Starting Colorado Rapids players huddle before a midweek match at Seattle Sounders in 2025. Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids
Seattle, Wash. – The 2026 MLS regular season is upon us. Colorado Rapids kickoff the Matt Wells era on Sunday night at Seattle Sounders. We reached out to our friend Jeremiah Oshan from Sounder At Heart to get caught up on Rave Green.
Every year, it seems like Seattle’s lineup mostly stays the same and the team’s really good. The obvious changes from this offseason are Obed Vargas getting sold to Atleti and Hassani Dotson joining in free agency. What does that mean for the midfield? Who’s starting and what’s different tactically?
Pretty straightforward change with Dotson replacing Vargas. What that likely means is a bit more defensive solidity and probably a bit less creativity. But if Dotson regains his pre-injury form, there’s a chance this is a short range upgrade.
Speaking of midfielders, Cristian Roldan got his flowers when he was with the USMNT in Colorado last fall. Thanks for using our photo of him by the way. What are expectations for him this season? He’s making the World Cup squad, yes?Â
Definitely expecting him to make the World Cup and wouldn’t be at all surprised if he’s a Best Xi midfielder with Sounders. In hindsight, it’s a shame he wasn’t moved to the 6 sooner as he’s been a absolute revelation with his ability to hold it down defensively.
Seattle went on a European tour in preseason. How did that go for the club? What are they doing well and still working on to start the season?
They’ve actually been doing that for four seasons now, starting in 2023 when they went there ahead of Club World Cup. They seem to really like it even if the weather didn’t copy this year.
I always thought Ryan Sailor was underrated when he was at Inter Miami. Is he challenging to get into the lineup or should we expect Yeimar and Ragen?
Sailor has been hurt all preseason and remains hurt. Unfortunately we have no idea how he fits in.
I know preseason availability information can be hit or miss. Any injuries of note? If so, how will that impact Sunday?Â
Sounders are very short at center back with injuries to Sailor, Kim Kee-Hee and Stu Hawkins. Other than that, Danny Musovski is nursing a back injury.
Lastly, we’ve spoken to Josh Atencio about how much this fixture means to him. What have you seen from him from afar since leaving Seattle?Â
Atencio’s trade was probably the most painful of any homegrown. I love seeing him succeed and think he has a long MLS career ahead of him.
Darren Yapi celebrates after scoring a goal to tie Seattle Sounders 3-3 after Colorado Rapids were down 3-0. Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids
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Eamon Shaw 
Spencer Baldwin 