SOCCER: Paul Rothrock injects offense into Sounders' shutout win over Rapids

Paul Rothrock came off the bench to replace injured star Jordan Morris and delivered a goal and an assist as the Seattle Sounders kicked off their MLS season with a 2-0 victory over the visiting Colorado Rapids on a rainy Sunday night.

Albert Rusnak also scored for Seattle, while Jesus Ferreira contributed two assists. Goalkeeper Andrew Thomas recorded four saves to keep a clean sheet.

Rothrock’s goal came in the 62nd minute on a counterattack. Ferreira dribbled down the right wing before sending a low cross to Rothrock, whose left-footed shot from the top left corner of the 6-yard box sailed over Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen and into the net.

Seattle had taken the lead in the 15th minute following a fast break. Ferreira sent a pass over Rothrock’s head into the left-wing corner, and Rothrock chased it down before it went out of bounds. He crossed to the top of the 6-yard box, where Rusnak’s glancing header found the far post.

The first half was delayed and disrupted, taking 61 minutes to complete due to injuries, two video reviews, 17 fouls (12 by Colorado), and four yellow cards for the Rapids.

Seattle appeared to double their lead in the 22nd minute after a free kick from about 35 yards on the left wing. Rusnak’s cross was headed away to Alex Roldan, whose volley forced a diving save from Steffen. Hassani Dotson hammered the rebound inside the left post, but a video review ruled that Osaze De Rosario had fouled Colorado’s Darren Yapi on the initial free kick, and the goal was disallowed.

Colorado defender Noah Cobb was initially given a red card in the 30th minute for a high challenge on Rothrock but had it downgraded to a yellow after video review. Dotson suffered an apparent concussion during first-half stoppage time and was replaced by Snyder Brunell.

Steffen finished with three saves for the Rapids. Seattle dominated in shots (14-7), shots on target (5-4), and possession (58%).

-Field Level Media/Reuters