SEATTLE (Interstat) — The Seattle Sounders opened their Major League Soccer season with a commanding 3-0 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Lumen Field, outperforming pregame projections with a dominant second-half display.

Playing before their home supporters, the Sounders controlled proceedings for much of the match but needed a moment of quality to break down a disciplined Real Salt Lake defense. The breakthrough came in the 35th minute. Attacking midfielder Alexander Roldan León found space on the right flank and delivered a precise cross into the penalty area. Forward Jordan Morris met it with a well-timed run and finish, giving Seattle a 1-0 lead it would carry into halftime.

The match remained a one-goal contest until just before the hour mark, when the Sounders doubled their advantage. Again, Alexander Roldan León was the architect. His creative pass found striker Heber Araujo dos Santos in a dangerous position, and the Brazilian made no mistake, scoring in the 58th minute to give Seattle a more comfortable 2-0 lead.

The match’s physical intensity increased as Real Salt Lake sought a way back into the game. Real Salt Lake midfielder Braian Óscar Ojeda Rodríguez received a yellow card in the 62nd minute for a foul intended to disrupt Seattle’s rhythm. Seattle defender Nouhou Tolo was also cautioned in the 73rd minute for a tactical infringement.

Seattle put the result beyond any doubt in the final minutes, adding a third goal to complete the comprehensive scoreline. The victory provided a stark contrast to the pregame analytics. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw, and while its ELO rating system gave Seattle a 62 percent probability to win, the Sounders exceeded that expectation with a multi-goal shutout.

The result gives Seattle an ideal start to its MLS campaign, improving its season record in the competition to one win and zero losses. The club’s overall form across all competitions this season now stands at two wins and zero losses, having previously earned a win and a draw against Club León of Mexico in earlier matches.

For Real Salt Lake, the defeat marks a difficult beginning to its MLS season. The club’s record in the competition falls to zero wins and one loss, mirroring its overall record across all competitions this season. The team struggled to create significant scoring opportunities against a stout Seattle defense and will look to rebound in its next fixture.

The Sounders will aim to build on this momentum as they continue their early-season schedule, while Real Salt Lake heads home to address its offensive shortcomings before its next match.