The Seattle Sounders open the 2026 MLS campaign against the Colorado Rapids on Sunday. While home-openers always carry a degree of weight, this one is a bit heavier as it’s the Sounders’ only game at Lumen Field until April 12. As Brian Schmetzer said, “you can’t win the Supporters’ Shield in the first couple of months, but you certainly can lose it.”
The Rapids have a new head coach in Matt Wells, previously an assistant at Tottenham Hotspur. To give us a better idea of what they’re up against, we asked Matt Pollard of the Burgundy Wave for some insight.
Notable injuries
Will have to wait for the player availability report tomorrow afternoon. This has been the most secretive preseason I have covered in 10 years on the Rapids beat. That being said, based on what we've seen from training B Roll and lineups during preseason games, the major players should all be healthy. If there are injuries, they'll be at positions of depth or players who weren't likely to factor in the game.
How was preseason?
They got blown out of every preseason game until last weekend when they beat Orlando City 4-1. Matt Wells has come in with big tactical ideas that will take time to come to fruition. Rapids fans are hopeful things started to click in that Orlando game. That said, a first time head coach, new to MLS, on the road in his first game at Seattle, that's tough. I don't see anything but a Sounders win.
Key players
Rafael Navarro at center forward and Paxten Aaronson in midfield will lead the Rapids attack. Navarro's an excellent presser and a physical center back. He'll be a handful on crosses as well, as Yeimar will remember from that disallowed goal last year in Commerce City. Aaronson's role will be interesting and will determine how much success the Rapids have this year. Expect him to be a hybrid 8/10.
In terms of newcomers, Dante Sealy joined from CF Montreal. Goal dangerous winger. He loves taking a direct free kick. Hamzat Ojediran is in at defensively midfielder. He's impressed in preseason. Expect him to do Ozzie Alonso things.
One thing opposing fans should know
I think Josh Atencio is in for a big year with the new head coach and Cole Bassett going to that team in Oregon. He had moments last year but an injury and some competition kept him from thriving. I think he'll be a good fit for the system, playing off of Aaronson like he did at times with Cristian Roldan. He's really happy in Colorado given the family connections. He still loves Seattle.
Project lineup
4-3-3: Zack Steffen; Sam Vines, Ian Murphy, Rob Holding, Reggie Cannon; Hamzat Ojediran, Josh Atencio, Paxten Aaronson; Darren Yapi, Rafael Navarro, Dante Sealy.
