drive from outside the box deep into first-half stoppage time, but the Seattle goalkeeper stood firm, saving comfortably to preserve the lead heading into the break.
The second half opened with both sides probing for an opening. Colorado came close to leveling when Rafael Navarro got onto Wayne Frederick's cross and fired from the centre of the box, only for Thomas to deny him with a sharp save in the 62nd minute. Seconds later, Seattle delivered the sucker punch. Rothrock broke clear on the counter, drove to the left side of the box, and curled a left-footed effort into the top right corner—a finish of genuine quality that doubled the Sounders' advantage and effectively ended the contest as a competitive affair.
Jackson Ragen had earlier threatened to extend the lead himself, his powerful 52nd-minute header from Cristian Roldan's cross forcing a sharp stop from Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen. Steffen was called upon again in the 76th minute, denying substitute Georgi Minoungou after the forward latched onto Snyder Brunell's delivery and struck from the centre of the box. The Rapids' goalkeeper finished with four saves on the night, keeping the scoreline respectable even as his side struggled to create meaningful chances of their own.
Cristian Roldan and Snyder Brunell were influential figures in Seattle's engine room, consistently winning second balls and driving the Sounders forward with purpose and precision. Yeimar Gómez was composed throughout the match, helping to neutralize Colorado's attacking forays and ensuring Thomas was rarely troubled by anything more than speculative efforts. The Rapids' best moments came through Paxten Aaronson and Darren Yapi before both were withdrawn in the 68th minute, a double substitution that signaled Colorado's tactical reset—though it ultimately failed to shift the momentum in their favor.
The referee was kept busy throughout, brandishing six yellow cards in a feisty affair—four to Colorado Rapids and two to Seattle. Snyder Brunell picked up one of those bookings in the 73rd minute for a bad foul, while Alex Roldan was cautioned in the 61st minute. Colorado's Josh Atencio was among those cautioned for the visitors, reflecting a physical edge to the contest that occasionally threatened to boil over into something more serious.
By the numbers, the statistics painted a clear picture of Seattle's efficiency and clinical execution. The Sounders registered 15 shots to Colorado's 7, with five on target compared to the Rapids' three. Colorado enjoyed the majority of possession at 57.2%, yet that dominance on the ball translated into precious little in the final third. Seattle's 8 corners to Colorado's 4 further underlined the home side's territorial authority in the attacking half, while their 10 fouls conceded compared to Colorado's 17 highlighted a disciplined defensive structure that rarely needed to resort to cynical intervention.
The victory provides Seattle with early momentum as they prepare for their next challenge. Real Salt Lake will visit Lumen Field on February 28, while Colorado Rapids must dust themselves off before travelling to face Portland Timbers on the same date. For the Sounders, this commanding performance suggests they have the quality to compete at the highest level of MLS this season, while the Rapids will need to find greater efficiency in the final third if they hope to challenge for playoff contention.
