The Colorado Rapids (0-0-0) take on the Seattle Sounders FC (0-0-0) in the 2026 MLS season opener on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This Western Conference clash features a Rapids team looking to build on a solid 2025 campaign (reaching the playoffs but exiting early) under new head coach Matt Wells, against a Sounders squad aiming to rebound from a heartbreaking 2025 playoff exit via penalty shootouts. Seattle enters as favorites, bolstered by a strong preseason and home advantage, while Colorado’s defensive improvements could make this a tight, low-scoring affair. With both teams integrating new pieces amid injuries, expect a cautious start to the season.
Venue Location
Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington. This 68,740-capacity stadium (reduced for soccer), home to the Sounders since 2009, is known for its raucous atmosphere and has hosted multiple MLS Cups. It’s an outdoor venue, so weather could play a factor.
Ball drop is scheduled for 6:15 p.m. PT (9:15 p.m. ET). The game will stream on Apple TV (MLS Season Pass), with radio coverage on SiriusXM FC and local stations like KIRO Radio 97.3 FM (Seattle) and Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM (Colorado).
Weather Updates
Forecast for kickoff in Seattle: Overcast with a high of 52°F (11°C) during the day, dropping to 43°F (6°C) by evening. Winds from the southeast at 3-5 mph, with a 55% chance of precipitation (possible light rain). Humidity around 73%, making for cool, potentially slick conditions that could favor a ground-based game but increase injury risk on turf. No major disruptions expected, but monitor for updates closer to game time.
Injury Report
Injuries favor Seattle slightly, with Colorado dealing with more absences in key positions.
- Colorado Rapids:
- Out: Daouda Amadou (undisclosed), Michael Edwards (undisclosed), Calvin Harris (undisclosed), Nate Jones (undisclosed), Oliver Larraz (undisclosed), Andreas Maxsø (undisclosed), Rafael Santos (undisclosed).
- Questionable: Cole Bassett (recent trade, fitness concerns).
- The Rapids’ depth is tested without several midfield and defensive options, forcing reliance on Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi up front. Preseason saw no new major injuries reported.
- Seattle Sounders FC:
- Out: Danny Musovski (back; expected return early March), Stuart Hawkins (muscle; early March), Pedro de la Vega (knee surgery; long-term).
- Suspended: Edwin Cerrillo (red card accumulation from 2025).
- Probable: Paul Arriola (back from ACL; featured in preseason).
- Seattle misses playmaker Riqui Puig (ACL, season-ending), but preseason showed strong depth with returns like Arriola and Hassani Dotson stepping up.
Key Player Matchups
This opener highlights defensive battles, with injuries forcing adjustments.
- Rafael Navarro (COL) vs. Yeimar Gómez Andrade (SEA): Navarro (12 goals in 2025) brings physicality and finishing; Gómez Andrade (Sounders’ defensive rock) must contain him to limit Colorado’s counterattacks.
- Jordan Morris (SEA) vs. Keegan Rosenberry (COL): Morris (speedy forward, 10+ goals in 2025) exploits flanks; Rosenberry (Rapids captain, reliable right-back) needs to shut down crosses.
- Albert Rusnák (SEA) vs. Connor Ronan (COL): Rusnák (playmaker, 10 assists in 2025) orchestrates without Puig; Ronan (midfield engine) disrupts with tackling.
- Other Notes: João Klauss (SEA debutant) adds aerial threat vs. Colorado’s thin defense; Darren Yapi (COL) could spark if Navarro is marked tightly. Seattle’s midfield depth (Dotson) edges out Colorado’s absences.
Recent Team Forms
Preseason provides form indicators, with Seattle showing attacking flair and Colorado focusing on resilience.
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Key Notes |
| COL | Feb 14, 2026 | vs. Orlando City SC | W 4-1 | Navarro brace; Strong finish to preseason. |
| COL | Feb 7, 2026 | vs. Columbus Crew | L 1-4 | Defensive issues; Manyoma scores. |
| COL | Jan 29, 2026 | vs. TBD (Palm Beach) | – | Training focus; No result reported. |
| COL | Jan 23, 2026 | vs. Nashville SC | L 1-3 | Yapi goal; Early rust. |
| SEA | Feb 15, 2026 | vs. Louisville City FC | W 3-1 & W 5-0 | De Rosario brace; Depth shines. |
| SEA | Feb 5, 2026 | vs. Hammarby IF | W 3-1 | Ferreira double; Attacking form. |
| SEA | Feb 5, 2026 | vs. FC Metalist 1925 | L 0-3 | Defensive test; Rotation used. |
| SEA | Jan 31, 2026 | vs. IF Brommapojkarna | W 3-0 | Kossa-Rienzi goal; Clean sheet. |
| SEA | Jan 23, 2026 | vs. Brøndby IF | L 0-2 | Early preseason loss; Adjustments. |
Colorado preseason: 1-2-0 (mixed, strong final win). Seattle: 4-2-0 (impressive goals, 14 scored).
Series History
Seattle leads the all-time series 25-7-7 (78 goals for, 41 against). At Lumen Field, Sounders are 14-2-4 vs. Rapids. Recent: 3-3 draw (Jul 2025), 1-1 draw (Apr 2025), Seattle 1-0 win (Oct 2024). Average goals: 2.9 per game; over 2.5 in 60% of last 10. Seattle unbeaten in last 5 home vs. Colorado (4-1-0).
Betting Trends
- Home teams win 65% of MLS openers; favorites cover 55%.
- Seattle 4-1 in last 5 home openers; over 2.5 in 3/5.
- Colorado 2-5-3 in last 10 road openers; under 2.5 in 6/10.
- Series: Over 2.5 in 6/10; Seattle covers 70% as favorite vs. Colorado.
- Public: 60% on Seattle ML, pushing lines from -200 open to -228.
MATCH ODDS
Colorado Rapids + 600
Seattle Sounders FC – 275
Draw + 390
Over 3.5 + 125 Under 3.5 – 160
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, February 21, 2026
