Seattle, Wash. – After an offseason and week of change, the Colorado Rapids finally started their 2026 campaign. It was a tough fixture for a Matt Wells debut, away to Seattle Sounders. A curious lineup and messy first half saw a familiar result with several encouraging takeaways. Let’s not look back in anger at Sunday night soccer.

For Wells’ first ever lineup, goalkeeper Zack Steffen wore the captains armband. Rob Holding was on the bench as it was a back four with Lucas Herrington and Noah Cobb at center back. Jackson Travis was at right back after the sudden buyout of Sam Vines. The lineup was otherwise as expected given preseason. Former Sounder Josh Atencio started in midfield. Star signings Dante Sealy and Hamzat Ojediran made their first starts.

The first half was a mess. For all the preseason talk about pressing and fitness, Colorado tried to play out of the back. Seattle hunted them. After Jordan Morris was injured and...