Seattle Sounders show 'what they're capable of' in season-opening rout of Rapids

After missing out on the MLS Cup Playoffs last year and falling at the first hurdle in the FIFA Club World Cup recently, the Seattle Sounders needed to make a statement to kick off the 2023 season.

The Rave Green did just that, crushing the Colorado Rapids by a 4-0 scoreline at Lumen Field thanks to a Jordan Morris brace and goals from Cristian Roldan and new striker Heber.

For head coach Brian Schmetzer, getting off on the right foot was vitally important given the series of disappointments since Seattle's historic Concacaf Champions League triumph.

“We didn't like what happened last year. We didn't like what happened in Morocco,” Schmetzer said after the match. “And we are now motivated to try and replicate this type of performance and replicate it a bunch of times throughout the early part of this season to see if we can't make a strong run and get the season really started on a good note.”

The lackluster nature of the second half of last season would make it easy to underestimate the Sounders. But it's important to remember just how much quality this team has at its disposal, especially with the return of Brazilian midfielder Joao Paulo from an ACL injury, and Peruvian striker Raul Ruidiaz not even seeing the field.

“You guys saw tonight what the team is capable of. And Raul didn’t even step on the field,” Schmetzer added. "I thought it was great. I thought it was awesome. I thought the guys were sharp, they were mentally into the game.”

Joao Paulo, in particular, could be a transformative figure given his role in dictating possession at the base of the Sounders' midfield. Schmetzer singled the 31-year-old out for extra praise after playing 80 minutes on his MLS return.

"He was tremendous tonight, I can't compare him with anybody," Schmetzer said.

"I mean Ozzie [Alonso] was a true No 6, Gustav [Svensson] was a true No. 6. JP does some of that defending work, some of those tackles that he makes he uses his shoulder, his body well, his strength. … And he’s got good passes, good vision, his leadership on the field. He was tremendous."

Up next for the Sounders is another home match against Real Salt Lake on March 4.