SOUNDERS STILL HAVE PAUL ROTHROCK FOR ANOTHER TWO YEARS
The Seattle Sounders have signed Paul Rothrock to a new contract through the 2028-2029 season, with a club option for 2029-2030. During the build-up to the Sounders’ historic 2025 Leagues Cup Final with the star-laden Inter Miami team, Brian Schmetzer made his famous statement.
Asked how the Sounders would fare against a star-laden Inter Miami team that includes Lionel Messi, Rodrigo De Paul, Sergio Busquets, and others, Schmetzer’s answer was simple and to the point. “ We have Paul Rothrock”. The Sounders beat Inter Miami 3-0 at Lumen Field in front of 69,314 fans, with Rothrock scoring the third goal in the 89th minute. The Sounders never really recovered from the historic victory and were bounced out of the MLS playoffs in the first round by Minnesota.
BREAK OUT YEAR
2025 also saw the Sounders host three Club World Cup Games against Botafogo, Atlético Madrid, and PSG. The Rave Green lost all three games, but like the Leagues Cup, Rothrock learned and grew with each big stage he stepped on. 2025 was a breakout year for the local product who ranked second on the team in appearances (47) and tied for third in assists (nine), while adding five goals in all competitions. In MLS regular-season action, Rothrock set career highs in appearances (33), starts (27), and assists (seven). He appeared in all three of Sounders FC’s 2025 postseason fixtures and recorded an assist in the club’s 4-2 home win over Minnesota (November 3).
“Paul embodies the kind of Pacific Northwest grit that has always defined what it means to be a Sounder,” said Sounders FC Head Coach Brian Schmetzer. “He does the hard work, he competes and he never shies away from the tough moments. Keeping someone like Paul in Seattle means a lot to all of us and I’m excited to continue working with him. He’s earned his place here and we’re glad he’s staying part of this team.”
A graduate of Lakeside High School in Seattle, Rothrock joined Sounders FC Academy in 2016 and scored in his lone appearance as an amateur for Sounders FC 2 against Real Monarchs on July 9, 2017. He played collegiately from 2017-2021 with Notre Dame and Georgetown, helping the Hoyas to the program’s first NCAA Championship in 2019. After being selected 64th overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC, he scored 12 goals for Toronto FC II from 2021-2022, leading the club to the MLS NEXT Pro Eastern Conference Final in 2022.
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